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-   -   Shop ideas (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/owner-operators-forums/40520-shop-ideas.html)

Steel Horse Cowboy 10-14-2010 02:40 AM


Originally Posted by repete (Post 488062)
I'm so jealous, want to adopt me?

Sorry, no kids....... i only have dogs and we like it that way. Easier to take care of and lot less expensive, plus we can board them when we want to leave on vacation. Society tends to look down at you sticking your 5yr old son in a crate for 2 weeks LOL

allan5oh 10-14-2010 09:37 AM


Originally Posted by TK THE TRUCKER (Post 488055)
Also, maybe some skylights or a few translucent roof panels to cut down on electric lights during the daytime. The shop at my old job was insulated but they had some translucent roof panels and it helped alot and didn't effect the heat loss too bad.

That's a good idea, although they'd be covered by snow for about 5 months out of the year. I'll pass it on.


Originally Posted by GMAN (Post 488056)
It may be too late now since your floor has already been poured, but a drain to let the water out would allow you to wash your truck inside during winter months.

Not allowed a floor drain for environmental reasons, however it is tapered 1" in the middle.


Originally Posted by Steel Horse Cowboy (Post 488057)
It all depends on what you are going to use this said "shop" for..... are you opening a repair business or just for your own personal use?

Our own personal business use. Two trucks and one trailer (so far).


And there is nothing better than climbing into your truck on a cold cold winter morning and not having to brush off snow and wait for her to warm up.
I agree, we did have a shop but it was $420 a month. It was also very small, this shop is 4X the sq ft. We could only fit one truck in the old shop.

To further specify what we've already decided on:

- It does have plumbing for a toilet, shower, and sink. The toilet and sink will come in, shower we might do later.
- 200 amp service
- 1/2" air lines everywhere, copper with "g" type fittings
- metal siding and roof
- 2x6 construction
- automatic door opener
- a multitude of 220 volt plugs(welder, air compressor, etc..)

GMAN 10-14-2010 10:11 AM

It would be great if you could have some solar panels to help on the electric. I don't know how expensive they are but I would think that you could recoup the money in short order. A small windmill would also generate power. In my area if you have alternate energy sources that you are using and connect it to your meter the electric company must buy your excess power.

allan5oh 10-14-2010 10:27 AM

We don't have as much luxury with the regulations here. They require a special setup that properly regulates the frequency and voltage. That is actually my dads long term plan - wind turbines. However we do have very cheap electricity, around 6.5 cents per KW/hr.

Steel Horse Cowboy 10-14-2010 12:29 PM

Ouch, just metal siding? Up there in the cold, that is really going to suck. I'd HIGHLY suggest spending the extra cash and having at least plywood walls and then siding (unless this is what you ment) and honestly, I would go ahead and spend the $$ and get it insulated and drywalled or plywood again. It may seem like it's expensive now, but after a winter or two, you will be thankful and it's much easier to do when there is nothing in there. You will be suprised how much crap you pile up in there and its a PITA to move it all once your sitting out there and it's -35 inside and out....... trust me on this one.

firebird_1252 10-14-2010 01:29 PM

waste oil heater?

freebirdrfd 10-14-2010 01:42 PM


Originally Posted by firebird_1252 (Post 488084)
waste oil heater?

Great idea.....

YerDaddy 10-14-2010 02:20 PM

A German Shepherd Dog for security. A wet bar with beer on drought. A great sound system. A rug and couch in the corner. Definitely need an overhead crane like TK said. Internet connection. Hydraulic press. Parts washer. Welder. Torch. Lots of work lights. A pot-bellied stove. A generator (just in case). A storm shelter. A hose system to put on stacks to vent exhaust when running engine inside.

Since the slab is poured it's too late to make a perfectly level spot for checking fluid levels.

Roadhog 10-15-2010 03:33 AM

I've had several decent shops over the years.
Still have most of my tools and equipment.

I always wanted a shop that had a pit.
As it worked out...that always ended up being a convenient ditch.
I don't like working under something up on stands.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...mage0011-1.jpg

Bought an old Cherry farm back in '74 which I still have, which has a Barn that has been handy through the years. I've converted the upper Barn for parties and Barn dancing. I put in a white oak dance floor, and dressed things up with some rock work. I love doing stone masonry.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2.../72/Pic028.jpg
Line dance

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2.../72/Pic006.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2.../72/Pic007.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2.../72/Pic003.jpg

Steel Horse Cowboy 10-15-2010 03:54 AM

very nice Roadhog.... Very Nice!!!!


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