Replies

1. 
   DougF | Dec 19, 2005 05:19pm | #1

   When I used my garage as a shop, I built 2 - 18" x 60" out-tables that I would set up on an indexed rail I attached to the rear of the table saw to handle panel stock and long boards.  When I was finished they neatly stacked against the wall.  Incorporate the router and lift in the extension wing of the table saw.  Install ceiling electrical outlets for 220 and 110 circuits to avoid cables on the floor.  Dust collection can be incorporated with rigid duct overhead and flex hose drops that can be tied back out of the way when not in use.  Cyclone systems with internal filters offer a small footprint of 2 ft. square.   While you are considering the ceiling mounted power outlets, you also need to consider installing sufficient shop lighting. 

   You might find this reference useful: http://www.taunton.com/FWN/FWNPDF/011167070.pdf .

    

2. 
   BMilton | Dec 25, 2005 11:46pm | #2

   I have a shop setup in my garage that works well for me. The main item is a custom built workbench - roughly 2 ft by 7 ft, and at a height that is comfortable (I'm 6'2", so like mine higher than most). Then each power tool has the leg sets replaced by wooden legs with wheels, and set to a height so that the main workbench is an outfeed/side support table. So my table saw sets 1/8-1/4" higher than the bench.

   One thing to lookout for - most garage floors are neither flat not level!

    

3. 
   tinkerer2 | Dec 26, 2005 08:32am | #3

        How old are you?  As you get older, your requirement for light is many times as much as for a child.  I'm 72 so need a lot of light.  I recently built a shop building.  I put in five 3 by 5 windows in it and wish I had not.  Unless the sun is shining in they just don't give enough light to help.  Working in the direct sunlight isn't good because it is too bright.  In cold weather they let in too much cold and they also take up too much valuable wall space.

        I also put in T5 fluorescent lights - 32 four ft., 54 watt tubes in all.  They are in two rows in a 24 by 42 ft. shop.  Now that gives pretty good light.  It is just as bright at midnight as on a sun shiny day. 

      My electricians, even after I told them it would need more than a fifteen amp circuit, hooked it up anyway and it blows periodically.  Yes, the electricity cost about $0.14 per hour but that is a bargain compared to other expenses of the shop.

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   Edited 12/26/2005 10:33 pm ET by tinkerer2

   
   

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   Edited 12/26/2005 10:35 pm ET by tinkerer2