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Motorcycle shop layout

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Koncretekid:
I recently received an image posted on Pinterest that showed somebody's idea of a 12' x 20' motorcycle shop.  My impression was that most requirements were present, but not in the right place.  Because a space of this size is probably all that a lot of home motorcycle mechanics have, I thought I'd show my ideas.

The first problem with the above mentioned post that I saw was that there was no man-door which is against all building codes and is dangerous, as you cannot get out of a garage that only has an overhead door.  I've also added a window because two of my shops do not have one and getting rid of unwanted smoke or paint fog is impossible.

So with the following illustration, I have shown a clean area at the opposite end of the shop from the dirty operations.  Welding, cutting, bead blasting, grinding, and sanding just create a huge amount of grit, unsuitable for motor rebuilding.  Also, it is convenient to have the air compressor close to the equipment that needs it - - the blast cabinet, and maybe painting.  And keep it close to the exterior door so you can take a portable sandblasting pot outside to blast a frame or whatever.

As for the rest of the shop, I am always running out of bench space, so put in as much bench space in as possible.  You can store lots of things below the benches and on shelves above the benches.  I show a small lathe, like a 9-20 Asian one of which I have two and which will do most of what you need for a bike.  I also have a mill-drill which I've not shown, but you can get a lathe with a milling attachment which will allow slotting of holes, etc.  I've also shown a welder, which I could not do without,  close to the outside door so you can do some outdoor work on your tractor or whatever.

In the motor rebuilding area, I show a parts washer, motor stand, and peg boards for special tools, as well as corner cabinets that hole additional special tools for motor work. I've shown two vises in the shop because I find I always I need a vise when the other one is in use.  One of the vises can be a small clamp-on type but handy for cutting a bolt or something.

Another thing that I have used is a temporary partition that allows me to use modern two-part paint without painting the entire contents of the shop.  (If you've ever used these new paints, you know what I'm talking about.) I simply put a 2 x 4 stud up above the OH door channels and staple a plastic sheet to separate the spaces.  I even run an electric heater in the smaller space so I can paint in colder weather. I then put another plank, like a 2 x 6, to support whatever I'm painting (like a frame), with rebar tie wire. You also need lots of lights (never enough).

Any suggestions?

Tom

sabat:
Love it, but where is the storage for the 9000 spares and crapola you plan to use someday? :)

Merrrry Christmas to all you parts hoarders out there. See you at the track.

Dean

RidgeRunner:
     If I'm ever able to build a shop piping in the concrete floor for a radiant hot water heating system will be a priority.  Tugging on cold wrenches working on cold equipment in cold and damp environments isn't fun for me now, been there and done that way too often during my working years.  Orient the building and all windows possible to take advantage solar gain from any Southern exposure available, surprising what a difference it makes with a well insulated building.  Figure the roof overhang to shade the interior when the sun is higher during the warmer months.

     Hope to catch up with you at Loring again in July.

                     Ed

WhizzbangK.C.:
Beer fridge, (creativity lubricant only, not for use while actual work is going on. :cheers: ) sink with hot and cold running water (amazing how useful that is once you experience it), stereo system (no TV, too distracting, music helps me stay focused).

donpearsall:
That is a pretty efficient layout Tom. I had to build all my bikes in a single car garage like that for years, then bought a whole new house just so I could get a 3 car garage!
My only suggestion is that everything possible should be on casters so you can move things around and out of the way.

As for storage, there is always the extra 2 feet above the garage overhead door. That is wasted space that could have hanging shelves for the boxes of parts and supplies.

Don

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