JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 I worked on many construction jobs where they used those torpedo heaters and I would always go home with a headache and sores in my mouth from breathing that stuff. I rather work in the plain cold than suffer with those things. They needed them for masons. Just can not wrap my head around having an open flame heater in a woodworking shop but to each their own. OCtoolguy and tomsteve 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackman Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 I have used a heater that runs on diesel or kerosene in my shop for 10 years. Be 10 outside and in about 15 minutes off with the coat and 67 degrees in shop. I am thinking about going to a ventless LP wall heater just to be cheaper to run. Wife has one in her studio and works great. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJay Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 There has not been much attention devoted to insulation on this thread - but I would suggest that insulation is everything when it comes to efficiently and effectively heating your workshop - I would further suggest that if anyone has an expectation of 4 season use of your workshop then you absolutely must consider insulation - it will benefit both your winter and your summer operation by minimizing your heating (and cooling) costs. And as far as heating is concerned air-borne dust and open flame do not mix well - after living in communities with lumber mills I've grown to realize that when the conditions are right for a dust explosion it happens - there is no forgiveness - stuff goes boom - it causes damage - people can get hurt - end of story. Having said that I've had (dusty) workshops with open flame heating in 3 of my workshops over time - (close to 50 years) without incident - but no more - today my workshop is heated by a natural gas overhead furnace that is self-contained - it draws its fresh air from the outside - the flame of the furnace is not accessible to any workshop dust at all - and I feel a lot better for it. Should also add - my current and my former workshop are both well-insulated (I live in Canada - a no-insulation workshop is not an option) - both are roughly about the size of a 1 1/2 car garage - and both can be comfortably heated (18C or 64F) with plug-in electric heaters if needed - (the gas furnaces - like any other appliance - have had their down time ....). I absolutely would not use a kerosene or gas-heater if I were making serious dust (or spraying). Jay OCtoolguy, JTTHECLOCKMAN and tomsteve 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachnlearn Posted February 22, 2020 Report Share Posted February 22, 2020 I own a cargo trailer and read trailer/ RV forums. A continuing subject is heating for cold weather. Trailers and RVs don't have the insulation like shops and houses. Smaller windows. It comes up on the subject of propane heaters all the time, that propane creates water moisture and some folks wake up and find water dripping off the ceiling and walls. Something to add into the thinking of using propane in the shop. With a window cracked the air enters for venting and probably water moisture goes out. Depending on insulation a shop could have a lot of moisture. RJF kmmcrafts, OCtoolguy and tomsteve 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodmaster1 Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 I use a mr heater bigmaxx 50000 btu natural gas heat hanging from the ceiling. It only cost me an extra $120 a year to heat the garage to 68 degrees 24/7 in the winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackman Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 19 minutes ago, Woodmaster1 said: I use a mr heater bigmaxx 50000 btu natural gas heat hanging from the ceiling. It only cost me an extra $120 a year to heat the garage to 68 degrees 24/7 in the winter. Was this heater hard to hook up? Looks like a good option for my new shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 I was going to put that same Big Max heater in my shop.. but was told I can't because it's a open flame heater and isn't good for a wood shop or any shop with flammable vapors.. Before you go buy one.. I'd talk to someone that knows the codes and regulations for the type of application you'll be using it for.. My insurance company said they wont insure my shop if i have one of those in my wood shop.. They have closed flame gas heaters similar to these.. but they price tag is nearly triple too.. LOL.. Guess I'd rather pay more and have insurance than to burn my shop down.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodmaster1 Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 1 hour ago, trackman said: Was this heater hard to hook up? Looks like a good option for my new shop. No, I lucked out and accidentally set it the right distance from the flue. I had my son in law run the gas line. I hooked up the thermostat and electricity for the fan. I have had it installed for four years and no problems yet. I didn't check with my insurance company but several people have that type of heater installed around here. I will check to make sure I am ok with the insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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