Firstly, I apologize for the length of this post.
We're building an addition, with laundry and MBR Suite above, workshop down below. Estimated dimensions are 18' x 34', exterior, but will lose ~4' off the 30 for a staircase (Open or closed, haven't decided yet).
My current shop is 15'x11', shared with a hot water heater and an overly large workbench that I use because it was there when we bought the house. I've never had anything bigger, so I'm a little intimidated by the process of designing something new. I've read a ton of articles and seen pictures of other shops, but I'm hoping for some general workflow and preconstruction tips that may save me in the long run.
Some of my thoughts (numbered for reference, not priority):
- I haven't built much yet, some built-in bookshelves and a few rough tables. My goals are to build gaming tables and bookshelves.
- I currently use a job-site TS on wheels, but want to upgrade to the 3HP 1ph 230v PCS31230 Sawstop. I was thinking about getting the 36" T-glide table, as I like the additional capacity for the larger sheets of ply, though I've seen some really nice setups that surround the TS and double up as assembly / outfeed. Is that recommended or is there something special about the 36" that is more compelling?
- Currently I use a shopvac, though I've read about most DC's, pros/cons etc. What I haven't seen much about is the ductwork. Is this something I should consider before we build? I think the DC will live in the main shop space, unless I build a room for it, but what's something I should tell the builders as this process goes? Leave me metal strapping suspended from the ceiling?
- Right now, my ceilings are 6'10" but I'm planning on the new ceilings being 8-9, with resilient channel and a bunch of batted insulation and 5/8" drywall. Any other tips on this or for the walls?
- I've read the lighting guide by Jack Lindsey, and plan on going with a T8 system, but wasn't sure when it was written and didn't know if LEDs had made any large advancements in the space since it was written?
- How do you handle electrical runs for equipment in the middle of the room? Do you do in-floor conduit when you pour? Pull downs from above? Cords across the floor and cover? I believe the addition will be receiving its own service panel, but wasn't sure how that might affect things? Given the saw I'm looking at, it doesn't require 6/2 wiring, does it? (I'm comfortable running my own 110 outlets on 12gu wire, but don't know jack squat about 220 requirements)
- I plan on getting an epoxy finish on the floor. Any strong, negative thoughts on that?
- What's the maximum height that you recommend for horizontal wood storage? Right now, I keep my wood propped up and under a tarp outside......
- Any particular materials or things I should avoid anywhere? (more of a generic question)
- Since I *might* vent outside at some point, what size hole should I have built in (or should I just do that after the fact if and when it comes up?)
- I have no idea what to do about HVAC. Addition will be heat pump, not sure how to separately control the basement. Motorized vents for its own zone?
- My workflow for lumber tends to be Joint -> Plane -> Joint -> TS cut. Any suggestions about the layout in regards to the door?
- Speaking of the door, I can't decide if I want the door along the broad or narrow wall. (Broad will have a deck up above, narrow is furthest away from driveway). Any suggestions? Any doors to recommend? Any to avoid? The wall they'll be going in will be block.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice!