I recently toured the shop of a WW who set up shop in a doublewide trailer. He has a very workable setup (for those whose work doesn’t require a lot of headroom), with electrical, air, and dust collection run under the floor directly to each work station.
He has managed to create separate areas for machine work, bench work, and finishing, plus an office and a 3/4 bath. Lumber storage, air compressor, dust collection, and aux. storage are accessible off of a sizeable deck. His San Diego location renders heating concerns relatively unimportant.
If anyone has experience with a setup like my friend’s, or knows the standard dimensions for these kinds of structures, I’d like to hear from you.
Thanks,
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Replies
I like in Texas where trailers are common. I am considering leasing a building for my business, but I never considerd using a double wide! My biggest concern would be weather the floor could support a 800 pound saw, or a 1000 pound jointer. the floors are spanned across two steel beams running the length. The floors are always the first to go. Don't ask how I know that. ;-)
Mike
The double-wides I remember from my youth were pretty standard 24'x65' I think (twice a 12'x65'). Don't know if this has changed.
In addition to wanting to reinforce the floor supports, as mentioned above, I would have smoke alarms all over the place. When a "trailer" goes up, it goes up with unbelievable speed, and because the heat is held in by the metal, can virtually explode, I'm told.
I have often thought that a small travel trailer, stripped to the walls and set up with a safe ventilation system, would make a great finishing booth.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
"I have often thought that a small travel trailer, stripped to the walls and set up with a safe ventilation system, would make a great finishing booth."
And think of the business possibilities: Mobile Finishing by Forestgirl.
What kind of gas mileage do you think you could get in a vehicle that burned nitrocellulose lacquer fumes? Who needs a turbocharger when your propellant is derived from gun cotton!
Just funnin' ya, FG, ha, ha: I actually think your idea sounds feasible.
Have a terrific Memorial Day,-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
With my finishing skills, I'd have to be "mobile" -- quick getaway, ROFL!!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
I have seen advertisements for used ocean going freight containers. You could wire it however you wanted and put windows or vents where ever you wished. The ones I have seen have been much tougher than any trailer house. I assume the containers are offloaded from a trailer. Just an option to think about.
I've worked on job sites where the tool shed was a container. It works well for that -- it is extremely durable and lockable. However, I'd say it wouldn't be a good shop. It has no windows or power, and the only ventilation is the doors at the end. It also is narrow and the headroom isn't too good either. And it is darn ugly to look at!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled