Replies

1. 
   WhatKnot | Oct 20, 2005 08:33pm | #1

   This link is as good as it gets. Its what I sell in my store and I've used it extensively when making recommendations to customers.

   http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070777_tcpg.asp

   Personally, I'd buy a gallon of white stripping paint and paint parking stalls on the driveway just so no one gets confused about what a garage is really for.

   
   

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   Edited 10/20/2005 1:35 pm ET by WhatKnot

2. 
   BG | Oct 20, 2005 10:24pm | #2

   jhelminski,
   I've seen a few plans (FWW Dec 03 Shops issue) and lot of pictures but to be perfectly honest, they don't help much. That is a small space and the most effective layout will still be cluttered and need re-arranging depending on what your building. I'm not saying it can't be done effectively or not meet your needs...I'm saying the plans are not all that helpful...trial and error works.
   In my 180sq.ft. everythings on wheels except the workbench and the outfeed table is a drop down connected to the table saw. Some people make the workbench the outfeed table.
   You need to make good use of the height, 8' tall cabinets really help, and hang stuff (clamps) from the rafters. Wood storage is a real challange...

3. 
   dukeone | Oct 21, 2005 05:42am | #3

   Jim: Start by confiscating the other two bays :). Might be place for a combo machine, if you don't already have separates.

   Duke

   Kenneth Duke Masters
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4. 
   YesIWood | Oct 21, 2005 04:27pm | #4

   Jim,

     I concur with all the other post.  The garage is YOUR area.  I persuade (beg) my bride to park outside when I have a project on going.  All my power tools are on casters and mobile.  My problem was the power requirements for my tools.  I was fed up with extension cords and tripping breakers.  So I wired my garage with 20amp circuits.  Invested in a nice dust collection (delta) and now the shop (she calls it a garage) is rather clean and neat.

     Hope this helps.

   Joe

   Is it really saw dust or wood dust?

5. 
   WhatKnot | Oct 21, 2005 06:27pm | #5

   While we all seem to agree that you should at least wish you could stripe the driveway and take the garage for yourself, I think we also realize that this is probably not in the plan.

   So... with that said lets opt for reality... Is your third space a full space 22x14 (average) or is it smaller like many of the new homes ?

   If it is full size you still need to plan carefully. I would consider a party wall to close off the rest of the garage spaces and then sheet it with slot wall so you can have lots of hook space without every having to locate a stud. Slot wall board is really slick because you can make brackets for just about anything you want to hang and move them around as you see fit. You can even use it to hang cabinets and then if you need to move them its really easy. I did a wall in the store that way and it really has worked out well. 

   I would also consider a sub panel in the shop and home run outlets wherever possible. No need to get too carried away but make sure you allow for 220V and enough outlets to run at least one tool and a dust collector. You should provide your shop with a minimum of 40 amps of available current but 60 amps would be better.

    

   Steve

   "You can either be smart or pleasant, I was once smart but now I'm pleasant. I like being pleasant better." Jimmy Stewart - Harvey

6. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 21, 2005 07:34pm | #6

   My planer, jointer, and bandsaw are on wheels.  I can move them around easily which is great when working in confined spaces.  Sometimes I wheel them out front when the day is nice and I have need of extended use for them.

   Also, my conventional bench top tools are on a 4'x8' rolling workbench.  Lathe, drill press, oscillating sander, drum sander, grinder, router table (imbedded in top of the workbench).  The bottom of the workbench is used for adhoc storage, mostly smaller wood pieces.  it is plumbed inside for DC hookup and has two blast gates to allow switching to the particular tool being used at the time.

   In your case, having the bulk of your tools on wheels would allow you to roll them into the 2nd bay or 1st bay, as needed (or outside). 

   Also, consider pouring a pad outside for your DC.  That will help keep residual dust out of the shop and greatly reduce noise.  My pad is 2.5' x 4'.  I also have a homemade separator to prevent larger stuff from hitting the impellors of the DC.  Mine is inclosed to keep out the weather.

   Just some things to consider!

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

7. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 22, 2005 10:47pm | #7

   I would like to make a nice shop out of the third bay..

   Geeee I'd use the whole thing and build a Car Port for the cars if allowed by Zoning!