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Posted by magnavita on August 20, 2006, 11:11 am
I, too, have an opinion on this. DON'T DO IT.
Now, that's just an opinion. I have a 750 sf metal detached shop in the
Northwest. Some general observations about it:
1) The constant dripping. It RUINS your tools, your projects, your
life. If I had to do it over again, I'd tear this thing down and build
a new one. I've spent hours cleaning and waxing iron tool tops (lathe
ways, ts top, jointer, bandsaw, etc) and come out a couple of days
later to rust spots on everything. If you have any humidity, you're
going to be in sad shape. Water/condensation collects on everything
inside the roof, and drips, drips, drips. I've had finishes ruined with
water spots, constantly clean and wax everything, and still it's a
problem. Granted, in the NW, it rains every day except Christmas, but
it's still an annoyance, especially given the humidity of the south.
2) The noise when it rains. It's charming the first time - after that,
it's a headache-generator. It can get DEAFENING. And it drips more when
it rains.
3) Lack of finished walls inside. The previous owner had to
sheetrock/insulate everything just to have walls to hang things on, and
it's turned into a nightmare. Because of the condensation, I now have
mold growing inside my walls. It's unsightly (growing THROUGH the
sheetrock) and unsafe. I don't want my son or wife even near the shop.
Not to mention that if you don't, you're messing with conduit, air
lines, everything else having to be somehow fastened to the metal
walls, and that's just a mess.
4) Did I mention the dripping?
If I had to do it over (and I may) I may save the foundation and just
knock this thing down and build a real shop. Real wood walls, real
electric work (I've got a 150amp line running 100 yards from the house
underground - NOT cheap), real attic, real roof, real walls, real
stable.
If I needed something to keep a roof over the head of some sheep or an
old tractor, I may use a metal shed again. No, on second thought, I
would NEVER own one again.
But, YMMV. Maybe it's different in the south? Up here, it's a friggin
nightmare, and I really dislike my shop. Who'd have thought?!?!?!
foggytown wrote:
> nospambob@vcoms.net wrote:
> > Previous owner had land graded for a workshop but didn't follow
> > through to build it. Currently try to do woodworking work around
> > inadequate space and electrical capability in cramped half of small 2
> > car garage. Electricians don't return calls to upgrade garage by
> > adding 2-3 new circuits and wood frame builders react the same. A
> > builder of metal buildings has visited and called back with answers so
> > we're considering going with him.
> >
> > Would like users observations both sides of the fence and would they
> > do it again type of comments. Cabinets on walls could be made to be
> > free standing if screws into the frame aren't viable. Double car door
> > and personnel door and three windows are minimum at this time.
> > Air/heat required in Augusta, Georgia area. Septic for half bath and
> > sink are no problem as we can't connect to the existing one.
> >
> > Four duplex receptacles and garage door opener plus one ceiling light
> > all on a 13A circuit. A 12K window air conditioner is all that should
> > be on that circuit at one time but I have sneaked the lathe on without
> > popping the breaker but shop vac pops it in no time.
> >
> > Anxiously waiting comments! TIA!!
>
> I have an steel shed about 12' X 12' and I can offer the following
> observations:
>
> You have no place to nail things into a wall - no studs, nothing.
> Magnets can substitute for some things but shelves, racks, etc have to
> be free standing.
>
> If you have a heater in the shed and cold winters you will get
> condensation on the walls & ceiling to the point where it drips on you
> and your project. Conversely the summer sun can heat it up to the
> point where you might be uncomfortable. (I generally have a pedestal
> fan at the door pointed outwards so the heat gets sucked into the back
> yard.)
>
> If there's a thunderstorm in progress, you feel just a teensy bit
> anxious!
>
> Other than that I've had no regrets
>
> FoggyTown
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