Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Mar 21, 2003 08:41pm | #1

   Ron,

   I'd go with a direct vent propane or natural gas fired heater over a kerosene fired one, they're just about zero maintenance and the fuel is clean and easy to have delivered.  A direct vent gas heater will probably cost less, since they only require a small through the wall vent that's included in the price of the heater.  A direct vent gas heater capable of heating a mid sized well insulated shop would cost around $800.  I can't think of any advantage that a kerosene fired heater has over a gas fired one. 

   I'm guessing that you are talking about vented kerosene heaters, the unvented ones should never be used in a wood shop because of the fumes they create when fine dust and solvent fumes get sucked into them.

   Any heater that generates high surface temperatures, even if its vented, is problematic in a wood shop.  All of the heaters you are considering, and the gas fired one I just mentioned, are high temperature units.  Fine wood dust that settles on the heat exchanger of a high temperature heater will burn up creating a fairly constant low level irritating smoky smell in the shop and any finishing solvents that hit the heater will "crack", creating some truly vile smog.  The best heat for a shop is a circulating hot water system where the surface temperature of the heater doesn't get above the boiling point of water.  The ultimate set up is a hot water system that warms the floor. 

   I suspect that an infra red unit will create at least some problems with wood being worked on drying out excessively and warping even while it is being worked on.

   John W.

   
   

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   Edited 3/21/2003 1:43:34 PM ET by JohnW