Heating the Workshop

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Doug said:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida  cold?

Huntington Beach, Ca cold?

Give me a break guys!

I never said cold. I said moderate. But, I did say I'm a wimp and I like to be at 75 degrees. Oh well, maybe that's just me.

Ray

 

[Rockytime]

After searching Google, Amazon and ebay I have settled on and ordered from Amazon a Dimplex 4800 watt DCH4831L heater. I have read about 75 reviews with majority being five stars. It is a small unit but for $99 I'll take a chance. I do have 40 amp service. I should get is in a few days. After installation I shall post a review. Thank you for all the input.

Regards, Les

[savethebeer]

I Have a humidifier/heater which I only need to use on heat. It is fitted under my second counter top and blowing straight at my seat at the saw so my work space gets nice and comfortable and eventually the rest of the shop heats up. As I said yesterday I've forced myself to get back into the shop and was then pleasantly surprised to find myself very comfortable. We had Storm Eleanor pass over the country all yesterday and today so what I did was start a Steve Good pattern of 'The 10 Commandments' which is intricate enough to keep me distracted from the weather.

Bob

[Brianr24]

Pellet stove! 

[stoney]

When natural gas isn't an option it is more important than ever to have a well insulated shop to keep heating cost within reason.   Using an electric heater of any kind is most likely the most expensive source of heat although propane also ranks right up there.   Also if the shop has a concrete floor that presents another issue.   Like Jay said getting ones feet elevated is a good idea.   Using a paddle fan to bring the rising heat back down from the ceiling is also useful. 

[Clayton717]

I have a 10 x 12 shop(shed) and it is not insulated well. This is the heater I use -https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-Industrial-Electric-Ceiling/dp/B009F1SWH8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1515026909&sr=8-4&keywords=220+electric+heater. When I'm not in the I keep the temp. dial turned down and it stays between 40 and 50 in the shop. When I get home from work I go out and crank it up and wait about an hour or so before going out. By then it is close to 70. Here lately we are lucky if we see double digit temperatures here.The high today was 12. It woks great for me I have it hanging from the ceiling in the corner. 

[Lucky2]

11 hours ago, Doug said:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida  cold?

Huntington Beach, Ca cold?

Give me a break guys!

lol Doug, I checked to see where these guys were living, when I saw where, I thought the exact same thing as you did. I'd hate for them to have been around here for the last week and a half, the temps weren't above -20 feel like temps. For tomorrow and friday, were supposed to get hit with a weather bomb. Extremely high winds, and over twenty inches of snow is what we expect to get from this storm. The storm is being classified as a winter hurricane, it's supposed to be a pretty harsh storm. 

Len

[Rockytime]

I'm kinda excited, my heater came today. This coming week should be warm so my electrician friend will wire it. The photo shows the heater on the shelf but will be mounted up about a foot higher.

[OCtoolguy]

On 1/3/2018 at 8:00 PM, Lucky2 said:

lol Doug, I checked to see where these guys were living, when I saw where, I thought the exact same thing as you did. I'd hate for them to have been around here for the last week and a half, the temps weren't above -20 feel like temps. For tomorrow and friday, were supposed to get hit with a weather bomb. Extremely high winds, and over twenty inches of snow is what we expect to get from this storm. The storm is being classified as a winter hurricane, it's supposed to be a pretty harsh storm. 

Len

I must ask once again, why do you folks stay where it's so darned cold? We moved away from So Cal back in 85. We moved to Woodland Park Colo. Our home was at 8500 feet. It was common to be below zero. But, it was nice. For about 6 years. We came back to So Cal and saw how clean and green everything was. Nothing looks DEAD in the winter. Of Course, it's crowded. And expensive. But, let's face it. Like is short. No reason to spend it being miserable for half the year or more. I'll just put up with the crowds and hide out in my little shop. It's probably about 60 out there right now. And it may get down in the low 50's tonight. But as sure as the sun comes up tomorrow, it will be pretty much shirt sleeve weather all winter. As soon as March rolls around and the time changes, we will be in that great weather cycle for about 6 months until it gets "cold" once again. But, not like you guys are experiencing. No way, no how. I''ll put up with the crowds. OH, we moved back after 6 years and never looked back.

