Replies

1. 
   pmmatty | Sep 30, 2006 06:17pm | #1

   I converted my basement to a workshop and have not encountered the problems which you  fear.  Used simple wall studding and insulation between the studs.  Covered these with a gloss white, inexpensive paneling I bought at Home Depot.  Of course I ran the electric and put in a ton of outlets.  Also ran 220 where I needed it.  I have a penn state 2 horsepower dust collector hooked up to all of my tools and it works fine.  I still have dust; have never seen a shop without it; but most of it goes into the collector.  Good Luck. PMM

2. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 30, 2006 08:37pm | #2

   You say you're not, but I think you are being unduly paranoid about dust. The problem is to your health -- not blowing your house up.

   Get those walls insulated properly, and use dehumidifiers.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   jpohja | Oct 01, 2006 03:13am | #3

   Not sure where you live, but here in NY I use a dehmudifier in my basement shop. It runs year round with the exception of winter when the  humidity is low. Additionally,  my  furnace in the basement runs during the winter and helps with the dampness. I set the dehumidifier for 60% humidity and it kicks on a few times each day, more often if its a wet summer. At the 60% setting, I have no problems with rust. Would like to set it for 50%, but cost of running a dehumidifier can be expensive.  John  

4. 
   GRW | Oct 01, 2006 03:23am | #4

   Waljay,

   I have a +/- 600 Sq/Ft basement shop. I have studded walls with fiberglass insulation which is covered with 6 mil plastic, then covered with OSB.  My home is fairly new and had the exterior of the foundation sealed, and I have a sheet plasic under my basement slab.  Using these construction methods, I seen very little humidity problems. (some in the heat of summer, but not much)

   I use two 1.5 horse JDS dust collectors with pleated 1 micron filters, a small Penn State DC under my table saw, and a Jet Air filter.  I do get some dust around the shop while using hand power tools, or sanding.  I run my air filter while in the shop and for about 2 hrs after I leave the shop, and sweep up the little dust that gets on the floor once a day.

   Using these methods in this environment works well for me. I get no/very little dust migration outside the shop. I think what little dust gets out, I carry out on my clothes, and feet. 

   Humidity... I have seen rust form on my tool tables about 2 times in 5 years. Each spot was less than a 1" square. I haven't oiled/waxed my tool tables in the past, but may in the future.  I don't have a dehumidifier, but may get one next year. In the heat of the summer I keep my shop windows open as much as possible.

5. 
   AdamCherubini | Oct 01, 2006 04:23am | #5

   I work in my basement and I work entirely by hand. I like to say its a quiet and dust free way to work wood, but that's not entirely true. I think you should concern yourself with your HVAC system, especially if it is in your basement as mine is. I find large amounts of wood dust in my furnace, and much less but some in my duct work. I try to clean my systems as often as possible and replace my filters more often (I used to do it once a year- which isn't often enough- now I do it every few months). My concern is for the little people I live with.

   My basement is bone dry, so rust isn't a problem. But I think dust is a corrosion promoter. Good storage and cleaning your tools when you put them away will go a long way to keeping them rust free.

   Adam

6. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Oct 01, 2006 05:07am | #6

   W, no one can accuratly give you any advice as we don't know were you are (please fill in your profile-we don't need you address, just the country/state/city as the weather in Florida vs Arizona or Italy vs England makes a difference).

   What dust creating tools are you using or will you use soon? This determins the best choices for dust collection, How is the basement done, in the ground-all sides or only some,is it dry now? What style of house/ heating system-is it doing the basement? How big is the shop(basement) legnth x width x height? Then you will get solid answers. Pat

   ps . please use a larger type face and paragraphs so us old guys can read your text. pfh

7. 
   mufti | Oct 01, 2006 09:53am | #7

              Not long back F Homebldgn ran a sensible article regarding converting basements and avoiding turning them into dehumidifiers for the neighborhood. Have a look in those archives.

8. 
   PeteBradley | Oct 01, 2006 08:11pm | #8

   You don't need to overthink this. Put up walls, catch dust at the machine, and run a humidifier when the humidity is high. I like wax rather than WD-40 as it avoids the risk of contaminating some project (not necessarily woodworking) that will fisheye later.

   I keep a few machinist's measuring tools with very high precision surfaces in sealed containers with silica gel just in case.

   Pete

9. 
   dukeone | Oct 02, 2006 04:42am | #9

   I have a 7 drawer metal cabinet for all the tools that rust will negatively affect. There is a small electric heating element under it on a dimmer switch to control the temperature. No rust ever, not too much cost to run it. If your not good with electric stuff have some one else rig it. Also small electric heaters are available for just such a situation from Graingers or Hoffman Electric. Some of these are solid state heaters that should last for ever and are self regulating. KDM

   "... if people did not die so untidily, most men, and all women, would commit at least one murder in their lives." R. Kipling