Alright, folks,
Like many, my shop is set up in a garage.
Fortunately, my garage is 28’x 32′ with 10′ ceilings- that’s about 900 square feet.
Question is, as I’m upfitting it, I plan to insulate and drywall it, and I need to know the safe, economical source of heat to use. I can get an industrial hang-from-the-ceiling natural gas furnace for about $500, which requires no ductwork- just 110v AC and gas. Those I can easily supply. I do use an elaborate dust collection system, as my days of working in an unhealthy environment are over. We all know sawdust is highly flammable, and I’ve heard concerns that excessive sawdust can be explosive, and I’m wondering if any of you have opinions about my idea? I want to stay warm, and my tools do too, but we’d all prefer not to explode!
Chris
Replies
If your local code permits, use a wood burner; takes care of any shavings, dust etc and keeps the accumulation of offcuts under control.
As for DC, the best I know of is to minimise the dust generation; if you hand plane and scrape rather than sand, you'll cut the dust generated by a huge factor, and get a better quality finish too...
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
In floor radiant heat is highly rated. That would be my number one choice. After that I would consider hanging radiant tube heater. I too like burning firewood but takes a bit to warm the room after a long cold night. I would combine wood heat and another heat to keep temp at 50 or so when the fire goes out. For $$$ savings I would go the $500 route you mentioned. We used them in a very dusty commercial shop and never had a fire. Definitely go with a vented unit if you choose that route.
Do a search on all the wood interest sites (woodweb, knots, woodnet) and you will find many, many posts regarding shop heat. Also do a google groups search.
Thanks for the reply!
You mentioned using a "vented" heating unit, and I presume that means it draws it's air from the outside, rather than recirculating the air in the shop?
Chris
A vented unit uses outside air in a sealed combustion chamber and exhausts burnt gases. Much safer with no exposed flame and with concerns regarding co2. You also dont get the moisture in the air that results in condensation on your equipment, which you would get with a vent less propane unit.
This is what I have and I love it. http://www.garageheater.com
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled