Pete Bergstrom wrote:
Last winter I used lamps to slightly warm my mill and lathe over the
cold period when I don't use the shop (to keep the condensation problem
down). I'm doing that right now, but the light bulbs burn out and even
when working they make a nice glow that escapes the garage, probably
alerting the up-to-no-good-types that there's something of value in there.

I've been looking for coffee-cup warmers, which I've read will do
something similar as they put out about 25 watts of heat. They don't
seem to be around anymore.

These can not be used unless the coils are immersed in liquid
(otherwise they burn out) and besides you can not FULLY immerse them so
the duration of heat will be very short before you need to add liquid
or unplug them.

Any other suggestions? I have a Model Engineer's Workshop issue from a
few years ago that has a DIY thermostat and heater project, but I'd just
as soon use something cheap and ready-made.

I just picked-up a used Corona kerosene heater for my shop. It starts
and runs well and is independant of outside power. Although I like it
for my use I don't know what the economics will look like yet (compared
to electric or propane). Another good manufacturer is Kero-Sun.
The simple, lower hassel, solution would be one of those oil filled
electric heaters which look like an old time radiator; they never get
hot enough to ignite things that come their way. And they work great.

dennis
in nca