Member postings for Michael Smith 18

My workshop is also an area in the end of a concrete walled/corrugated cement fibre roofed garage, but lined and partitioned off. I have insulated the space between the metal rafters with 50mm polystyrene - available from builders merchants in 8'x4' sheets and may put some more on the top if necessary. The floor and walls are 3/4" chipboard acquired free many years ago - very important to insulate the floor as the concrete gets very cold and I have old carpet over it for more comfortable standing. The triangular eave spaces are closed with proprietary eave filler also available from builders merchants (looks like a very large scale toothed rack!) which just tucks in on top of the wall. The chipboard make a nice firm level base for the lathe as well. Background heat is from a 55w tubular oil heater (which cost about £20) left on all the time and so far this winter the temperature has not fallen below 4 degrees C overnight. When in the workshop I have an old radiant bathroom heater (but have had to cover the ceiling poly above it with litho plate to stop it melting! 60w and 100w lightbulbs, if still available, are also a great source of heat as well as light when using the place. I have got some expanding foam to squirt between the chipboard and concrete walls one of these days when I have got hold of one of those "round tuit" jobbies! Needless to say the machinery is left all snug under its covers when not in use.