In preparing for the next phase of a project, we started cleaning out/up my workshop, which included looking into as many boxes/bags/whatnot so we could put things where they really belonged.    I came across of set of Freud Router Bits I purchased a couple of years ago and could never locate once they went into the shop.  When I opened the box, I noticed that some of the shafts had surface rust.   Nothing major, but it was there.

So, I began to wonder, with all this heat and humidity we're experiencing this past week, what do others do to condition the environment in their workshop.  My shop is a room inside the two-car garage.  It's on the small side, 13x17, but, just barely, enough room to work. Since it is the garage, there was never any conditioning to begin with and I know I never installed anything other than a window fan.  I the winter I use an electric heater but during the summer, it is what it is...  Instead of ducting some of the house AC out there, I had thought of some kind of dehumidifier. 

It's not my comfort I am concerned about, it's the tools and wood.

Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

I admit that I don't have a shop.  However, I have been using dehumidifiers constantly for the last four years.  I, just me would not be without a dehumidifier either in the house or in a workshop.  Yes they do use electricity, but they also make the areas more comfortable during humid periods.  It is even better if your situation would allow you to get one that has a built in pump so that you could hook up a hose or tube and have it discharge to the outside.

Face it, if you could work in your shop with the door closed, and going outside you found 55% humidity, and then walked into you shop and had 45% humidity, you would be more comfortable.

Two cents worth.

Peter

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences with the dehumidifiers and the A/C unit.

Earlier today, I was reading some reviews on the dehumidifiers and the opinions are all over the place.

That Mitsubishi A/C unit idea sounds interesting too.

Oh yes, Steve, we know it. 

Last week all the wood doors on, and most in, the house were sticking.  Even though we take extreme precaution to paint every surface of a door, with at least two coats of primer and two coats of finish.  (top, bottom, sides and yes, even under the hinges and plates)  They are still sticking.  I can only imagine how much the wood in the shop has "moved".  Two weeks ago, we picked up some cheap oak veneered plywood and it never even made it into the shop.  It's still sitting in the kitchen because of the humidity.

Since I posted my message about the dehumidifiers, I have been thinking about the A/C unit. It does have some merit; even with a $400+ monthly electric bill during these hot summer months.   

Regarding a conditioned environment for Wood Materials the ideal humidity levels are to be between 25% and 55%.  Once you get out of this range the following may potentially happen:

humidity below 25% - materials contract
humidity above 55% - materials expand

This a standard provided by the Architectural Woodwork Institute or AWI. 

Greaaat....  That's 2 grand I had not planned on spending anytime soon. 

field trip

Well, this is a perfectly good reason for an inspection trip, say, the first week in November. 

 

Is that really what it costs??
Anyone using this?
This could solve a few problems back at the ranch if its cost effective!

Well, ask yourself what it would cost for just an equivalent window-shaker plus a small furnace.  I hate to think what it would cost to replace the heat pump at home. 

 

By the way, an air-conditioned "shop" can rightfully be called a "studio".

Hi Jesse,  If I ever call this a studio, then it means that I have become an "artiste".