Finishing the Airplane Factory...er...Workshop
Jason, my impression from your previous posts is that you have already planned ahead and probably already know more about finishing a workshop than I do. I think there are already some posts in these VAF forums somewhere about what to include in an "RV factory," so you might do well to search them for some of the previous suggestions.
I built my workshop about three years ago ( sorry, I don't have any photos handy) and here are a few things I would recommend:
1) Plenty of wall and ceiling insulation. Since you're in the Salt Lake area, I probably don't have to tell you that.
2) Plenty of 110volt outlets in the ceiling...prevents cords on the floor.
3) Plenty of light. Your choice, but I used several fluorescent workshop lights on dedicated outlets in the ceiling controlled by wall light switches. Works great and is flexible if I ever need to change the lighting pattern.
4) Plenty of 110 volt outlets in the walls. You can never have too many in a workshop.
5) At least one 220 volt outlet for a 220 volt air compressor.
6) Air piping routed across the ceiling so you can have compressed air to your work areas. Some recommend copper, some use carbon steel piping and some use the compression fit tubing which really saves time for installation. I used 1/2 inch threaded carbon steel piping and would do so again. I have four drops but use two of them all the time. I also put a drop of about 1 inch per 10 feet for condensate and also elbowed up and over and down for each of my piping drops. I drain each drop every time I work in the shop. [P.S. We've had lots of discussion on using PVC for compressed air piping. I had it in my garage myself; but when I built my shop, I did a lot of homework and all I can say is that, as a licensed Professional Engineer, I can not conscientiously recommend PVC for compressed air because there's not one Engineering Code in this country that allows PVC piping for compressed gasses except in places where it's buried at least 14 inches below ground. I know people have used it for years, but I wouldn't do it. Sorta like I know people who have run scud, but I wouldn't do it...again!!!]
7) I used OSB plywood on the bottom four feet of wall area then four feet of peg board from four feet to eight feet all the way around the interior of the shop to give me lots of peg board at arms length. I also have 9 foot walls with shelving around the room at the 7-1/2 foot level. I paid extra for a well insulated garage door. I've forgotten the R rating but I'm sure you are familiar with that in Utah.
8) I, like you, minimized windows because I wanted lots of wall space (see #7) and I wanted to minimize the temptations of burglars.
9) Security system. I won't go into detail here, but there are several levels of security systems that are worth the money. Choose one (or more) that makes you comfortable when you're away. In addition to the interior security system, I also installed motion detector lights including flood lights on the exterior.
10) I also used OSB plywood on the ceiling so I could either screw into the ceiling joists or for lesser loads directly into the OSB.
11) All the OSB plywood (walls and ceiling) is painted white to help with the lighting.
12) I found a very efficient LG air conditioner and mounted it in the back wall. For humid Alabama summers, it does a good job of making the work shop comfortable.
13) For heat, I use a couple of oil filled radiator type space heaters to take the chill off, but on really cold days, I fire up the propane radiant heater, which only takes about an hour to raise the temp up to a comfortable 70 degrees. Actually, I usually aim for 65 degrees and then turn off the propane heater.
14) Plan on having some kind of refrigerator for keeping adhesives and sealants chilled for extended shelf life. Also, you can keep some beverages and snacks there too.
15) My wife calls my shop the "man cave" so it's strictly optional to include such items as a scanner radio, an AM-FM radio, an XM radio, a TV with satellite channels and VHS and DVD players, and a laptop computer with wireless connection to the internet.
16) I didn't include a toilet in my shop, but if I ever build another shop, I would have a sink and a toilet if space permitted. Of course, if I did that I might as well include a bed out there too.
Talking about being in the "dog house."
I'm sure there are other items I could mention, but you get the idea. Don't let the project of finishing the workshop get in the way of building the airplane. However, with some planning you can have a place to work on both your airplane, and when it's finished, some other projects, too. Plus, it makes a nice addition to the value of your real estate. I really like having a place to work on the RV where I can leave it and come right back to it without having to re-find everything.
Also, I'm guessing you have already made contact with Scott Schmidt and some of the other RV-ators in your area. You should get a ride in an RV if you haven't already done so. I believe there are several RV's completed or nearing completion near you.
Good luck! I have a feeling we'll be observing your progress.
P.S. For some reason, I did not see the previous 3 or 4 posts when I wrote the above.
