Replies

1. 
   dpearce | Feb 27, 2003 05:59am | #1

   Dale, I currently have a 30 x 40 (1200sf) shop with maybe slightly more equipment, and it is just too small to have two projects going at the same time, which means that there is a lot of down-time between steps of glue-ups, finishing, etc.  I find that the width is ok, but more length is needed.  I am about to build my new shop, and it will be 30 x 60 and have a 20 foot wide awning along the 60 foot dimension for covered, but unheated/cooled storage.  I really need the space.  Good luck. dpearce

2. 
   notDusty | Feb 27, 2003 07:51am | #2

                timber,

       I am a full time woodworker doing custom furniture and cabinetry on the high end of the scale. At one time I was in a rented building at about 2,000 s.f. then we bought a home with an existing shop of about 1400 s.f.. I basically work alone while it is tight it does work and is much easier to heat and cool.Storage is in short supply for finished work and materials. If you are not doing any spraying you can spread out moreso .For the type of work you desribe i.e. carving and furniture you should be just fine . Most all my machinery is on wheels except for the big stationary ones. This makes for quick adaptation for multi tasking.My equipment inventory is over twice what you mentioned . The worst thing is on long runs or big jobs ( 150-200 l.f. ) of cabinets I must build them in phases , then find storage or install them as I go if it works for the customer . Generally I knock out all the paint grade stuff first and try to do all the bathrooms and sink cabinets and any that get tile tops or floors first.This usually helps to keep the other subs busy. We must wear many hats , and do our best to please all .

                good luck 

1. 
   Timberwerks | Feb 27, 2003 08:08am | #3

   Thanks for your input guy's.

   So far I am feeling pretty good about down sizing. I have been spoiled over the years with all that extra room. I want to build the new shop within reason and not blow a ton of money. It will be alot easier to heat the smaller shop as mentioned, plus now I can add air conditioning. I think I will make up for loss of space with adding little extras like skylights or even track lighting. Even though the old shop is large it lacked a pleasing working atmosphere which at times affected how I performed my work.

   Thanks

   Dale

3. 
   RickL750 | Feb 27, 2003 04:45pm | #4

    Timber,

   I use to work in a shop that was about 1,200s.f. without a finishing area. I found it comfortable except when dealing with multiple jobs or very large ones. My suggestion is that you build your shop with the thought in mind and ability to put in an addition if you need more space down the road. I have a friend that did this and latter added an unheated addition for storage and he’s now planning on converting it to regular working space. He decided to do it in fazes not knowing if the original shop space would work for him and also a way to spread out the expense over a period of time.

   Good Luck,

   RickL  

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Feb 27, 2003 04:51pm | #5

   Just a suggestion.  Why not mark out a 1500 sq ft area in your present shop, move everything into that area and see if it will work for you?

   Jeff

1. 
   Timberwerks | Feb 27, 2003 09:43pm | #6

   Jeff

   I have done this to come up with the 1,200-1,500 sf range. I just want to make sure that what looks good marked off with tape will work for me in actual use. So far I think this size will be ideal for my use. I would have no problem adding on in the future as far as framing but I only want to pour the slab once.

   Thanks for your input.

   Dale 

1. 
   BG | Feb 28, 2003 12:10am | #7

   timber,

   Something my grandfather did.....kicked out the foundation so he could add on....then you could expand easily upward and pour the floor extension under cover...just a thought..

5. 
   sandoval | Feb 28, 2003 01:54am | #8

   All these responses and all in favor of downsizing. Amazing. Guess I'll be the voice of dissension. I'm working in about 1200 s.f. I have the advantage of working with a Felder combination machine, yet I chafe with every project of any size. Built a bedroom suite ( king size bed, , display case, 2 short bookcase / storage units, 2 end tables) and  pined for more space. Did a living room set, ( 3 substantial pieces) and cried for more space. Did a medium size kitchen and died for more space.  Personally, I wouldn't do it. Not conducive to making a good living.

   By the way, how do you do high end work and not put a finish on it?

1. 
   Timberwerks | Feb 28, 2003 02:29am | #9

   Peter

   I now use oil and wax for my finishes. I will still spray lacquer on occasion for a more heavily used piece. More and more clients are asking for the hand rubbed finish,I also prefer using this type of finish because dust is not a great concern. The other nice thing is I get more money for this type of finish.

    I built my last large piece a few months ago and have decided to stay with smaller scale work. Also I will no longer be using sheet goods, this will help with being able to work in a smaller shop. I will however keep a seperate area for lumber storage.

    All my work is done one piece at a time now however I may work on a carving while a piece of furniture is being built. At one time I may have had 8 projects at one time going. This was a draw back of having a large space for a one man shop I had alot of work going but nothing was completed therefore no money in my pocket.

    I now display my work in a local gallery and stick to only building one piece at a time. In my head and on paper I have a few projects going hopefully they will see there way to the shop soon.

   Thanks for you reply

   Dale