Replies

1. 
   WoodLess | Jun 26, 2009 03:52am | #1

   I placed a dehumidifier in my shop to take care of the humidity. So far no problems. I keep it set to maintain the humidity level at about 55%. It drains itself into a sump pump pit in the corner of the basement shop.

   Chuck

1. 
   icomba | Jun 28, 2009 07:22pm | #8

   where can i get a dehumidifyer i have a small shop in the basement?  [email protected]

1. 
   WoodLess | Jun 28, 2009 09:12pm | #9

   I got my dehumidifier at Lowe's. Home Depot also carries them.Chuck

2. 
   dkellernc | Jun 29, 2009 04:33pm | #10

   One thing to look for (and pay a little extra for) is a dehumidifier that is an ultra-low temp model.  These dehumidifiers have a built-in timer for defrosting the coils.  While "ultra-low temp" might suggest temperatures in the 30's, most ordinary dehumidifiers will freeze up if the RH is above about 65% and the temperature's lower than 70 degrees.  Not a problem in the summer, of course, but there are often rainy days in the spring and fall where you've the combination of temperatures in the 60s and high humidity.  Helps to not have to repeatedly turn the humidifier off and on to make sure the coils don't freeze.

2. 
   Wingdoctor | Jun 26, 2009 04:02am | #2

   Your profile does not say where you are, so I do not know what kind of climatic conditions you have. But seeing it is summer and your are having rust problems I would guess you are not in the desert SW. It sounds like your climate is humid, I'm in Columbus, Ohio so that is what I have also. Removing some of the humidity in the shop would seem to be the way to go, and there are a couple of ways to accomplish this. The best, and most expensive is to air condition the shop. That may not be economically feasible but a/c in the summer and heated full time in the winter is the best way to go. Summer humidity can also be reduced with dehumidifiers. Your size shop would probably take two units spaced apart and flex hose or such to drain the water removed would be handy. Again, not real cheap, but cheaper than a/c.

   If you go the furnace/ a/c route you might be able to find a heat pump used from a HVAC shop that they have removed to replace with an updated unit. Mobile home furnaces and window a/c units are also available used.

   Coating the tools helps, but it has to be removed to use the tools, and it is a short term improvement that has to be re-coated periodically.

   a/c and heat is the best solution, if you can afford it.

   Bruce

   "A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan
1. 
   pcott | Jun 26, 2009 07:52am | #3

   Sorry, I live in victoria, bc. It is not too humid, but it certainly is enough to create surface rust.

3. 
   JohnWW | Jun 26, 2009 04:08pm | #4

   What is the source of the humidity? If it only from the air then A/C or a dehumidifier will work, if the shop is fairly air tight. If you are in a basement with drainage problems then a mechanical solution won't work without also stopping most of the moisture at the source first.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007

1. 
   pcott | Jun 26, 2009 06:24pm | #5

   Fairly airtight garage, with a drain in one corner tied to my perimeter drains.I am not to sure where else the moisture could be coming from.

1. 
   JohnWW | Jun 26, 2009 08:02pm | #6

   If the shop is noticeably damper than the outside than the probable source is moisture coming through the slab.John W.

2. 
   davidbrum | Jun 27, 2009 06:44pm | #7

   I'm in Seattle area. I don't have a rust problem, but my garage/shop is almost always above 60% humidity. I was spraying latex last winter, and had to buy a dehumidifier to get the percentage down to below 50%. It takes a while but is effective. John White is right, the moisture wicks up through the concrete. If it rains outside, the moisture goes right through the slab. I think the best solution (and what I'll eventually do) is to coat the floor with epoxy or similar. That should stop most of the moisture. Then take steps to contol the ambient moisture with a dehumidifier. You could build a sub floor but I'll bet it would get moldy.Since you are getting rusty tools, I wonder if you might try keeping your shop heated first? That alone might drive the moisture down to a manageable level.David B