Wind direction when building a mill shed

[frazman]

Just curious if I should keep in mind, prevailing winds when building a mill shed ? I don't have much cover on where I would like to build a shed but thinking wind may play into the direction of the build. My shed will have three sides closed with loading area open with no door.

On windy days the direction is mostly from the west or south. We do have north or north/west winds but these winds are mostly during the winter months. East and south/east winds mostly happen at the beginning of a storm and switch to west winds.

Has anyone build a mill shed and found that the direction of the opening, loading area would have been better placed, looking back ?

Just curious if I'm over thinking the build ?

[doc henderson]

I am in the open with some trees.  so even with the wind at my back, I occasionally get swirling that brings some of the powdery stuff back where I am.  I think it is good to think about, but I cannot tell you on a windy day, that you will not get sawdust flying around.  I am able to saw some days in the winter, so deciduous trees are nice.  I have tall elms around my mill, with some scattered ERC as a wind break.  light and warmth from the sun are other considerations.

[thecfarm]

Just build it and than you will know how not to build it.   :D

[Nebraska]

I have kinda been there and done that, ;D to an extent...

[moodnacreek]

My open end is to the south. On sunny winter days it' a warm spot to work. One of the few things I did right.

[Sixacresand]

Important issue.  Hope you can find the ideal orientation. 

[tawilson]

I didn't think about it the first time I set up my mill.  I did after that. I have a sorta shed with vinyl sides that stop a foot or so from the ground over the Command Control end and with my back to the South it funnels air and sawdust through away from me very nicely most of the time.

[KenMac]

When I built my pole barn I didn't have any choice about mill placement due to my kiln being covered by the barn, As a result the prevailing winds blow dust straight towards me at times. My solution was to buy a 30" pedestal fan at HF and place it behind me blowing at my back. So far, that has worked ok except when it is really cold. On the other hand, I think saw  dust prevents COVID-19, so I'm good with it either way! :D :D

[stavebuyer]

I moved equipment around more than once as I squeezed in a firewood processor after I built it, but I loved working in this shed. The sided wall is due west and the open high side faces south. In my case the high road embankment blocked all the north wind.  I later added a light colored shade tarp on the southeast corner to block the rising sun. In summer you get sun in early morning only after that it is overhead. Winter you get sun most of the day until late afternoon.



 

[47sawdust]

Seeing as how you live in Manitoba I would want as much southern exposure as possible if you are sawing in the winter.
Orient the mill on an east/west axis. Coffee/warm up  room on the east end,tool room on west end.Clear roof panels down 4 feet from the top plate on the entire north wall.Perhaps a short pent roof on the south side to give you a little shelter from the summer sun.

[YellowHammer]

Mine is open to the east and south.  It blocks the north wind and the western hot summer sun in the afternoon.  I control the predominant wind with a fan mounted on the ceiling blowing over my back so the dust can't reach me.

[frazman]

Yeah, I'm not the type of guy to say, should of, could of & would of after the project is completed. I guess it's back from the days when I was a designer for metal fabrication. I look at all angles before starting a project.  ;D

I think having the shed facing the south is the best option. Having the warm sun in the spring and overhead sun later in the season could keep it somewhat cool on hot days. Clear roof panels is an excellent idea. Never thought of that. Would bring in some light.

I like talwilson idea. I think on having small sliding doors on some walls could control some wind direction when milling to keep the sawdust away.

I will not have power as the mill shed will be away from my work shop and it's not priority at this time. I may have solar lights later in time.

Thanks for all the post. Very much appreciated.