Im building the first project in my new shop currently with the shop in dissaray. Im finding out that with the new space comes a lot of challenges I didn’t have in the old basement shop. In essence, space is now more the issue on the “too much” side. Dust collection will be the next big issue but for now I’m dealing with this one.
Ive had a lot of folks tell me to use the shop before you start to “finish” it. Thats a great suggestion as Im learning the best ways to organize, place machinery, etc.
Initally I wanted to have a chop saw set on a long benchtop with 6 feet of counter top on either side and planned on cabinets with all drawers the entire length. Im reconsidering tthat now.
So what Im considering is making fewer cabinets under the chop saw bench, make each wider(30-34 inch wide drawers) and have some space under the counter to put things like cutoff bins, trash container, shopvac etc. Then for the tool storage..saws, chisels, squares,glue, glue brushes, biscuits, marking instruments, screwdrivers, screws, brads, and all the stuff we need for assembly, build a cabinet on casters that will allow me to be neat, yet have the mobility to have anywhere in the shop. I envision each side or the back to have clamp storage as well. Ive looked at some ideas in the Workshop Book from Taunton.
So..to this illustrious group…any ideas, thoughts, problems you see? Given no limits on wood selection, construction technique what would you do?
Replies
ChiefsFan,
I'm still in the basement, wanna swap...lol
Seriously, I think your approach makes all the sense in the world. A flat space regardless for it's intended purpose (6' on each side of the chop saw) will gather stuff which will have to be put away before you can use the tool. I bought the "Jigs" book when I started two years ago and made a rolling cart with flip-up wings for the chop saw. I put a draw on and store the planer in the bottom. I made it such that I can swap out the chop saw and the planer..and can support the wood for each machine on the wings.
Also, I believe tall cabinets are much better for storing power tools than draws. I also have draws in rolling carts that are built to the height of my table saw. Lastly, my set up table is 20" high, with a space in the middle for clamping. i'm in the middle of building a workbench..that will be stationary.
One last crazy idea, I'm storing wood in several locations utilizing the top two or three feet from the ceiling...that way i can get at the small stuff.
I gotta tell this....After building the shop with the support of the bride in my life, I built a rack for hardwood, filled it with about 750 feet of elm, sasafrass, oak, cherry, and maple plus poplar for drwer sides. A few weeks later a friend GAVE me 6 Walnut logs! So being a wise individual, I had them sawn up and brought them home. They are now neatly stacked and stickered in the........Garage.
I find support for this habit growing dim about the house since then.
Good idea on a cutoff bin and space for the shop vac, but you may want to have 8 feet on one sid of your chop saw and 4 on the other, so you could stop cut longer lengths. Also for small stuff drawers, I find, are better than cabinets.
Good luck and have Fun!!
MikeD
Here is another book you might want to checked out - Setting Up Shop by Sandor Nagyszalanczy? This book is very well written and illustrated. I found anyway, that this book answered a number of my questions and minimized the amount of time spent moving the heavy pieces of equipment.
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