Ray

 

[Rockytime]

23 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

I must ask once again, why do you folks stay where it's so darned cold? <SNIP>

 

Good friends

Not too crowded

Both daughters live nearby

Granddaughter with Spina Bifida

Beautiful home

Great sons-in-law

Three grandsons

My business here for 30 years

Blue state (mostly except Denver)

Can't get much better for me

[WayneMahler]

I have a couple small radiant heaters (electric) that when needed keep my shop tolerant. Don't have makes or models but keep thing very well. There are propane heaters out there that are very effective and are rated very well. Was going to get one before I gave up my camp. Worth a look into.

[Doug]

On 1/6/2018 at 7:26 PM, octoolguy said:

Of Course, it's crowded. And expensive.

Ray

You answered your own question.  And most of the fruit is on the trees, not the sidewalks.

Edited January 8, 2018 by Doug

[kmmcrafts]

On 1/6/2018 at 8:26 PM, octoolguy said:

I must ask once again, why do you folks stay where it's so darned cold? We moved away from So Cal back in 85. We moved to Woodland Park Colo. Our home was at 8500 feet. It was common to be below zero. But, it was nice. For about 6 years. We came back to So Cal and saw how clean and green everything was. Nothing looks DEAD in the winter. Of Course, it's crowded. And expensive. But, let's face it. Like is short. No reason to spend it being miserable for half the year or more. I'll just put up with the crowds and hide out in my little shop. It's probably about 60 out there right now. And it may get down in the low 50's tonight. But as sure as the sun comes up tomorrow, it will be pretty much shirt sleeve weather all winter. As soon as March rolls around and the time changes, we will be in that great weather cycle for about 6 months until it gets "cold" once again. But, not like you guys are experiencing. No way, no how. I''ll put up with the crowds. OH, we moved back after 6 years and never looked back.

Ray

 

I live out in the boonies.. anyone that comes to my house says it's so peaceful and quiet out here... can hear the birds chirping.. hear old dead trees fall every now and then out in the woods.. which is all that is around me.. the beauty of the fresh fallen snow in the trees is breathtaking along with the cold air  .. I grew up in this very house.. have only not lived here for 3 months of my life.. and that was right after I was married we had a small house we rented while looking for a place.. then my parents decided to sell.. probably because I wasn't here mowing the lawn every week.. I have a very large yard.. 4 hours of mowing on a commercial Z mower.. each time.. dad was 70 at that time and it was a bit much for him to keep up with.. No young boys around here with the pants hanging off their rear.. no loud thumpin stereos vibrating my house in the middle of the night.. If a car goes by.. it's either someone lost.. or a neighbor that lives a half mile down the road.. when a car does go by we always stand up to look who it is and wave.. usually the neighbor. Only down side is.. if I need a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk a car part or something.. the nearest store is 10 -12 mile away..  

[tomsteve]

On 1/6/2018 at 8:26 PM, octoolguy said:

I must ask once again, why do you folks stay where it's so darned cold? 

Ray

 

we dont have massive fires or mudslides.droughts dont last long. i can add layers when its cold. i can only strip off so many clothes when its hot before people complain.we can build snowslides for 4 year olds and watch them having a riot in the snow. we can go out and be kids with em. 

Edited January 8, 2018 by tomsteve

[OCtoolguy]

You all gave me very valid reasons. I can understand now. I suppose if I was all of a sudden a single person again, I might consider moving out of where I am. But, there is so much to say for "convenience". I love the fact that no matter what I need, it's just a few minutes away. And many choices to choose from. So, with said, there are definitely trade-offs. After living in very cold conditions that seemingly went on forever, I choose to live where it's warmer. Maybe, if I was to move from here, it would be to somewhere in Arizona. Not the Phoenix area for sure but maybe midway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Somewhere that didn't have 6-9 months of COLD. I don't like cold weather. I have a very short thermostat. Somewhere between 65 and 80. I guess home is where you make it. We don't have kids close by and our grandkids are not close to us either. We choose to by with folks of our age group and with similar interests. My perfect spot would be in a Senior Housing situation that had a well outfitted hobby shop area with all the amenities. The closest we came to that was at an RV resort in Mesa Az. while we were full time RVers. They have every hobby you could think of. And the woodshop, well it had over $150 thousand dollars in equipment and a fully stocked lumber room. It was Heaven. The weather there is fantastic until summer rolls around. Then, it's time to hit the road again. I am happy here for the most part. I would love to have some of what  you folks have listed too but there is no "perfect" place. Thanks to all who answered my question. At least we are all happy here on the SSV. Thankful for that.

Ray

 

[Rockytime]

The best place in the world is at home where your heart is. I used to take a trip every year and saw many wonderful places to live but I was always happy to come home.

