Wow it's cold! Is it OK to cut, glue and paint in this weather?

[javeryh]

I'm in northern NJ and this week the temperatures have dropped pretty drastically - it's cold out there!!  Anyway, I was wondering whether or not it is OK to proceed with building my cabinet out in the unheated garage.  I can always bundle up to keep warm but what I'm really concerned about is whether or not wood glue will dry properly and if I take my time whether or not I can get a real nice painted finish. 

I don't want to wait until March to keep working!!!  Any thoughts?

[ChadTower]

Depends on how cold it gets in your garage.  If it's in the 50s, you may be able to get away with it.  If it's in the 30s, forget it.  Your paint/glue will partially freeze and your tools/materials will start snapping instead of cutting.

[shardian]

There are usually temperature warnings/guidelines on the label of the paint and glue. Give them a read. I believe 50 degrees is the cut-off for painting.

[ChadTower]

And at 50 degrees the set/dry time will take A LOT LONGER.  If it says 50 degrees, I'd say the cutoff should be 60.  50 would work for stuff that doesn't need to be pretty, but not things you want with an optimal finish on it.

[Kaytrim]

Just build yourself an insulated paint booth in the garage and get a small electric space heater.     I would strongly suggest you not get a propane heater unless you are building a bomb using paint fumes.    

[ChadTower]

Build a cab to build a cab.   

If he gets a decent space heater for his garage it should be enough for the short term unless it's a really big garage.

[mmmPeanutButter]

A couple winters ago I worked on my cab in a garage in Toronto until I realized that I was using a circular saw and my hands were completely numb.  Not entirely safe.  Needless to say, I waited til spring.

[pointdablame]

As a fellow northern NJ resident, I know exactly what you are talking about.

I would NOT glue or paint anything right now in an unheated garage.  As sad as it may be, you're probably better off waiting for warmer weather, otherwise your results will likely be pretty poor.

[javeryh]

Hmmm... not the answers I was hoping for but pretty much what I thought.  My garage is detached from the house and it fits 2 cars (barely).  It is definitely a little warmer in there than outside but I can still see my breath.  I'm going to lug my tools inside tonight and bring them out only when I need to work and I'll be storing the paint inside as well until I'm ready to use it.  I think I'll pick up a space heater this weekend and see if that makes a difference.

[TOK]

I'm in eastern PA, and winter time is project time for me.
My garage is attached, but not heated. Get one of those double headed heaters that go on a propane tank. Let it run for 45 minutes to an hour before you go out. Keep your paint indoors until you're ready to paint.

If you'd like to work with the door cracked, a kerosene/electric "torpedo" heater might also be  good for you. I have a 115,000 BTU heater that can warm a garage your size in a few minutes.

[ChadTower]

Enclosed fumes + kerosene/propane may be a bad idea.

[screaming]

Enclosed fumes + kerosene/propane may be a bad idea.

  I'll get the marshmallows!

[Kaytrim]

Enclosed fumes + kerosene/propane may be a bad idea.

                

That is why I recommended an electric heater.  Here is the type of heater that NASA uses on the shuttle.  http://www.pelonis.com/discfurn.htm  They are very concerned about fire in space.  These little things put out quite a bit if heat too for their size.  They have one that is 7" cubed and puts out 5,200 BTU.  They are rather inexpensive too Ace Hardware has the cube model (HC-451) for about $80

[TOK]

Enclosed fumes + kerosene/propane may be a bad idea.

I haven't blown myself up yet, and I've been doing it for 20 years. 

[ChadTower]

Your avatar indicates otherwise, bro.   

[TOK]

Enclosed fumes + kerosene/propane may be a bad idea.

                

That is why I recommended an electric heater.  Here is the type of heater that NASA uses on the shuttle.  http://www.pelonis.com/discfurn.htm  They are very concerned about fire in space.  These little things put out quite a bit if heat too for their size.  They have one that is 7" cubed and puts out 5,200 BTU.  They are rather inexpensive too Ace Hardware has the cube model (HC-451) for about $80

I have one of those, it's great for keeping your hands warm while the rest of the garage is 40 degrees.

[TOK]

Your avatar indicates otherwise, bro.   

Ahem, I said I haven't blown *MYSELF* up. 

[ChadTower]

I see your silhouette in the flame.

[TOK]

I see your silhouette in the flame.

It warmed up the garage nicely, and I saved 75 cents in kerosene that day. I think it was worth it!

[TOK]

OK, enough goofing around Chad.   
Although the kerosene electric works fine for me with the door cracked, I can see some guys not wanting to do that. Reddy makes a ventless propane heater that will heat a two car garage.

This is the same company that makes my kero/electric heater and it's been great.
http://www.reddyheat.com/productType.cgi?type=1

After looking at them, I actually might go get one of these. I really like the way it wall mounts.

[javeryh]

I think I'm going to look into getting a heater for the garage... I really want to work this weekend but it is really cold outside - 21 degrees with a high of 32.  How expensive are these things?  Can I get something adequate for under $100?

[ChadTower]

Probably depending on your garage but remember, you don't only have to run it while you work, you have to run it for the entire duration of material drying.  So paint, glue, etc all need to stay a reasonable temp.  That isn't going to be cheap.