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How to Design, Build & Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget
Existing books on garage and workshop space are either oriented towards the lightest-duty automotive enthusiast or assume an effectively unlimited budget. The vast majority of enthusiasts want to spend their money on tools and parts yet need heavier-duty capabilities from their garage. This book does not address garden rake storage, but describes in detail how to set up an organized and functional garage or workshop for professional-level work at the lowest possible price.
How to Design, Build and Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget provides the necessary information as the hobbyist considers various tools, designs, installations, and products available for their automotive workspace. Many of the ideas presented for workbenches and storage can be implemented at low cost, or even for free if you're extra resourceful. There are step-by-step instructions for the most essential and practical procedures, including basic electrical wiring sufficient to connect up bank of lights, a compressor, a welder circuit as well as a procedure for routing power from your household electrical service panel and plumbing basic shop fixtures.
Most enthusiasts have a limited amount of car space and an even more limited budget, so they must make good use of the space and money available. This book is designed to help the practical hobbyist mechanic make the most of any available space, balancing looks and functionality, while staying within almost any budget.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Planning your Workspace
Playing it Safe
Necessary Tools to Get Started
Take Stock of Your Space
Develop a Floor Plan
Plan for Features
Develop a Scheduled Budget
Build a Whole New Workshop
Chapter 2: Walls and Floors
Wall Covering
Floor Covering
Windows and Skylights
Chapter 3: Electricity and Lights
Installing Electricity
Electrical Permits and Inspections
How Much Power Do You Need?
Installing a New Meter and Main Breaker Panel
Installing a Subpanel
Selecting Wire, Breakers and Outlets
Project: Install a 120 Using Hard Metal Conduit
Project: Install a 120 Using Romex Non-Metallic Cable
Project: Install a 240 Using Flexible Metal-Clad Cable
Lighting Your Workshop
Project: Install Fluorescent Lights
Garage Door Opener
Chapter 4: Water and Heat
Installing Plumbing
Project: Install a Fresh Water Supply
Project: Install a Wash Basin
Project: Install a Water Heater
Project: Install a Dishwasher
Heating Your Workshop
Providing Ventilation
Chapter 5: Compressed Air and Welding
Installing Compressed Air
Project: Install, Wire and Plumb a Compressor
Building a Paint Booth
Project: Create a Full-Size Paint Booth
Project: Create a Benchtop Spray-Painting Box
Setting Up Your Shop for Welding
Welding Safety
Welding Supplies
Preparing to Weld
Welding Accessories
Project: Build a Welding Table
Chapter 6: Create and Organize Storage Space
Installing Cabinets and Shelves
Project: Build Heavy-Duty Wood Shelves
Project: Build Lightweight Wood Shelves
Storing Wheels and Tires
Project: Build a Low-Cost Tire Rack
Workbenches
Project: Build a Low-Cost Heavy-Duty Workbench
Using Attic and Rafter Space
Chapter 7: Automotive Tools
A Word about Renting
Safety Gear
Toolboxes
Hand Tools
Free-Standing and Bench-Mounted Tools
Automotive Bodyworking Tools
Engine Tools
Automotive Electrical Tools
Miscellaneous Automotive Tools
Chapter 8: Hoists, Cranes and Lifts
Ceiling-Mounted Hoists
Portable Cranes
Portable Lifts
Fixed Lifts
Chapter 9: Human Amenities
Do You Need a Bathroom?
Keeping Mice Away
Shop Furniture
Fun Stuff
Project: Outfit Your Workshop
Resources
Existing books on garage and workshop space are either oriented towards the lightest-duty automotive enthusiast or assume an effectively unlimited budget. The vast majority of enthusiasts want to spend their money on tools and parts yet need heavier-duty capabilities from their garage. This book does not address garden rake storage, but describes in detail how to set up an organized and functional garage or workshop for professional-level work at the lowest possible price.
How to Design, Build and Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget provides the necessary information as the hobbyist considers various tools, designs, installations, and products available for their automotive workspace. Many of the ideas presented for workbenches and storage can be implemented at low cost, or even for free if you're extra resourceful. There are step-by-step instructions for the most essential and practical procedures, including basic electrical wiring sufficient to connect up bank of lights, a compressor, a welder circuit as well as a procedure for routing power from your household electrical service panel and plumbing basic shop fixtures.
Most enthusiasts have a limited amount of car space and an even more limited budget, so they must make good use of the space and money available. This book is designed to help the practical hobbyist mechanic make the most of any available space, balancing looks and functionality, while staying within almost any budget.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Planning your Workspace
Playing it Safe
Necessary Tools to Get Started
Take Stock of Your Space
Develop a Floor Plan
Plan for Features
Develop a Scheduled Budget
Build a Whole New Workshop
Chapter 2: Walls and Floors
Wall Covering
Floor Covering
Windows and Skylights
Chapter 3: Electricity and Lights
Installing Electricity
Electrical Permits and Inspections
How Much Power Do You Need?
Installing a New Meter and Main Breaker Panel
Installing a Subpanel
Selecting Wire, Breakers and Outlets
Project: Install a 120 Using Hard Metal Conduit
Project: Install a 120 Using Romex Non-Metallic Cable
Project: Install a 240 Using Flexible Metal-Clad Cable
Lighting Your Workshop
Project: Install Fluorescent Lights
Garage Door Opener
Chapter 4: Water and Heat
Installing Plumbing
Project: Install a Fresh Water Supply
Project: Install a Wash Basin
Project: Install a Water Heater
Project: Install a Dishwasher
Heating Your Workshop
Providing Ventilation
Chapter 5: Compressed Air and Welding
Installing Compressed Air
Project: Install, Wire and Plumb a Compressor
Building a Paint Booth
Project: Create a Full-Size Paint Booth
Project: Create a Benchtop Spray-Painting Box
Setting Up Your Shop for Welding
Welding Safety
Welding Supplies
Preparing to Weld
Welding Accessories
Project: Build a Welding Table
Chapter 6: Create and Organize Storage Space
Installing Cabinets and Shelves
Project: Build Heavy-Duty Wood Shelves
Project: Build Lightweight Wood Shelves
Storing Wheels and Tires
Project: Build a Low-Cost Tire Rack
Workbenches
Project: Build a Low-Cost Heavy-Duty Workbench
Using Attic and Rafter Space
Chapter 7: Automotive Tools
A Word about Renting
Safety Gear
Toolboxes
Hand Tools
Free-Standing and Bench-Mounted Tools
Automotive Bodyworking Tools
Engine Tools
Automotive Electrical Tools
Miscellaneous Automotive Tools
Chapter 8: Hoists, Cranes and Lifts
Ceiling-Mounted Hoists
Portable Cranes
Portable Lifts
Fixed Lifts
Chapter 9: Human Amenities
Do You Need a Bathroom?
Keeping Mice Away
Shop Furniture
Fun Stuff
Project: Outfit Your Workshop
Resources
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