setting up a studio

[Robin Putnam <rputnam@zzzzzzz>]

Norman,

I have the same thoughts on this as does George.  His last post tells us
about a minimalist type of approach.  I, too, have an I beam......rated
to hold 4 tons but since I put it atop 2 telephone pole halves (
telephone poles are free around here if they are used)  buried 4 feet in
the ground we all figure it will hold more as the poles are spaced 16
feet apart ( 8 ft from center each direction) and the beam is 30 feet
long.  The beam is about 22'' tall and about 10'' wide.  Cost 250 new
and I had it bolted to the telephone poles and to the sides of the
studio frame  My chain hoist was a freebie and is rated for 3 tons and
the trolley it runs on was about 150.  I have 2 grinders and one chop
saw, a couple of braided straps for the chain hoist, 2 sculpture stands,
a homemade work bench and my assortment of air hammers (3) chisels,
files and sandpaper.   While I love checking out all kinds of tools and
gadgets I have been extremely happy with what I have and have been
merrily carving like this for a few years.......even my
compressor......not the biggest or the best but works for me and at
least 2 other carvers........and as time goes on I can always add to
what I have if needed.......

~Robin