I need advice from members who have basement metal shops and those who have their equipment in non-heated garages during winter. The following is background information. Sorry for the long post.
About 18 months ago when I began collecting equipment for my metals shop, I went through the process of determining a location for it. Two possible locations were available. One was in the basement mechanical room, a 20 foot by 20 foot area containing HVAC system, two hot water heaters, water pressure tank, filter and softner. Some ductwork limits ceiling height to approximately 6 1/2 feet in some areas. Electrical panel located here, so easy(short runs) to run power to machines. Also, double door(6 foot) from this area to two car garage(same level). The other area is a three car detached garage, 32 feet by 28 feet. My pickup and tractor are parked here as well as three golf carts during the winter. My wood working equipment and air compressor are located here. 220 volt power is run from mechanical room to a panel here. I chose the garage for the metals area because its the best location for the welder and cutting and grinding equipment, had compressed air, and more work area(except during winter). Another plus was keeping the mess and noise away from the house, a biggie for my wife. Easy decision! Ran power to lathe(approximate 30 foot run) along with power for a future mill. All worked well this summer. Now with winter underway, I am second guessing my decision. We leave Michigan for four to five months during winter, and the detached garage is not heated during this time. I must disconnect my VFD and store it in our house's mechanical room. Outside temps can reach -30F. This is not too much trouble. Now the problem, rusting equipment. I apply a thin coat of way oil on all of my equipment and cover with cloth covers. I am still experiencing rust problems on my lathe and drill press. The question. Is there a way that I can better protect my equipment from rust, or should I move my lathe and drill press to the basement? What are your thoughts? Thanks.
About 18 months ago when I began collecting equipment for my metals shop, I went through the process of determining a location for it. Two possible locations were available. One was in the basement mechanical room, a 20 foot by 20 foot area containing HVAC system, two hot water heaters, water pressure tank, filter and softner. Some ductwork limits ceiling height to approximately 6 1/2 feet in some areas. Electrical panel located here, so easy(short runs) to run power to machines. Also, double door(6 foot) from this area to two car garage(same level). The other area is a three car detached garage, 32 feet by 28 feet. My pickup and tractor are parked here as well as three golf carts during the winter. My wood working equipment and air compressor are located here. 220 volt power is run from mechanical room to a panel here. I chose the garage for the metals area because its the best location for the welder and cutting and grinding equipment, had compressed air, and more work area(except during winter). Another plus was keeping the mess and noise away from the house, a biggie for my wife. Easy decision! Ran power to lathe(approximate 30 foot run) along with power for a future mill. All worked well this summer. Now with winter underway, I am second guessing my decision. We leave Michigan for four to five months during winter, and the detached garage is not heated during this time. I must disconnect my VFD and store it in our house's mechanical room. Outside temps can reach -30F. This is not too much trouble. Now the problem, rusting equipment. I apply a thin coat of way oil on all of my equipment and cover with cloth covers. I am still experiencing rust problems on my lathe and drill press. The question. Is there a way that I can better protect my equipment from rust, or should I move my lathe and drill press to the basement? What are your thoughts? Thanks.
