Moisture in Shop

[GunnySnow]

Hello All,

I just moved my shop from a nice attached 24'x20' (insulated & heated) garage to a 2 story 17'x30' (uninsulated and non-heated) garage

I am going to convert it to forced air gas, but am wondering what to do in the meantime in regards to the moisture?

Meaning that I have notice some hand tools just starting to rust. You know that fine powdery rust that just starts to form.

I am storing all of my heavy equipment in a heated storage unit for the time being.

Any solutions for the moisture issue?

If I insulate and vapour barrier/drywall are things going to be ok?
can I use a de-humidifier for now?

Any suggestions would be great

Thanks in advance


GunnySnow

[shaque]

Hey Gunny;
Had my shop dry walled and vapour barrier, painted white (don't know how long thats going to last) and heat with a contractors portable electric heater, expensive as hell to operate, but, I'm comfortable and everything is dry, so if you can afford it, insulate and drywall, Oh yeah, forgot, insulated with "ROXALL"(spelling?) usual disclaimers. Nice and warm in the winter, and as seeing I'm only anout an hour north of you, it should work for you. LONG WIND TURNED OFF...
Jim http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net//biggrin.gif

[Rich Carlstedt]

Get a dehumidifier.
Any moisture level over 56 % is danger..
so monitor it if you can

[Cass]

If you keep the building warmer than the outside air temperature you will not have a condensation problem. Get some electric space heaters if nothing else. Insulation and closing up holes ot make the space more air tight will make it less expensive to heat. Vapor barrier is not very important except for reducing infiltration of air colder than outside air.

[Oso]

Stop cleaning your tools so well. A slightly oily tool is usually a happy tool.

OK planes might not be too cool to have oil on the soleplates of....wax 'em.

[Michael Az]

One quick and easy thing you can do temporaly that will help is to set up a fan or two and leave them running.
Michael

[nheng]

You may also want to avoid ventless gas heaters since they add to the room's moisture.

A dew point chart might help you to avoid temperature / humidity combinations which will cause moisture on tool surfaces.

Keeping the tools warmed up a bit (small lamp in the bottom of a metal cabinet) can help with the dew point control.

Den

[debequem]

Insulate, vapor barrier, and finish the inside. If required, use a dehumidifier and a ceiling fan helps, too.

I painted my walls bright white. They clean reasonably well, but more important, they reflect light well. This really brightens up the room which improves visibility considerably. It also improves mood. Add some Plexiglas splash guards in messy areas.

[Paul Gauthier]

For rust prevention on hand tools and table type tools (table saws, jointer, planer, B/ports and lathe, etc) I use a product called "Top Coat". I get it at Woodworkers Warehouse, but I am sure it is available elsewhere like Home Depot etc. Wonderful stuff, spray it on and let dry, then buff lightly, or not, doesn't really matter, and voila!! no rust. It is also very very slick so reduces friction for almost effortless use of table saws etc.

My shops are heated by warm air oil furnace. In summer I have two A/C's, so I am usually comfortable. A goal is for central heat and a/c. Should have a Dehumidifier and will have one shortly.

Use any means nessessary to eliminate condesation on tools and moisture in the air.

------------------
Paul G.

[This message has been edited by Paul Gauthier (edited 09-03-2003).]

[GunnySnow]

Hello All,


How do I test the concrete to see if it has moisture coming through it?
I am thinking about sealing it with an epoxy type coating (antislip)

please let me know

Michael

[Oso]

Put down a sheet of plastic, held down around the edges. Leave it overnite or better, for 24 hours to get all daily temp conditions.

If there is significant water visible on the plastic or a damp spot on the concrete, you have a moisture problem.

[GunnySnow]

Thanks for the tips

Gunny