building a studio

["simon brown" <moonsong@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Howard,

I don't know if you had considered using wet processes to keep the dust at a
minimum, but allowance for drainage should feature in planning. Ideally, a
sloping floor and a covered central gutter lead to a sump where the paturina
settles from the water for later removal. The grit-free water can be
recirculated using an electric pump.

Dust removal should also be planned- a simple method I have used is to
install a large extraction fan with blanket insulation over the inlet to
catch the dust inside the shop. There are commercial units that catch the
dust at the source using flexible overhead inlets or 'dust tables' where the
inlet is mounted under a slotted bench, however these are more expensive.

I keep everything off the floor in my shop so I can clean it easily.
Powerpoints are overhead- I use a folding shop crane for lifting. (George
Graham's lifting rail with a monkey and chain block is an excellent idea,
but I don't have the headroom). My workbenches are portable and stack
together to save room. I have silenced blades in my saws to keep the noise
down.

Have you checked the local regulations for operating a business from home?
Some places don't allow commercial activity from residential zoning, unless
it's a hobby- then you may have the neighbours to consider.

Do you have access to 3-phase power? A lot of properties have it running
past in the street, and it can be connected for a moderate fee depending on
the distance to be run. 3-phase gives more grunt for stone-working machines.

Good luck,
Simon