[Healeys] Garage and workshop design

[Richard Ewald]

I was too wordy, so I have to resend in two parts.  here is part 1some
thoughts.Lots of electrical.  When I upgraded my home service to 200A for my
spa, I ran a 60A 220 line to the garage and put in a sub panel.  If there is
any chance whatsoever of mice or rats, do not use romex, go with metal
conduit.  When you are wiring the garage take a label maker and label each
outlet as to which breaker controls it.  Sooner or later, this info will
come in handy.  Put in lots of outlets.  I also installed a wall switch on
my garage door opener circuit, so if I want to totally disable the system,
(vacation) one flip of the switch and that door is not opening.
Lights.  Lots.  Figure out what you need and then double it.  if it is not
burning the paint off of your car it probably isn't bright enough.  In a
standard 2 car garage I have 8 8' florescent bulbs and 4 4' florescent
bulbs.  I have the lights on 2 switches.  One switch just fires up the light
by the freezer for my wife, the second is DAYTIME!
For a work bench, I bought a pre-made Formica counter top that had a corner
chipped off at one of the big box stores for about $20.  While I would not
want to weld on it, it is fine for everything I have thrown at it for the
last 15 years.  The second thing is I used cantilever legs on the bench.  I
bolted a 2X4 to the wall studs and extended it diagonally to the frame I
built for the counter top.   This allows me to sweep all the way under the
counter to wall.
I would also use two one car garage doors rather than a double door.  I
would build the the garage so there is at least 5 feet between the doors.
 Ten would be better.  this will give you walk around room. for both your
daily driver and any project you have in in progress.  Build the shop at
least 10 deeper than the longest car you will ever park there.  15 or 20
feet would be better, again walk around room.  You also need room for your
tool box.
More to follow


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