I just cant decide(Workshop)

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I just cant decide: Epoxy the floor, or lay down OSB.

Epoxy makes things easier to clean, and makes thngs look more like a professional shop, but at the cost of comfort and possible pealing.

OR I could lay down Oriented Strand Board(SOB.. opps I mean OSB) which makes things a tad more comfortable, but I am concerned about fire risk as well as the splintering.

But Epoxy means I am going to have to pressure wash my garage to get it squeaky clean... where as OSB means that I wont...

But OSB means Ill lose a couple inches of clearance, due to the sleepers, about 2in off a 8-9ft ceiling.




Also alittle off topic, but in regards to the shop: I was thinking of putting my saw on a mobile basem but remembered that I have a set of holes in the bottom of my saw that look like they are for casters, is that what they are for? (Delta 14" BS) I doubt they were to save money, because they are definately milled for some reason. The only casters I can find at the cheapo store are rated @ 100lbs each. Would this hold, since 100x4=400... 200 more than the saw...?

 

[newrider3]

Don't put down osb on your floor, that will just make it hell to clean if you spill any sort of liquid, and it will eventually splinter also, doesn't make much sense for a garage. Just lay down the epoxy, you will get a much better work surface that will be easy to clean, and look much nicer for a long time.


I think the casters would be fine, just make sure they are locking, so the machine isn't all over the place when you go to use it.

 

[devino246]

First off, OSB is just a bunch of wood chips glued together. Even if you paint it, its gonna look like crap and spilling any liquid will cause it to double in size. Properly applied epoxy will never peal. Im pretty sure pressure washing isnt required before applying epoxy. I do know you do have to apply some chemicals to the floor to get rid of grease and other contaminates. My vote: epoxy. You'd be an idiot to go with OSB. Im sure your local fire department and home insurance company would agree. I dont see why you even considered OSB. The only situation that i can think of that warrants laying OSB over concrete is when creating a surface on which to nail hardwood floors.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I may have misphrased it. This is for woodworking, not welding, so that might get rid of some of the "you'd be an idiot to use it" stuff... and there will be no cars, so I am not worried about stuff like that.

What would you recommend? My trouble is that the concrete really gets to my back, knees, and feet when working on projects after a long day. Wood would get rid of some of this. And unfortunately I would be hard-pressed to be able to afford a plywood floor. Considering its almost twice the cost at the local BORG.

 

[crazycart]

Man...your what 15 i think you can put up with some joint pain. Don't mean to be a prick just stop making these threads about this garbage and do something....you answer your own questions in all of these threads.....

 

[freakboy]

get the foam pads that you stand on.. there cheep and should be at home depot and stuff like that.. i have them infront of my drill presses bench grinders tool boxes and benches...

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Man...your what 15 i think you can put up with some joint pain. Don't mean to be a prick just stop making these threads about this garbage and do something....you answer your own questions in all of these threads.....

Flagged, very rude.

I dont answer my questions, I merely added information.

If you dont like the threads that are seeking people's advice, then dont read them, nobody forces you to.

Thank you
Sincerely,
Flex

 

[devino246]

I may have misphrased it. This is for woodworking, not welding, so that might get rid of some of the "you'd be an idiot to use it" stuff... and there will be no cars, so I am not worried about stuff like that.

What would you recommend? My trouble is that the concrete really gets to my back, knees, and feet when working on projects after a long day. Wood would get rid of some of this. And unfortunately I would be hard-pressed to be able to afford a plywood floor. Considering its almost twice the cost at the local BORG.

My "you'd be an idiot" statment still stands. OSB should never be used in applications requiring it to be exposed. OSB is good for sheathing. Thats about it. Wood wont get rid of crap. Suck it up, your not the only one with joint pain. If you cant handle it, then dont spend so much time working. I guarantee you wont be happy with wood garage floors. You should check your local building codes, most places dont allow combustable garage floors.

 

[fowler]

why not just cement floor how bad can it be
besides getting cold that is all it will do

im sure the money can go to somthing more important

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I like a nice cushy workshop. Its much more enjoyable/safer to work in a comfortable climate.

 

[devino246]

I like a nice cushy workshop. Its much more enjoyable/safer to work in a comfortable climate.

You should check your local building codes, most places dont allow combustable garage floors.

 

[brendonv]

Just go concrete man. Toughen up! Im in my shed all day and its fine. If ur still whinging then get some rubber matting and put some down. Makes it a bit easier on the feet. Why would your back hurt when walking on concrete? If anything its just feet. Seriously a wooden floor? I know u say only for woodwork but what if u decide u want it for metal too? Then ur screwed.

BTW the holes on the bottom of ur saw should be for mounting it too the ground. Use dynabolts and bolt it to ur pad.

