Garage Setup - Ideal for DIY Maintenance?

The most important thing you can install is a good work bench with a decent sized vice. I made both of mine out of 1/4" thick 3" angle iron. The heavier the better.

If I had the room, I'd opt for a two post lift. There are some things that are just miserable to do on the floor, and when you get late in the day, rolling under the car for the 20th time gets old.

I think a good set of wrenches, a drill press, 1/2" hand drill, bench grinder, angle grinder, and all the normal tools are a minimum (wire brushes, plastic mallets, etc.). Aluminum jack, set of jackstands, etc.

I've always really wanted a bandsaw. I don't quite have the room right now, but at some point I'd like to have one.

Down the road, I'd say a MIG welder and then a TIG welder are worthwhile. Then a small lathe and a good sized mill pretty much round out anything you'd ever need.

Paint the floors... U-Coat-it or something similar. Makes cleanup later sooooo easy.

4 post lift with jacking plates in case you need the wheels off the ground convenience of a 2 post lift.

Lights, lots of lights.

A/C and heat so you can work year round.

dedicated storage space


thats a good starter list.

Rick

Well… after several months of work taking over, I’ve decided to follow through on what I’ve started. Based on recommendations I’ve gotten, I think this is a decent list of things to include when finishing. I have short list of tools at the bottom that I’ll target, but I’m focusing on the permanent fixtures / finishing necessary for the garage structure. It was suggested to get things that will be used… one of the benefits I have is proximity to family with shops. Small machine work is only ¼ mile away, major fab and painting work only 2 miles.

Constraints
*Have to keep it a 2 car garage (after all , I need a place for the Dino while I work on the Audis)
*Low ceiling
*Cannot change “garage” dimensions

General Finishing
*Electricity
-Sub panel in garage
-Outlets every 4 ft (alternate breakers, use GFCI)
-Some outlets on ceiling
*Lighting
-Fluorescent lights (newer electronic ballasts)
-Flush mounted in ceiling (due to low ceiling)
-Flush mounted in wall?
-White walls
*Surface finishes
-Insulate walls and ceiling
-Finish walls and ceiling / paint white for lighting
-Seal / coat floor
*HVAC
-Window mount heat pump
*Plumbing
-Sink and drain
-Air lines
*Work surface / storage
-Work bench
-Dirty bench
-Good vice
-Cabinets mounted at front (away from vehicles due to space)
*Lift
-Low rise lift (not necessarily necessary, but I do already have one so…)

Tools / accessories suggested include – toolbox, air compressor, air tools, welder, parts cleaner, engine hoist, radio, etc.

Thanks for all the suggestions,
Chris

Pizzaman said:

Oh man, I would love a 2 car detached garage. It just screams "Mancave"

My thoughts, insulate that baby cause New England winters are COLD! Stick in one of those gas heaters if you can.
You got to get yourself a lift. 2 post or 4 post.
And don't forget TOOLS!!!



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