Ted wrote:
I am in the process of building a new woodworking shop. Its a new
24x40 pole barn that will have a 24' x 24' well insulated area that
will need to be heated during Michigan winters. I have not put the
floor (concrete) in yet and wonder if it is worth the cost to put in
radiant floor heat? I have a cousin that will help put in the pipeing
under the floor so I only need to pay for materials. I have a propane
gas tank about 50 feet from the barn. Some questions:

1. Is an open gas flame (from a boiler or furnace) a concern with a
lot of sanding and woodcutting?


Sure can be (remember the formula: heat+oxygen+fuel=combustion)


2. Should I built a small separate compartment in the workshop to hold
the furnace or boiler to keep the sawdust, etc away from the flame?


Depends (and this applies to #4 as well)on the system you buy. If I'm
not mistaken, the new gas fired furnaces are essentially "closed"
systems, i.e. they draw their combustion air from outside and then vent
the exhaust outside. If you're firing a boiler vs. forced air, your
problem in #1 is non-existent but I would still worry about dust build
up on the unit. If I were doing this I would certainly create a utility
closet to house the boiler - especially since you're dealing with new
construction.


3. Is radiant floor heat that much better and that much more
economical than other heating options like a forced air furnace?


More even heat that's "just there" no dust blowing around when you're
trying to finish a piece. FA might be nice if you were going to install
AC as well but, what the heck, I have a 9600 BTU unit I mounted through
the wall that chills my 24X13 shop down very quickly. You could do the
same if you install radiant heat.


4. Should I consider a heating system that doesn't vent into the
workshop to avoid burning dust?

With a modern furnace you're pretty much assured of that, I think. The
problem arises with forced air heat where you're drawing in the dust and
distributing it via the system. Think of a big fan blowing over your
shoulder as you sand down a piece.