4 replies to this topic

[TCblastmaster]

I know there have been posts in relation to pyro workshops- ie legal requirements, etc.

However, having considered the construction, safety and security side of things (complying as far as one can, not being an owner of acres and acres of land), I am now at the point of planning what specifications I can seriously consider for a 9' x 6' 6" structure. Therefore this is more a case of asking for possible inclusions to this extremely modest erection of mine.

So far I have decided on heating from two 60W sealed tube heaters ( greenhouse type) from a remote mains feed- a necessity for our busiest time of the year. The structure will be extremely well insulated, so these will keep the temperature at around 12-13 degrees C. Lighting will be a fully enclosed fluorescent unit.

I will also include ducting for a star-drying cabinet adapted from a microwave motor, fan and turntable and some mesh splashguards from LIDL to create a multi-tier construction (electrical components isolated). Lockable storage will be located on the opposite side (near the door). Fuels, colourants, other additives, and PPE will be stored here. Oxidizers are stored elsewhere in a secure location. Believe it or not, finished items (bar the fusing) are stored in a double-locked, steel gun cabinet inherited from my late Father- you'd need an oxyacetylene torch to breach it!!!

The construction of the workshop itself will be of cement blocks, roof probably tiled, and it will have a doubleglazed polycarbonate window to provide natural light and a shatterproof structural weakness should an accident occur. The door will be metal-lined, inward opening and oversized to ensure maximum strength on three sides of the building. Anti static, sparkproof, flooring will also be installed. Anything electrical will be isolated in such a way as to not present any spark hazard within the vicinity.

Given the small scale of this construction, any ideas about what would be on your wish list?
Sorry, there will not be room for a bed-settee for entertaining the type of ladies my wife may not approve of - perhaps worth considering should I decide to add an extension.

TC

[BigBang]

"this extremely modest erection of mine"



TC

Well, the first thing i like to say is you are very brave to admit to the above, not sure what it has to do with the subject tho!!

But seriuosly, one thing which i think is essential is an efficient extractor fan, to get rid of any dust particals floating around. I forgot to include this in my 'shed' and have to rely on an open window and a breeze!

[Creepin_pyro]

You might get a few ideas from this workshop at WPAG:

http://www.wpag.us/Workshop.htm

Also possibly consider some sort of humidity control, the English weather being as it is... This should also help with drying stars etc. Dehumidifying units can be found relatively cheap.

[TCblastmaster]

Thanks for those suggestions BigBang and Creepin Pyro.

An efficient extractor fan is certainly on my list and I am working on ways of isolating the motor from the atmosphere because of its spark potential.

I will also be getting a hygrometer. I hope that with effective damp-proofing and low level heating, humidity should not be a problem. Obviously with more sensitive compositions a more humid atmosphere would be beneficial.

TC

[Caramanos2000]

Brushless motor. I have several for spudgun and propane chamber ventilation.