Metal / Welding Shop Suggestions Needed

[CNCCajun]

Metal / Welding Shop Suggestions Needed

Looking for suggestions on size & shape of building for metal shop.

I will soon have a 4'X4' CNC Plasma Table. Since I need a place to operate it, I will be building a small shop . . . about 600 square feet total.

It will be a metal building sitting at the end of my driveway . .

OPTION # 1
20' wide X 30' long with 10' sides / enclosed with 2 walk doors & a 8' roll-up @ each end?

or

OPTION # 2
20' wide X 20' long with 10' sides / enclosed with 2 walk doors & a 8' roll-up & a 20' X 10' covered front open area.

Basically, is a covered area of any value in a metal/welding shop? or should it be all enclosed with doors at both ends for ventilation?

I would be plasma cutting, welding, light fabricating, metal art, metal signs?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I gather you live in LA. not near me in WI. LOL

Dick Z

add: There is a guy near me who does most of his fabricating work outside his shop door, even often in winter. I don't know how he can work all bundled up. It can get pretty nasty here in winter but he keeps plugging away.

[kbenz]

mines 30x40 and not near big enough

[DareBee]

I have a 20 x 30 shop/garage (mancave) at home.
I couldn't envision a serious fabricator being happy for long with that little space.

Build 20 x 30 and if you want to work outside, throw an additional tent or awning out there.