[Greenbuilding] ventilating a tiny shop space

[Brian Milani]

Hi,

In our almost complete reno of an old semi in Toronto, I am converting 
an old basement Cold Room into a small workshop, for mainly 
woodworking.  The basement is now well-insulated, and has a new radiant 
floor.
I am having trouble finding reliable information on ventilation for the 
shop.

The proposed shop is very small---8 feet by 10 or 11 feet--and has no 
windows.  I want to be able to close the door and keep dust out of the 
rest of the house.  I'll be using mainly small tools, and a small table 
saw and perhaps a compound miter saw.  So a shop vac (along with 
whatever comes with the tools) will be my main dust collection system, 
and I'll be using a respirator when doing my cuts, routing and sanding.  
But intuitively, one would think that bringing in some fresh air would 
be a good idea too.

Some people have proposed a simple larger-capacity bathroom exhaust 
fan.  Others on the web seem to say that a second fan, to draw in supply 
air, is necessary.  A fellow from a local industrial supply store has 
told me that we don't need fresh air, just a slick air cleaner like this
http://www.general.ca/site_general/g_produits/dust_collector/10-550.html
which is recirculating, and doesn't require makeup air or change the 
room temperature.

I've seen advice for larger home workshops, but, much of it doesn't seem 
relevant to my situation.  Especially after finishing the reno, building 
some storage, etc., the shop will be for occasional use.  And I haven't 
seen much advice for such small shops, except for Bob Villa recommending 
an exhaust fan, without elaborating about size, makeup air, etc.

Besides the new radiant floor, we have a new heating system---rads with 
a little radiant flooring--along with a new HRV and ventilation system.

Any suggestions for inexpensive ventilation measures that would work for 
this small workshop?

                            Brian M., Toronto

-- 
Brian Milani
www.GreenEconomics.net