New Project - Machine Shop

[scuncio]

I've always wanted a commercial property where I can store and work on some cars, and was finally able to purchase something I could afford with enough room and potential to be a functional workspace. This building was a machine shop since the 1940s and went through a few additions but only two owners, ever. The floors are pretty gross and the place is generally filthy after auctioning and moving most of the machines (I kept just a few for my own tinkering).

I'm pretty excited but pretty overwhelmed with the size of the project. What would you guys recommend for the floors? I'm going to need to spend a lot of time degreasing them, and dealing with some spalling and a few divots. I'm thinking about foregoing epoxy and instead, grinding them as best I can and sealing them. I don't think the epoxy will adhere due to the decades of oil exposure.

Anyway, wanted to share this with the folks here and post periodic updates as I make progress.

[Keith Seymore]

Looks good. I think I could find happiness in a place like that.

K

[Z282NV]

Congratulations!

I agree, just grind and polish. You may have to fill the cracks and fill divots as you mentioned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06L7WHXbcw0

[olredalert]

----Wow, this is good news! I know you have been thinking about this for awhile, Tony. Good for you. I'm only guessing but betting the floors are pretty thick so maybe a massive grinding would pay benefits. Looks good for a two post lift too! Lots of benches, but you need one good, long sturdy one to use to beat on,,,LOL! Can't wait to see the progress.....Bill S

[Jeffp920]

Congratulations Tony. Looks like plenty of room and most importantly cost wise, plenty of power. A little scuff and buff it'll be good to go. I just finished a shop this last weekend. Gonna move in next week. Best I can tell you is take the project in steps so it’s not such a big job.
Good luck, Jeff

[napa68]

Congrats Tony!

I love the way finished floors look, but I just don't see the practicality in it. Grind, clean and polish IMO.

Keep the updates coming!

[Too Many Projects]

WOW !! That is way cool !!
I would get commercial de-greasing soap and clean that floor as much as possible first. ZEP makes some very good cleaners. Just going right at it with a grinder may smear the oil around and further into the concrete.
Maybe rent a steam pressure washer to break it up too.
Now I REALLY wish we were closer, I'd be over there helping...

[scuncio]

Thanks guys! Sealing it is. Mitch, I wish you were closer too, I would love to have your help!

[Lynn]

Agree with Mitch. You want to pull as much of the grease oil OUT of the porous concrete before sealing.

For cracks, am using this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/271773621361

You can buy directly from Radon Seal on their website, but you have to pay shipping. They sell the exact same product on Ebay, at exactly the same price, but free shipping.

The crack repair is really a two person job. You do not have time to set the caulk gun down and start working in the sand. The epoxy based mix will harden in the needle. It is already a very small needle. No much bigger than one you get a shot with.

Congrats. Super cool. Already have air lines and electrical. I would ditch the current lights and go LED. I bought four footers that link (up to 10) so if one goes bad, I just go up, unplug and replace.
I have them all hung with chains. I would also hang them much higher that the current ones. You will get more even light. I went for 70 lumens per square foot of floor space. I have no dead spots.
Everyone is shocked when I turn the lights on. Feels almost like daylight.

Hopefully you don't run into all the issues I did with my place.

[L_e_e]

Very cool!! What city is it in Tony?