Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] OT: Intro + Q:Selecting workshop heater

Marco,

Welcome. This is a marvelous place for learning and recreation. I can't
help much on the machining front, but I too have a cold garage to work in.
I started out with an electric radiant heater, but quickly found that I
could only keep one side warm and the "shadowed" side was always way too cold.

If you can choose between propane and kerosene, I recommend propane. I
have a 65,000 BTU kerosene torpedo-type heater that does a marvelous job of
heating the two-car garage in the coldest weather that we get in northern
Ohio. A smaller unit would do nicely. But our garage is attached to the
house and no matter what type of kerosene I buy - it stinks. Not real bad,
but not real pleasant either, and not appreciated by others in the house.
Propane is cleaner, and often less expensive.

Both fuels produce water vapor as a product of combustion and everything,
especially your tools and machinery, in the garage will be "cool",
especially when you are starting the warm-up, so condensation can (will) be
a problem. A vented heater would be preferable to minimize condensation
but adds to the cost and complexity of the installation. If cost is no
problem (isn't it always though?) I would opt for a permanently installed
natural gas fired, vented heater.

Either way though, insulating the garage will pay off in a big way making
it much more comfortable.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

At 03:43 PM 12/19/00 -0000, you wrote:

>Hello gang--
>Now, on with the (trivial) question. Unfortunately, it's not a CAD,
>CAM, EDM, or even a DRO question. However, I'm sure many people here
>have experience in this: I'm converting my garage to a workshop, but
>it's pretty darned cold in there. I want to get a little Propane or
>Kerosene heater, but don't really know what's the better choice. If
>anyone has any opinions on the matter, I'd appreciate hearing them.