New workshop

Dan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 01:18 AM

I was in need of a work shop as building bikes outgrew the garage and running to the cellar to use power tools was getting old. I tried to rent space at local storage places but they do not allow work to be done there. The cheapest garage to rent was $400 a month so I thought I would buy an old camper or try to find one (free stuff on Craigslist, there are normally a few). Take off the camper and make a towable workshop. Last month I noticed this old horse trailer and asked the guy next to it if it was for sale or could be. His exact words; "If you can get it out of here, you can have it." It was full to the roof with tree limbs and mulch. It took me a day to clean it out.

Towed it to the back yard today and am one happy camper!

Now I need to figure out electricity (It is parked a ways out) and windows.
For now am thinking cheap solar for lighting, Smarthome Solar Powered Floodlight, White - 740121 at The Home Depot
and a small engine and alternator/car battery for power tools.
$ thing, but some day go all solar with it. dunno. Any thoughts?

stude13 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 01:43 AM

hi; that is coool and the price is right. ive noticed on cr in seattle there are motorhomes for free. lucky you. mitch

**fairracing31** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 03:38 PM

I've seen some solar shop light's just like the one you have a link to at harbor frieght for $30.00....How far is it from a outlet?? for the price of one solar light you could get one heck of a long extension cord... Look's like it would be a great workshop...nice find

Dan · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 11:38 AM

Is only 100 feet or so from an outlet and would be the best answer for sure, Fair. I would have to bury the line though. Or maybe just run a cord out when needed. LOL, I have grown to know what ever I do just for now, will be there tomorrow too.

My big concern is having to do any thing before just turning on the coffee maker in the morning!

NEAT TIMES · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 08:12 PM

Ya Dan, That Temporary Stuff Often Last For 20 Yrs.

DOC BOLM · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 10:32 PM

Dan On my trailers i use solar to charge a 12 volt deep cycle battery,which runs into a 1400 watt inverter to run my lights,drill ,saws etc.In the long run ,green power will save you alot.Harleys Dad

Easy Rider · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 02:15 AM

Nice Dan! I have a trailer too and I have a generator or a cord to power up my A/C, lights, TV and some power tools but since you're only a hundred feet from an outlet, it would be quieter and easier to run a long 10 or 12 gauge extension cord.

OzzyU812 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stude13

hi; that is coool and the price is right. ive noticed on cr in seattle there are motorhomes for free. lucky you. mitch

I donated a Motorhome in Seatle! '73 Gran Villa

deacon · #9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 09:22 PM

I vote extension cord.. I'm not very green minded..Plus big reel on the back of your bike... Just hook it up at the house and ride down trailing cord behind you..