Winter in Woodshop???

[Oldwildcat]

Ok I have a question, My workshop is in my very small garage. The garage is not heated and I'm planing on using a kerosine heater for the winter, My question is that I'm going to build some cupboards and what do you think if I insulate one well and keep a small 60watt bulb on in it would it keep the stains and poly from freezing? The garage is not attached so keeping these things in the apartment is a horrible option. Do you think a 60 watt bulb will do the job? I don't believe the heat will be dangerous but would like other alternatives if you know any. thanks Wildcat

[wood-n-things]

I think that would work fine. Would you place it close to the bottom of the cupboard, as heat rises? I'd want it insulated so that only one side is open and immobile not swinging free. Share some pics with us.

[Mick Walker]

Wildcat, you could try it with a thermometer to see how warm the bulb keeps it. I would be a little leery of a kerosene heater with fine sawdust around in a small place.

[wood-n-things]

Mick I think his kerosene heater may be the enclosed no flame style. I hope so. No open flames in a scroll saw shop/wood working shop...

[ncsealeveler]

A 25 watt may be enough,like stated above check with a thermometer.Locals around here use a 100 watt for pump boxes down to the teens.
Tony

[ubgoofy2003]

Hey, Wildcat, that sounds like it would be OK to try. My Dad used to put a trouble light inside his truck hood to keep it warm enough for easier starting in the mornings. Just be careful of the bulb touching anything. Good Luck.

[Ron Standley]

I agree, a 60 watt bulb should be plenty. As suggested use a thermometer, refrigerator temp thingy, etc. And see if lower wattage would work.

When I was growing up in Spokane, Wa, we also used a trouble light under the hood. Outside temps below zero sometimes.

[NC Scroller]

If heating with Kerosene make sure you install a carbon monoxide alarm.

[Kepy]

I have used a kerosene heater in the shop with no problems. I only use it when I am in the shop and don't leave it on when I leave. To protect paints and stains, I found an old refrigerator box and it works fine without a light but that would work also. I found a used appliance dealer who sells older units for scrap and sold me the box for $15. I wanted a freezer box but he didn't have one available.

[Rolf]

I agree with Scott be very careful with the heater. Even with plenty of ventilation they always gave me vicious headaches. I put in an electric ceiling heater, no flames and no CO

[Oldwildcat]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm biulding a shed this week and the cupboards next week, and yea I'll post some pics. As far as the light gonna try a 60 Watt bulb. as far as insulation I think I'll use the same foam panals I'm puting on the garage door. I figure I can jusy spray glue it to the inside of one cupboard. I will put a Carbon Monoxide alarm in the garage tho as poor as the door fits the wind might blow it down lol.

[clayton717]

I use a kerosene heater in my shop with no problems. I also use to use a small refrigerator(no longer working) to keep my glue and finishes from freezing. I just removed the motor and coils, drilled a hole and put an outlet in the bottom of the fridge and use a couple night lights to keep it warm. It works very well, since it is already insulated. Have not had anything freeze.

[NC Scroller]

I use a kerosene heater in my shop with no problems. I also use to use a small refrigerator(no longer working) to keep my glue and finishes from freezing. I just removed the motor and coils, drilled a hole and put an outlet in the bottom of the fridge and use a couple night lights to keep it warm. It works very well, since it is already insulated. Have not had anything freeze.

An old dishwasher will do as a refrigerator and best of all it installs under a bench.