[tomsteve]

i forgot to add one thing why i live in michigan

 

[meflick]

I'll throw in my - why - why East TN - family is number 1.  We have all 4 seasons, but even with that "winter" is normally fairly mild and seldom much snow.  We have "spurts" and occasional issues with really cold weather or big snow storms but not often. When we do get a heavy snowfall, it doesn't usually stick around too long but warnings of such does send everyone off to the store for bread and milk. We have never been so bad that husband couldn't make it (slowly and carefully) to work (because his job means he really has to be there.)  We have beautiful springs and falls.  Summer can get hot, but then again - usually not that hot for an extended period of time and that is why most everyone and every place has air conditioning. You can see from the temperature "averages" that we run the gamut throughout the year.  However, that means that we truly have all 4 seasons. We don't have a 6-9 month winter but about a 2-3 month "mild" winter usually. Often you can go out with no coat, and sometimes short sleeves!  (Now we have been unseasonably cold the past week but its suppose to hit about 60 later in the week.)  The saying around here is if you don't like the weather, wait a day or two and it will change.  We have a number of rivers and lakes and the Great Smokey Mountains in my backyard and within a day's drive of the beach and other areas if you want to go. Most people boat on the water for more than 6 months out of the year probably. We don't have hurricanes we do sometimes get the rains from them and we do have the occasional rare tornado but they are truly rare. We have all the conveniences and stores nearby and I can pretty get anything I need or want locally.  Our "rush hour" is not an hour most of the time and I can get to most any place locally within 15-20 minutes and I live outside of the "city". I didn't worry too much about what or where my kids were or them driving when they got their license. Like Tomlee - I'd rather be cold then hot - for the same reason, I can keep adding layers when I'm cold but can only take off so much (without going to jail  when you are hot!)

Like Rockytime, Les, noted - home is where the heart is. We have traveled to many places in the USA and in the world, with many places still on my bucket list while many have been beautiful and enjoyable to visit - there is still no place like home. We have been to California a few times, we spent 10 days traveling from San Francisco to Southern Calif. (Laguna Beach) last summer - the traffic alone would keep me from staying very long.  Besides, just think how much more crowded California would be if we all wanted to live there.  

Edited January 8, 2018 by meflick

[kmmcrafts]

1 hour ago, meflick said:

I'll throw in my - why - why East TN - family is number 1.  We have all 4 seasons, but even with that "winter" is normally fairly mild and seldom much snow.  We have "spurts" and occasional issues with really cold weather or big snow storms but not often. When we do get a heavy snowfall, it doesn't usually stick around too long but warnings of such does send everyone off to the store for bread and milk. We have never been so bad that husband couldn't make it (slowly and carefully) to work (because his job means he really has to be there.)  We have beautiful springs and falls.  Summer can get hot, but then again - usually not that hot for an extended period of time and that is why most everyone and every place has air conditioning. You can see from the temperature "averages" that we run the gamut throughout the year.  However, that means that we truly have all 4 seasons. We don't have a 6-9 month winter but about a 2-3 month "mild" winter usually. Often you can go out with no coat, and sometimes short sleeves!  (Now we have been unseasonably cold the past week but its suppose to hit about 60 later in the week.)  The saying around here is if you don't like the weather, wait a day or two and it will change.  We have a number of rivers and lakes and the Great Smokey Mountains in my backyard and within a day's drive of the beach and other areas if you want to go. Most people boat on the water for more than 6 months out of the year probably. We don't have hurricanes we do sometimes get the rains from them and we do have the occasional rare tornado but they are truly rare. We have all the conveniences and stores nearby and I can pretty get anything I need or want locally.  Our "rush hour" is not an hour most of the time and I can get to most any place locally within 15-20 minutes and I live outside of the "city". I didn't worry too much about what or where my kids were or them driving when they got their license. Like Tomlee - I'd rather be cold then hot - for the same reason, I can keep adding layers when I'm cold but can only take off so much (without going to jail  when you are hot!)

Like Rockytime, Les, noted - home is where the heart is. We have traveled to many places in the USA and in the world, with many places still on my bucket list while many have been beautiful and enjoyable to visit - there is still no place like home. We have been to California a few times, we spent 10 days traveling from San Francisco to Southern Calif. (Laguna Beach) last summer - the traffic alone would keep me from staying very long.  Besides, just think how much more crowded California would be if we all wanted to live there.  

