Shop size?

[R H Clark]

I've been making a few knives this last year but am really getting into it lately.I got a chance to work with a local guy who has been forging knives for several years.He has been teaching me forging and grinding and as a result I've really got the fever now.

I need to build a shop because up to know I've just been working off my porch and kitchen table.I am thinking about an inclosed area for tools and grinder but an open covered area for the forge,anvil and quinch tank.

What do you guys think about the proper size?Right now I'm thinking about 16x18 for the inclosed and 16x10 roofed.

I live in Alabama so more hot days here than cold.

[Jeremy]

My new shop is 20x24 with an 8x8 finish room/office/man room.  Overkill for knives, but it has all my woodworking tools in addition to the stuff that's used just for knives.  I haven't built the covered are for forgework yet, but it's likely only going to be 8x12 or so.
 
An old pic without the stairs, but you get the idea.  The covered area will be off the back.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I am working in half of a standard 2 car garage for my bladesmithing area and it is a bit tight for all my tools and the forge.  It sounds like what you have planned should give you enough area.

[OconeeDan]

I'll tell you, with 100 percent accuracy, that you should build the biggest shop you can.
You always wish for a little more eventually.

And don't let your wife put her crap in it.
Dan