New shop - ideal setup suggestions?

**rca987** · 05-13-2011, 10:58 AM

I just recently moved shops, and now it's a 10x30 non-climate storage unit. There is no electricity or outlets in the building. So I have a few options and curious about what others thought was most ideal for the given situation.

1) Run a generator/welder for electric power tools
2) Use an inverter for electric power tools
3) Use an air compressor for air powered tools
4) Go old school and use man power for tear downs

The generator, welder or air compressor must be run outside of the unit, so it has to be mobile.

Then there's lighting problem at the back end of the unit.
Does anyone know of a durable yet long lasting non electrical light? I was thinking of like an LED camping lantern.
I can park my truck at the entrance and use my lights, but my trailer blocks a lot of it reaching the back.

Anyone interested in unit price per month, it's $115/mo for 10x30.

Any other ideas, tips or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

**dherik** · 05-13-2011, 11:15 AM

I really like those portable LED lights.

On the inverter I am a big believer in not using my truck battery for anything but my truck....

That price isn't too shaby for 10x30, I'm paying about 90 for a 10x20. But I've got two outlets in the unit too.

**scrapperincanada** · 05-13-2011, 07:09 PM

For the lighting I would go with a gas powered lantern, as I can't stand batteries going dead all the time.

**Mechanic688** · 05-13-2011, 11:23 PM

If I was doing it, I'd buy a generator and run a LED shop light,(won't draw many amps) and the electric power tools at the same time. Just have to keep it outside because of exhaust fumes. The Honda's run pretty cheaply. Save a lot of wear and tear on your car battery,,,

**IdahoScrapper** · 05-14-2011, 02:43 AM

Is running power to the building not at all an option?

**Mechanic688** · 05-15-2011, 12:28 AM

IdahoScrapper, I believe it's a rental storage unit in a big complex,,,based on his first sentence.

**rca987** · 05-15-2011, 10:09 AM

Correct, I cannot run external power to the building at all. It happens to be in a giant field with no power lines in sight, in a small town tucked away from the main highway.
Still in the process of moving everything over from old shop, so during this week I will experiment. Thanks.

**KzScrapper** · 05-15-2011, 10:31 AM

I would rig up some lights that don't use much power like the led's mentioned, then rig a couple of batteries on my truck that their sole purpose is to run lights when I'm at the shop. They could be charged when driving, at home or via solar. As for tools, a good set of cordless and hand tools would work, but at some point a generator may be needed or if you stummbled on a gas powered air compressor for cheap to power tools. If you didn't need it all right away hopefully you will find bits and pieces for your set-up when ur out pick'in.