Page 171 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

Shop Location

For the aspiring gunsmith who lives in a small
townhouse or apartment where space is at a
premium, finding a place to set up a suitable
workbench is somewhat of a problem. However,
many guns have been repaired on footlockers or
large toolboxes. One gunsmithing student, liv-
ing in an efficiency apartment, turned his coffee
table into a very functional work center. When
the piece of furniture was closed, it was a hand- Figure 1: A gun shop can be set up in your basement,
attic or garage; each has advantages and disadvantages.
some coffee table that fit in with the room’s de-
cor. However, when the top was opened, it re-
vealed an assortment of gunsmithing tools, and
the folding wings gave the student a workbench Fluorescent fixtures are ideal. However, if the
that even boasted a small bench vise. basement has an acoustical T-bar ceiling, you
may want to go with recessed fixtures—either
BASEMENT SHOPS incandescent or fluorescent.

Most home gun shops are located in the base- One of the major disadvantages of a basement
ment. This location has several advantages over is dampness, which, of course, creates rust prob-
other locations, and the few drawbacks usually lems. To overcome this problem, you can apply
can be overcome. The chief advantages include epoxy waterproofing to basement walls from the
these aspects: inside and then use foam insulating boards to
insulate basement walls and check dampness. A
• It is cool in the summer.
good dehumidifier is added insurance.
• It’s out of the way of most family Flooding is another problem that can be a disas-
activities. ter with some basements. However, if all slopes
are graded away from basement walls, all gutters
• It’s quiet and can be made relatively
and downspouts are kept in good repair, and an
soundproof from the living area.
adequate sump pump is installed, the chance of
• If you have to, you can leave it untidy basement flooding is greatly reduced.
overnight without worrying about guests ATTIC SHOPS
seeing it.
Attics are probably the worst place to put a gun
The basement area also has several disadvan-
shop in the home. They are often hot in sum-
tages, but most of these can be corrected. Most
mer, cold in winter and short on head room.
basement areas (as finished by the builder) are
Add to this the difficulty of transporting ma-
poorly illuminated. This gives a dark, dingy ap-
terials to and from the attic, plus the noise and
pearance. So, if the basement is the area chosen
vibration that carries down into the living area,
for the shop location, one of your first projects
and the disadvantages are quickly realized.
should be the installation of adequate lighting.

167