Good day to everyone. I’m of course new here and have had all my tools stored for the past three years and getting a new shop in order and things set back up.
I still have to insulate and cover the walls, do some wiring and get heat installed. While doing that, I am trying to do a really good layout and was wondering if anyone had a resource for some dimensionally correct CAD files of woodworking tools.
I’m anxiouse to get everything up and running so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Les
Replies
Shop Layout
Les,
About a year ago I went through the same proccess that you are currently going through regarding shop layout. I made many sketches, I went to Grizzley.com and used thier interactive shop layout program. I also used Google Sketchup and found some tool components on line that I could place into my own drawings. Of course a basic shop layout had to be decided on prior to erecting the building. During framing I made some modifications. I then tried to refine the layout prior to the electrical work so I would have the power where it was needed some of which I have had to modify after the fact.
This is not the first shop I've put together, more like the forth or fifth. What I've discovered in trying to lay out my shop is that even thought there are all these design aids and "virtual" 3d tours, the final layout is a "work in progress" and is subject to change once you move all the tools and benches into the new space. At least that's the way in has gone for me. Other than the main table saw and cutoff saw every other tool in my shop has been relocated from the original design. Some of this is due to the acquisition of new tools but more so due to a change in my methods and products I produce.
Slowly but surely I've been working out storage problems which for me happens last after everything else gets worked out. After a year in my new shop things are starting to feel pretty well organized but there are still several changes I want to make. For me I think changing things around is a permanent condition.
There are also the constraints of limited square footage and budget. If both were unlimited, designing the shop might be easier, or more difficult, I'm not sure which.
I hope your shop planning goes smoother for you than it does for me.
Best of luck, Bret
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