Building a shop

A light bulb or two is the cheapest, safest, laziest way to heat something like a cabinet.

The common item used around here is a gutted refrigerator. Install a light bulb in the bottom (heat rises) and attach it to a thermostatic switch.

If you want something larger or want heavier shelves you could build a unit like I did.

I started with this shelving unit -

Next I built a box around it using some 2X4s and 1/4" plywood. (Plywood tight to the shelf, 2X4 outside this, sheet rock screws to hold it in place as you work.) In between the 2X4s on the outside I added foam panel insulation. Then the outer layer of plywood. Made the doors out of the same thing and used piano hinges so they were solid. Don't forget the bottom!

Now you want to add a couple vents that can be operated as needed. I used 4"X10" floor registers and a couple thermostatic greenhouse controls to moderate the temperatures.

For heat I used a cheap 200 watt ceramic heater with a thermostat. You could use light bulbs just as easily, I had the heater on the shelf.

When I function-checked one of these last week it turned on at 29F.

It wasn't a proper test of cycling a heater on and off in an insulated chamber.

-jsw

Ah, I have a fridge - it came with the carport. I'd been intending to use it as a "raised" bed garden plot, but this sounds more practical.

-- pyotr filipivich "With Age comes Wisdom. Although more often, Age travels alone."