Planning stages on a skoolie woodshop

[Bro.Matthew]

I am really excited about finding this site! So many people who have taken a school bus and converted it for other uses.
Has anyone converted a school bus into a mobile wood workers shop? This is my hope. I am still in the planning stages as money is tight and time is short. I am hoping to get a large bus (71+ passenger). For my use, I think raising the roof will be the best option. Lots of research to do there. I also will need to design and build a hoist system for lifting heavy items into and out of the bus. Plywood, planks, etc. into it. Furniture, large benches, tables, etc. out of it.

I am looking forward to all the input and help. This site looks to be filled with tons of helpful and knowledgeable people.

[Robin97396]

So what you're saying is just a shop in the bus? I like that. I'd like to put my lathe in the back of my bus but am unwilling to put up with the dust. I had to settle for a workbench in the back.

It's good to see a different use in the planning.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Bro.Matthew

I also will need to design and build a hoist system for lifting heavy items into and out of the bus. Plywood, planks, etc. into it. Furniture, large benches, tables, etc. out of it.

Except for the cast iron lathe, most of that could be loaded using a properly-located wheel chair lift. Some go to 800 lbs or so and guys use them to load motorcycles.

[Robin97396]

I also entertained the idea of having a rail attached to the ceiling so I could affix a small trolly system, like in the old hay barns. I'd need, either a roof raise or a protective helmet, while in the bus to reduce head injuries.

Most WC lifts are rated at 800 lbs these days. Even the older ones are usually 600 lbs capacity. Good for wood stoves or whatever you got.

[dredman]

I have toyed with the idea of a mobile shop ( I "work" from the one I live in now, and have a "garage" in the rear) as I really like the idea of carrying a buttload of tools around with me. And I would prolly get another wheelchair bus because getting benches etc. up the stairs is almost impossible, and with a dolly I could get almost anything up on the lift - would love to see your project, and anyone else's?

[Bro.Matthew]

I was thinking about using barn door track, the round one, for the rail of a trolley system with a 12 volt winch or hoist for lifting. I was thinking about using the back door for loading in and out. That way the rails can be stuck out temporary or perm and the hoist pushed out and used to lift either large lumber or equipment.

[Bro.Matthew]

Also was thinking about a 24 inch raise on the roof. Moving the windows up 24 inches so they will be around or above eye level. I figure this would help with the hoist system, prevent constant head impacts, and provide more storage space.

[Tootalltechie]

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