what type of heat??

[SkipHeck]

I just signed to buy a new house that has a detached 2 car garage with a second level. It is not heated but I want to heat it so I can start a project. My question is what type of heat would be best/safest for boat building, I have electric and gas available. I wouldn't want to create a fire hazard. Thanks

[Ian McColgin]

Gas is almost always cheaper to operate. Additionally, if you're in an uninsulated garage and want only occasional localized heat, there are great heaters pioneered in the construction trades that will do the job safely and cost-effectivly.

The one reason for maybe going electric would be if you're going to rewire for 220 anyway to feed some tools. In that case, the lower initial cost of an electric installation coupled with sporadic use might off-set the higher operating cost per useful BTU.

A lot of us, after negotiation with the local fire people, manage to get a combo of electric (maybe) and a wood stove as there is often lots of scrap to burn off.

While you're at it, give close thought to ventilation/dust extraction.

[SkipHeck]

I am building a one man ply hydroplane because thats all I have room for where I am currently living, but when I move (December) I plan on a project in the 15' range. This will also be my first real boat build, ventalation is good, my biggest concern is the flamability of the products that I will be using. Since I haven't had any of the products in my hand to know how flamable they are I thought I'd ask. Thanks for the reply

[Don Z.]

Well, I was going to say you don't want anything whose calibre begins with a number smaller than .4, but I see you're talking a whole different kind of heat.

I'd second the gas nomination. I'm in a similar situation in that I'm building a large (22X40') garage with loft, and will need to heat it. Right now, ventilation is the LEAST of my problems, but that is making it more difficult to heat! Flamibility is a concern, but you haven't said what you will be building in the 15 foot range. If it's epoxy, well, I'd have to check the labels. If it's lapstrake, well, I don't think many Vikings blew themselves up with their open fires. For Varnishing and painting, I like to wait until spring anyway. Much easier to ventilate, but dust is a bit more of a problem.

I think Ian has a point, those small construction heaters will be the most inexpensive to get going. A woodstove, if possible, will be an added benefit later. I guess it all comes down to "how much do you want to spend?

[capt jake]

My vote is for gas. I currently have a Reznor gas heater in the shop, the type that is hung from the ceiling. It is nice to be able to go out there, turn up the thermostat and have it warm within minutes. Ceiling mounted takes up no space as well. They aren't 'cheap' but I feel that they are worth it. ;)

I currently heat only one half of the shop with it. I have an old blower motor out of a forced air gas furnace that I will mount into the wall to blow the heated air into the adjoining space.