Garage Shop: Tools

It depends on what gauge wire is coming into the main panel. My little shop has a 200 amp subpanel that is fed from the main panel, but I had to run new wire through the gooseneck to the main to handle it. It could get pricey if you need a new run from the pole, but the likelihood of that is slim unless the house is very old. As an example, mine was from the 60's and didn't need a new run to the pole.

 

may be worth getting quote for both based on my needs I guess. Mine was built in 87. If I can just run 200 off the house that will be great. Just have to check gauge of wire to house.

 

Probably already been over this but can anyone point me toward a good quality drill and battery’s? I’m not much of a dewalt guy so scratch that. I currently have a Hercules from harbor freight and it’s about 4 years old, and starting to lose its power won’t sink a screw anymore. Recommendations?

 

The milwaukee stuff is probably the most recommended. But really whether you go milwaukee, dewalt, ryobi, makita, ect I would just look at other tool offerings from them for any other potential thing you want. Once you start down one battery eco system it makes sense to stick with it.

I use my milwaukee m12 fuel impact driver and drill the most. Nice small light weight and plenty of power for most home owner type tasks. Depending what all you need to drill (like through steel or large holes) and screw in (wood screws vs lag bolts) it is a good option.

I have ryobi brushless 18v stuff when I need a bit more power. I've been quite happy with it especially for the tools I'm only using occasionally

 

Ordered the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8” ratchet.

450 RPM on the new model! Glad I waited.

 

I've been very happy with the Rigid 18v. They caught me with the lifetime warranty even on the batteries. That said, Milwaukee has a better assortment of tools and is equal if not slightly better in quality. For 12v tools, Milwaukee all the way. Dewalt and Makita are not the same quality they used to be.

 

Milwaukee, Rigid, and Ryobi ar all owned by ITT

for me Milwaukee has a good mix of tools that work for me

 

There’s an entire thread on Milwaukee. Very few complaints. Mostly folks are very happy.

 

It depends do you need another 200amp service at your location??

I run 1 Two Hundred amp panel and 3 100 amp panels off my 200 Amp Service Just to make things easier and have 240 VAC outlets all over the shop .

I never even come close to maxing out the 200Amp service for the most being alone.

 

Just make sure the panel in the garage has a main breaker cut off if it comes from the house.

My shop has 100amp service with no cut off, total BS, I hate walking 300ft to kill power, I will be upgrading that panel soon.

 

I will have I’d guess roughly 60-80 going at one time In shop on current setup. Plasma, 80 gallon compressor, table, and lights.

I want to add a mini split and other odd ends such as grinder and such.

please note that my shop is 25x25x10 and very well insulated with 2” closed cell insulation.

 

Comparison video. First I’ve seen.

https://youtu.be/mXNivxhSZfs

 

Well first quote done, $6300 for a 100’ pull from the pole to 200 amp box inside. F that.

May have to sacrifice and run a 100 amp sub panel before I pay that for this small building. They need to wire the whole thing for that.

 

Did they give a breakdown of the cost? Trench and conduit is probably a large chunk of the cost

 

Omg, that’s insane. Do you have a buddy that can do it as a side job?

 

If you were closer I’d bring the trencher over and rip it for you.

 

honestly I’m thinking of just doing everything, getting inspected and then letting power company take it from there. To run the service drop.

 

I work at a Caterpillar. We have access to toro trenchers. I could that that, but probably just let the power run through the air.

I think for in ground service I have to dig 18” trench, and have 3” conduit for POCO to run the service through to meter.

correct me if I’m wrong.

 

I did my own when building my shop and my house. Just do a lot of research and find someone to do a once over before calling for the power.
Crazy as it sounds we do not have an electrical inspection but we have a plumbing inspection.

 

Sub terrain power for us has to be at least 36". If it is not, the power company will not hook up the power.