I wish I would have done this to my studio...

[evenia]

I am going to setup a new studio in 2 months, maybe three. I thought now would be a good time to start collecting ideas from people. I will start from scratch in a space that is roughly 8x20. This is in an unfinished basement where I can put in ventilation and a line for propane in the wall towards the celing that will end up at the base of the house. I haven't decided on NG or propane. I will use one of Mike's designs when availible for the ventilation. I have a kiln and tanked oxy and a GTT Bobcat. I should probably put the torch closer to the door rather than farther away for ventilation. The walls and floor are poured concrete. I also have a creation station and make jewelry out of all my beads, so I have craploads of findings and a need a second station for that. OK now pretend this is your space. What would you do with it inside what I have given here. I am talking EVERYTHING...Lighting, outlets, tables, shelves for glass, shelves for findings, tool racks, chair, whatever. I CRAVE ideas. Help me build the dream studio of the 8x20 world!
Thanks

[Dale M.]

For safety (egress) I would NOT put touch near door.... I would put torch near end furthermost from door... If you get up from torch to access your glass stash and something happens to/at torch and it is between you and door, you may be trapped!.... Just my thoughts, others may see it differently. If your make up air source is adequate, it makes no difference if your torch is near door and at far end of studio... Nature abhors a vacuum, it will try to fill it.

Not being able to see space, I would suggestion if it were my space would be to put a 8 foot bench across back wall (8 foot side assuming it is furtherest away from entry door) and put all my hot working stuff back there... (torch-kiln) That way ventilation would draw clean air through complete studio and not have the possibility of having a "pocket" of bad air in back end of studio...

Pictures of space would help in order to make really good suggestions.

Dale M.

[DesertDreamer]

If you already have gas service to you house, go for the NG. Keep the propane out of the house. Consider an oxycon or generator, too. It's soooo nice not to have to mess with any tanks or regulators!

Think about some built-in cabinets for storage and a workbench, too. Drawers are infinitely useful and there never seem to be enough.

[evenia]

Pictures of space would help in order to make really good suggestions.

Dale M.
4988 4987
Here are some pics.
The second image kinda shows the door. It's on the left of the screen at the back of the pic.

[Jude Rose]

I'd paint it a bright, light color before moving all that glass in. (probably on your list to do already, huh?
And have you scoured the pics people posted of their studio spaces? I betcha there are things they have set up that they don't even realize is brillinat problem solving.
My biggest gripe is I never have enough table space. I end up making my jewelry and doing my bills on the couch because all the space is used up in my 10 x 13' room.

Jude

[evenia]

actually hadn't thought of painting it since I was leaving the cement walls. good idea, thanks!

[Curly Irish Girl]

Make sure you talk with your fire department and home insurance agent if you have not previously had a torch in the house - there are some things you will need to do.

[evenia]

anybody got anything else they want to add? suggestions are REALLY appreciated!!!!!

[Curly Irish Girl]

What are you doing about ventilation? Do a search on the tips forum for ventilation - you will learn lots!

[evenia]

Well I plan on using either one of Mike's designs or winging it and making my own with his calculations in mind. We have a local Ford commercial kitchen supply store here along with a grainger store some I am going to go there this week and look around and get some ideas. The tops of the walls in that room have a seam where the house connects to the basement walls that I plan on using for a fresh air duct on one end and the exhaust output on the other.

[ms-priss]

and make sure you have enough outlets! If I had it to do over again, I'd put one every 4' - counter height and lower ones!!! LOL!!! I sew in here, make beads in here, PMC in here, jewelry in here........I NEVER have enough outlets! My laptop's in here, too. Talk about cussing myself....................

Smiles,
Priss

[evenia]

Outlets, got it...will do!

[Curly Irish Girl]

how about your lighting? Shop around and find lights/bulbs that give you natural day light - good for your glass work and great for your mental health - too much time in the basement and you start to feel like a mole!

[xtweeksx]

how about your lighting? Shop around and find lights/bulbs that give you natural day light - good for your glass work and great for your mental health

Good advice! We use daylight lamps in our office and they make such a difference.

Great tips everyone by the way....

cheers Jenny

[evenia]

It's so dark and dingy down there for even light I was going to put up 3 or 4 rows of florecent lights. I will put natural light lamps on the tables.