Jay, you have been to my shop and I have gotten by very well pulling off the house meter to the box inside my shop. Never a problem in 12 years and I've had the compressor, welder and all lights going at the same time. No problem. You may want to discuss this with your electrician or the code inspector......they different from town to town, county to country depending on who you talk to as I found out on the last two houses I built this year each in a different city/county.
.....as always, I know you will measure twice and cut once. Hope to get down your way soon.
