orepass

Moving South has prompted thoughts of my future work space. Most of my woodworking has been done in the Midwest with a brief stint in the south. Considering the impacts of weather to both myself and the projects I build, temperature and humidity are of concern.

Projects have been built in a wide range of temperatures, the cart project pushed through a cold winter with a small heater struggling to pull the temperature above 30 degrees (fahrenheit for my European readers), the bed I built over 20 years ago was pursued in the Southern heat. Along with temperature, there is a large humidity change between Southern summers and Midwest winters. Like most of you I would rather not struggle through the temperature extremes and my tools would certainly prefer a consistent temperature.

A small shop in an outbuilding would be ideal, but that would take more property than most of us can afford so I’m considering walling off one section of a 3 car garage with a small addition. Shannon Rogers has made excellent use of a single car garage and certainly provides insight into how this space should be used. ATypical single car garage is 12′ x 22′, adequate space at 264 sq ft, however a small addition off to the side would make a large impact with minimal cost.

Placing a wall in the garage and ensuring it is insulated would allow heating and cooling without the risk of losing heat when the garage door is opened for a car! Or accidentally when coming home from a run. It also helps control dust and makes an air cleaner much more effective. The down side, your garage is smaller and would this be amenable for future homeowners?

Continuing the journey to find a new home and shop over the next several months I’ll share my thoughts and decisions hoping for feedback and suggestions from all of you.