Adding a sub panel in my attached garage

Post Reply | Watch this Post

I am trying to set up a woodworking shop in "MY" garage ( please don't tell the wife it's mine. she thinks it's her junk storage space). I only have 3 outlets currently used by the freezer, cloths washer, garage opener, and fluorescent light. Over the years I have acquired some nice shop equipment but they will pull way to much amps for my current outlet supply. The main electrical box is a GE-100amp and I have 2 slots (1/2 size)open. My neighbor is an electrician and suggested I install a sub panel dedicated to the garage area and install a couple outside wall outlets. My neighbor is a nice (and hard working) guy and I don't want to ask him to do the work, but I know he'll inspect any work I do. OK here's my question to help me get started. What gauge wire or type will I need to run off the main breaker. I understand I won't need another ground.(see I'm not a complete idiot. thee are some parts missing). Next, my main box is on the back side of the house and almost impossible to get to from the attack. Can I run the wire from my old box outside the house under the soffit I'm replacing my old soffit anyway with Hardisoffit(TM). Another neighbor a retired electrician suggested I just run my power off one side of my 220 plug in the garage used my my clothes dryer.
here are some of the tools I will want to run, some at the same time. 30gal 125psi air compressor. My father-in-law suggested
I should allow for a 220 volt outlet in case I want to go to a larger air compressor in the future. I have a band saw, table saw, 8" standing grinder/polisher, 1 hp stand alone drill press, circular saw, and I want to add a good dust collector system, a good planner, and a good joiner...etc. What size box should I install, and any suggestions on how to get around the insulation in the walls. My garage is finished with drywall.
I am sorry to drag this (these) questions out, but I want to be able to talk to my neighbor and "sound" like I know what I want.
IE..with thumbs in my belt and chest stuck up I can say (in my best Tim Taylor voice) "Yeeep, I'm ready to put more power in that ole garage . Here's what the plan is... So what suggestions do you have ole buddy?"
All kidding aside, I don't plan on any trips to the emergency room, I have the UTMOST RESPECT for electricity, and I'm not afraid to admit I'm about to get in over my head. I KNOW the first thing will be to call out the power company and have them disconnect the meter. The neighbor told me I don't have to worry about codes.. He said our county doesn't have electrical codes and we are outside the city. Houston TX, Harris county). OK OK, I'm coming to the end!
With the little I have told you do you have any suggestions? Any places to go for references (web pages, books, etc..)
The only thing I want to hurry up and do is get any attic work out of the way while it's still cool. How much should I pay for a good sub panel. The main panel cost me $1,500 8yrs ago, plus installation. I found I can sometime get some good deals at Habitat for Humanity "The Store" which is only 10 miles or so, although Lowes, and Home Depot are closer.
Thanks, and sorry this was so long.
Mike McManus
AKA: Motor keyboard (mouth)