Hi FineWoodworking,
I have a small single car garage I’m attempting to use as a woodshop. The problem I’m running into is there is a drain in the center of the floor, and the whole garage is sloped towards it. This means that in order to move machines etc around everything always becomes tippy. This is extremely frustrating as it is a small space and a static floor plan would be very limiting.
I’ve seen other people build subfloors over a situation like this, but I haven’t been able to find an example where there was a drain beneath. I’m nervous about creating a moisture cavity that would cause the floor to rot in place.
I’m a renter, and finding a place with a garage like this I could afford was very difficult. I’m hoping to be able to figure something out that doesn’t suck.
Replies
You know, I'm sure your problem resonates with lots of other woodworkers. All the garage shops, and usually basement shops have this problem. It is frustrating, especially if you have to move tools around frequently.
Short of building up the floor, (which would decrease ceiling height), I have never come up with a great solution other than keeping wedges with each machine to level them when moved. I wouldn't worry about covering the drain, but you may need to occasionally pour water into it to keep the trap from drying out and sewer gasses entering the space. http://johnbarfielddesign.com/
I see two problems with putting down a false floor. First, is the fact that you are a renter and you likely cannot do anything without the owner's permission; especially anything permanent. Assuming you get the owner's permission, you will need to deal with the drain. There are removable plugs that you can get to put into the drain just below the grate. This would eliminate any problems with the drain trap (if there is one) drying out. Once that is resolved, a false floor could be installed over varying thickness sleepers using 3/4" tongue and groove plywood. You will likely have to only glue it down to the sleepers only (sleepers laid dry) so that it all remains removable.
That sucks.
Possibly the easiest solution is to mount your machines on castor bases with blocks between the base and machine to level. Provided the machine is positioned in more or less the same place each time for work it should be level each time. It does not matter if it is not level when stored.
If the floor has a uniform slope then you might find the machines will sit anywhere, provided they are pointed in the right direction.
Your only alternative would be to build up the floor - you can still allow the drain to vent - your machines will not mind a few holes and the flooring need not be fixed down. You would only lose 18-20mm of height (the thickness of a board) as any build-up loss is made up for by the floor sloping anyway.
make 24" x 24" tiles of 1" plywood. Using baltic birch would be stiffer than regular 5ply.
Then get Bison deck plinths - http://bisonip.com/product-category/pedestals/versadjust/ for the corners of the tiles to sit on. Very easy install, no tools or fasteners needed, and you can take them with you when you move.
you don't need to raise the tiles inches off the floor. 1/4" minimum is fine.
Hope this helps,
Frankie
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