I installed a 100A 240V 40 breaker panel in my ship that is only
shilghtly larger than yours. I have always found that the incremental
cost to go too large is very small, compared to either the initial
cost, or the cost of upgrading later.

My amperage calculations (if I get it equiped in my dream
configuration).

20A dust collection
30A planer (hogging wide rough stock)
10A lights (fluorescent + incandesent/halogen task lighting)
15A air compressor (kicking on unexpectedly)

60A just wouldn't have cut it....

I used 12-3 wire to dual duplex boxes every 4' and split the phases.
I leapfrogged the outlets so I would have 4 20A circuits every 4' down
the wall. By color coding the outlets (Brown and white) I can easily
verify I didn't plug the band saw into the same circuit as the dust
collector, etc.

--Rick

On Sat, 04 Sep 2004 11:28:49 GMT, steve wrote:

Planning on putting up a garage this fall, that I will use primarily for a
woodworking shop. size is 24x32. 2 car garage with separate smaller
"workshop" extension. will probably use it for storage and finishing.
question is approximatly how much electricity should I use for the shop,
will probably have to have a subpanel from the main house, or might need
separate panel from the pole. any pro con for either. I have a table saw
and lots of hand held tools, but dust collection, air cleaner, and other
stationary tools are in the future. also how many outlets, how close
together etc. of course money is always an issue. will try and do alot of
wiring myself, with electrician doing the actual hookups. any help would
be greatly appreciated..