Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 08, 2003 09:24am | #1

   Doc

      If you already have gas in the house, it shouldn't be that much. I put a gas space heater in my shop (26 x 35) and it heats it with no problem. I do live in Atlanta and it doesn't get to blizzard cold in the winter. Typically low 30's with occasional drops into the 20's at night in the winter.

      Caught the space heater on sale at Lowes in the spring for $139 and tapped into a 1/2 gas line that went over the shop to a fire-place starter upstairs. $1100 for installation sounds a bit steep unless they will have to lay pipe a long way?

   Congratulations on the new house...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   CharlieD | Dec 08, 2003 09:33am | #2

   Check out radiant heat. Never tried it, but have read that it is far cheaper to operate since you aren't trying to heat the air around you; just yourself. Also insulating and sealing cracks and leaks is less on an issue, for the same reasons. It's been discussed here before; others?

   Ch

   I tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
3. 
   Ernesto | Dec 08, 2003 09:34am | #3

   I am also looking to heat my 2 car garage shop. I've been looking into this for a while now and although there are numerous choices, I'm waiting on a reply from a manufacturer of radiant ceiling panels before I decide which heating methos to install. The main reasons for looking into the radiant panels are: 1. Low initial purchase price - 2. Self installation - 3. low operating costs - 4. safe for use with combustible fumes and dust. If your interested I'll forward the info I get.

1. 
   Doc | Dec 08, 2003 05:31pm | #5

   Rick - I would be very interested in any information you've got.  I'm not familiar with the type of heat you are refering to.  My email address is [email protected].   By the way, I live in northern Minnesota, so temperatures get pretty nasty.  Just realized I didn't mention that before.

4. 
   Norse | Dec 08, 2003 02:21pm | #4

   Check out this recent discussion on shop heaters. http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=876.1

   Remember that anything with an open flame or hot element takes serious considerations around wood dust and finishing products.

   What type of heat is in the house? Are there enough BTU's to be extended to the garage?

5. 
   hepaticus | Dec 08, 2003 10:35pm | #6

   I prefer a small wood stove, because it heats well, is independent of the house, uses up cutoffs and makes a nice ambience (sort of like working in a 19th century shaker woodshop) On the down side, it takes up valuable space (and you do not have any to spare), it is slightly messy and you have to use extra caution for safety.

   In your situation I would reccomend a small gas heater if this is going to be your shop for a long time. If you plan to move or build a bigger shop (and aren't we all), I would just get a kerosene heater. Electric is probably fine, but I would always be thinking about the cost.

   During fall and spring (here in Montana) I often just wear insulated boots and a sweatshirt and do all of my glue ups in my utility room in the house.

   MRY

1. 
   chillywilly | Dec 08, 2003 11:57pm | #7

   My first post on this forum was a question on shop heat!  That was March 2003.  Since then, I've found this site invaluable for countless advice.

   Now, based on input from many here, I decided to go with a propane furnace.  Bought the EMPIRE DV-55.  Hooked it up to a 100# propane tank and couldn't be more pleased!

   I've been working in shirtsleeves very weekend since November 1. 

   Reasons why I went with propane and, specifically this heater:

   - closed combustion so safe around saw dust and fumes

   - propane is economical

   - this unit installs into a 2x6 wall bay, saving floor space

   Hope this helps.

6. 
   Roger4 | Dec 09, 2003 12:40am | #8

   I had a one stall garage and installed a ventless propane heater and when ever i created any dust it burned in the fire and smelled.  Had to shut heater off when doing anyting creating a lot of dust.  Dont recommend going this route.  Also had to cover heater when not in use to keep dust out of heater.

   Have a new shop now and am installing a REZNOR power vented heater so it will burn outside air and is 82 % efficent.  This was recommended buy many heating contractors. 45,000 BTU is smallest and cost is 1200.00 installed.  This unit hangs from the ceiling.

7. 
   foghorn | Dec 09, 2003 02:05am | #9

   Doc:

   I have to agree with Sarge. I have the same space as you (in central NJ) and have done a fair bit of research on this. My garage is 75 feet from the house. If I had gas available out there already, gas would be the way I'd go.

   Best of luck