Of all the places I've been.. which isn't too many places.. Tennessee has always been my wife and mines favorite... We aways said if we was to move south.. we like Tennessee.. Spent spring break in Gatlinburg  about 7-8 years ago.. and two years ago we stayed in a cabin in Dale Hollow.. Cummins State park and hiked to the water fall was an awesome time that the whole family really enjoyed..  

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, meflick said:

I'll throw in my - why - why East TN - family is number 1.  We have all 4 seasons, but even with that "winter" is normally fairly mild and seldom much snow.  We have "spurts" and occasional issues with really cold weather or big snow storms but not often. When we do get a heavy snowfall, it doesn't usually stick around too long but warnings of such does send everyone off to the store for bread and milk. We have never been so bad that husband couldn't make it (slowly and carefully) to work (because his job means he really has to be there.)  We have beautiful springs and falls.  Summer can get hot, but then again - usually not that hot for an extended period of time and that is why most everyone and every place has air conditioning. You can see from the temperature "averages" that we run the gamut throughout the year.  However, that means that we truly have all 4 seasons. We don't have a 6-9 month winter but about a 2-3 month "mild" winter usually. Often you can go out with no coat, and sometimes short sleeves!  (Now we have been unseasonably cold the past week but its suppose to hit about 60 later in the week.)  The saying around here is if you don't like the weather, wait a day or two and it will change.  We have a number of rivers and lakes and the Great Smokey Mountains in my backyard and within a day's drive of the beach and other areas if you want to go. Most people boat on the water for more than 6 months out of the year probably. We don't have hurricanes we do sometimes get the rains from them and we do have the occasional rare tornado but they are truly rare. We have all the conveniences and stores nearby and I can pretty get anything I need or want locally.  Our "rush hour" is not an hour most of the time and I can get to most any place locally within 15-20 minutes and I live outside of the "city". I didn't worry too much about what or where my kids were or them driving when they got their license. Like Tomlee - I'd rather be cold then hot - for the same reason, I can keep adding layers when I'm cold but can only take off so much (without going to jail  when you are hot!)

Like Rockytime, Les, noted - home is where the heart is. We have traveled to many places in the USA and in the world, with many places still on my bucket list while many have been beautiful and enjoyable to visit - there is still no place like home. We have been to California a few times, we spent 10 days traveling from San Francisco to Southern Calif. (Laguna Beach) last summer - the traffic alone would keep me from staying very long.  Besides, just think how much more crowded California would be if we all wanted to live there.  

We love eastern Tennessee. Our good friends retired and moved there about 5 years ago. They have 17 acres with a small farm. Not that they grow anything but what they eat but they have managed to acquire quite an animal collection. Here is a link to her website/blog. They also bought 3 acres very near to them for a lake/getaway place. They have a pontoon boat and are going to put a mobile home on that property. They are truly living the life. We visited them 2 years ago in our motorhome. It was truly Heaven. I was ready to pack up and move but my wife said "no, it ain't gonna happen". So, here we stay. Ah well..........

https://www.rowdydogsfarm.com/

Ray

 

[ScollSaw Slasher]

Have been all over the country and would have to agree that Eastern Tennessee or western Carolina would be an easy place to set my roots down even though the summers in Florida don't bother me that much. Wife and I always thought we would get a place up that way for five or six months. But a long awaited grand daughter came along, and my wife said no way because of the joy that little gal gives to my wife. So we do a little RV traveling for at most three week trips, and oft times go to Tennessee. Isn't it a great country that we can enjoy so many different climates, topography's, etc. etc.

[trackman]

This is how I heat my shop in EastCentral Indiana. It was -14 out but in about 10 min I had my coat off. The space heater is on a thermostat that is hanging beside me at the saw.  The big heather gets it warm then the kerosene heater keeps it warm without the noise. 

[Rockytime]

Years ago we had a home with a large family room that was difficult to heat. We used a kerosene heater also. My shop is so small I'm always stumbling around my heater. That is why the new heater will be suspended. I have difficulty walking and often use a cane outside.

[OCtoolguy]

I just saw this on Facebook and had to share it with all you folks who live in the cold country. No thanks. You can keep all that snow and ice. Brrrrrrrrr!

Ray

 

[Brianr24]

I live in north east and I hate the cold and love hot humid weather. Its very simple why I stay here.

Its my home.

The one state I always say I would love to live is Tennessee. Beautiful. But no matter how beautiful I get homesick in 3 days max lol. Ur talking to a guy who left Hawaiian vacation early cuz just wanted to go home. And I love Hawaii.

Just something wrong with me and I learn to accept it. I do enjoy having seasons where I live .