 

[fowler]

im sure brendon can back me up when i say
if u think walking on concrete cause it is too cold try walking on concrete on a summers day when it is too hot to stand in one spot for a while

 

[Cam]

He does have a valid point, spending a whole day on a concrete floor with work boots does hurt your feet, and with back problems - i mean you guys don't even know, he might have once broken his back for all you know.

Take another look at it from a different angle,

i wear orthipedic soles in my boots, like silicone i think, they work really well, although im due for a boot replacement, maybe you might need one too.

The heel parts on the silicone soles are really worn out, i know how you feel, have had back pain ever since i fell down steps backwards carrying a dishwasher, the pain exists because of the concrete floor but the soles really do work and are not too bad on price.

I would dream to have a concrete floor at home, i think you should stick with it, osb? is that like chip/sh!t/biscuit/strand board? i dont think you should lay that, get it damp and its a nightmare.

I have seen resin done in shops, its not much softer than concrete, right?

Maybe some rubber/silicone matts or some carpet underlay and vinyl, or maybe just a few old vinyl sheets?

I don't think biscuit board or resin would be appropriate, but if it hurts to work than you need to do something about it.

Cheers, Cam.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

He does have a valid point, spending a whole day on a concrete floor with work boots does hurt your feet, and with back problems - i mean you guys don't even know, he might have once broken his back for all you know.

Take another look at it from a different angle,

i wear orthipedic soles in my boots, like silicone i think, they work really well, although im due for a boot replacement, maybe you might need one too.

The heel parts on the silicone soles are really worn out, i know how you feel, have had back pain ever since i fell down steps backwards carrying a dishwasher, the pain exists because of the concrete floor but the soles really do work and are not too bad on price.

I would dream to have a concrete floor at home, i think you should stick with it, osb? is that like chip/sh!t/biscuit/strand board? i dont think you should lay that, get it damp and its a nightmare.

I have seen resin done in shops, its not much softer than concrete, right?

Maybe some rubber/silicone matts or some carpet underlay and vinyl, or maybe just a few old vinyl sheets?

I don't think biscuit board or resin would be appropriate, but if it hurts to work than you need to do something about it.

Cheers, Cam.

Finally someone that doesnt chew my ear off... lol

But yea, I try to wear work boots when ever possible, due to the fact that I have had one too many nails punch into my shoe... and go up between my toes... lol.. talk about close for comfort..

No broken back here. Just flat feet.

Yea, OSB can also be spelled as SOB, indicating its difficulty to work with. But, unless I see something cheap, than its all I can do.

I emailed someone who is a semi-retired engineer, to see if he knows anything regarding the subject. Because it merely says "surface" On a floor like I would be adding, there are two surfaces, a walking surface, and a subfloor surface.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

I have OSB for my shop floors. My shop used to be a sun porch, and OSB was the cheapest thing i could use to cover up all the cracks in the floor. It actually is holding up okay, there are plenty of stains, but its not the end of the world. When i have to weld i simply lay down some sheet metal. I would take a cement floor anyday, but this was really my only option.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I have OSB for my shop floors. My shop used to be a sun porch, and OSB was the cheapest thing i could use to cover up all the cracks in the floor. It actually is holding up okay, there are plenty of stains, but its not the end of the world. When i have to weld i simply lay down some sheet metal. I would take a cement floor anyday, but this was really my only option.

Huh... thats actually intresting that it has worked for ya.. since everyone else says stay clear.

 

[newrider3]

My workbench has an OSB top and shelves...about all I would use it for in the shop. Anywhere any oil got on it is stained, and I've come pretty close to lighting it on fire when welding something clamped in my vise (there are little burn marks where the spatter has hit the table).

There is really no reason to put down OSB on your floor, unless you are going to carpet it, or put down tile, hardwood, or vinyl. That is for inside your house, not your shop. A smooth concrete surface is much more versatile and easy to clean. If it were your only choice, as in Kaptain's situation, then go for it. But you already have good concrete, which IMO is the best case scenario for a shop.

 

[devino246]

Kap'n, does you shop have a garage door? Its probably doesnt which means its technically not a garage. OSB in a garage is against building code. Violating building code is a TERRIBLE idea. If you end up doing it, you'll probably end up have to tear it up. Heres something constructive: http://americangaragefloor.com/ Look for some alternative ideas. PVC floor tiles or mats would be perfect.

On a side note, SOB? its not hard at all to work with.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Kap'n, does you shop have a garage door? Its probably doesnt which means its technically not a garage. OSB in a garage is against building code. Violating building code is a TERRIBLE idea. If you end up doing it, you'll probably end up have to tear it up. Heres something constructive: http://americangaragefloor.com/ Look for some alternative ideas. PVC floor tiles or mats would be perfect.

On a side note, SOB? its not hard at all to work with.

I mean working with it in terms of swelling, splintering, etc. All common complaints.


I may verywell just put down mats near my tools and use that extra money toward a tool (router table/outfeed table, planner, jointer, et cetra)