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- Nov 14, 2016
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I noticed on craigslist that you can buy really large lathes (e.g. 16” swing and a long bed) for pretty cheap. I imagine that’s because people usually want more manageable lathes. I would not be able to afford a new lathe for this application, so it will be a large, used one.
Sometimes they want a (relatively) large amount for a relatively new lathe, but I've seen many large older lathes basically asking mini-lathe prices. I know of a 20x96" Monarch in decent condition that was sold for $1000 because the school didn't want to deal with tire kickers and they had an interested local who had the ability to safely move a 4 ton lathe. Added benefit to a big lathe, is it would be a lot harder to steal.
The city & county require a primary structure to be built before any secondary structure, so the idea of building a detached garage with no home there is out the window.
Furthermore, the city and county require the primary structure to be at least 51% living area (i.e. max 49% garage). I made this floor plan which gets me a one car garage (my shop!) and just about the smallest living area that you have ever seen.
I will have to work a whopping 1400 overtime hours to pay for it.
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One thought, have you considered building a small rental house, and then build your shop building next door? That could help offset the costs and if you got a reliable renter you would have a set of eyes to watch over your shop when you aren't there. A college student or a retired person might be interested in a small place with rent that factors in their having a neighbor 2 months of the year. As a rental you get some tax breaks you wouldn't get as a second home and might even get some special treatment if it was considered low income housing, although that can also come with some issues.