I keep my corded hand tools plugged in and in a drawer right below my workbench surface. Circular saw, jig saw, portable band saw, orbital sander, 1/2” Milwaukee hole shooter drill. Saves SOOO much time. Grab, cut, n-go
The tip about anti-fatigue mats is probably one of the more underrated ones. Not only do they help endurance while standing; they also help prevent the transmission of cold in the slab into the shoes and feet. My feet have been cold for as long as I can remember and the mats, even the cheap Harbor Freight ones, make a world of difference when the slab gets cold in the winter. Even with a heated and cooled shop, I don't care to keep it warm when I'm not in it so that concrete can get very cold. I like your creativity and forethought!
they do make a difference, i had spine surgery a few years back and washing dishes still gives me back pain (im tall so i have to lean over to wash in the sink), i got one of those mats to help with the recovery, it totally took the pain away from just standing there. not sure of the physics involved with that other than using more small muscle groups to stabilize you, sharing the load. but they absolutely work.
Watched this video a long time ago. Didn't do anything about it...until now I need to organize. I remembered the concept but not where I saw it. So, I made a schematic of my shop and tools. It's a lot easier moving paper cutouts around than the real tools and benches. It's interesting that this video just shows up while browsing RU-vid. Thanks for the video.
Thank you! I run a 16” (giant) sliding table saw at work and people like to think that gloves will help you, no they are a drag risk. The gloves we get especially, they like to “unspool” so a thread can EASILY get caught when pushing a piece through manually (without the slide)
Fantastic video. I’m just getting into wood working and I’m building a shop from scratch so I’ve been obsessively watching best practice videos for shop layouts. This was the best one I’ve seen so far. Great thought put into it and well made video. Thank you for doing this! You’re making it easier for a noob like me to get started!
Great! I'm glad it helped! I'm always happy to hear when people are getting into woodworking. It's so satisfying and fulfilling. Welcome to the community!
Can't thank you enough for these really insightful, and helpful tips. As a craftsman who works regularly in many different mediums (from woodwork, leather-work, and metal fabrication to sculpting, painting and even some candle and soap crafting) I find myself constantly struggling with the layout of my shop, and how things are organized, and stored. Over the past year I've been gathering the necessary materials to do a few major upgrades and this video has given me the inspiration to get started as well as relieved much of the apprehension of actually so!
Wood working is my passion, next to playing music. I have a 12' x 20' x 12' h (center) shop, but much fewer tools than needed. I had an auto accident in 2017 and neck surgeries. I use the cheaper tools such as Ryobi which I wear out before replacing. I still suffer from the spinal injuries, but if I can ever get my shop set up properly I think i can build almost anything. My father was a master carpenter, and also a pattern maker for an iron works co. As a child and teen I spent a lot of time with him and learned the basics. He passed away in 2000. I'm now 63 and have been trying to build a functional woodshop since 2017. I am really impressed by your ideas and setup of your shop. I had already created some of these. I have built a lot of Adirondack chairs for children and a few for adults. I have an idea on how to acquire better tools and new lumber. If not for my accident I would have a successful shop. I'm just recovered enough from my 2nd surgery to get started and have used mostly scrap materials to set up my shop, which is still in progress. My problem is that I need ideas on items to sell, how to advertise, and if I can do this I can eventually have a decent shop. I am ready to start on some projects, once I get ideas/orders. You would have to see my pieced together shop to understand. I have an inferior chop saw, but I will build a station for the miter saw. I have to keep adjusting it, but I will work through it. At 63 years old, and with constant set-backs beyond my control, I'm desperate to get started again. IF i had the tools and materials, I could build very nice cabinets, etc. But due to my 2017 accident and not being able to work for several years, and my old truck sat there for 5 years, I've had to pour a lot of money into the truck, the shop and my mobile home which still needs a lot of repairs. I NEED A STARTING POINT, IF YOU CAN ADVISE ME PLEASE? I have almost 20 years experience in the readymix concrete business as a tech and area manager. When well and with the resources needed, I could really get this going, get the medical treatment I need and eventually build the shop of my dreams. My shop also has a front and back loft where I want to put my drums, and replace my damaged stereo/mixer/booster. ANY IDEAS? THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING AND INSPIRING ME, GIVING ME GREAT IDEAS. GOD BLESS.
I would start by going to craft fairs and farmers markets to see what people are buying/selling to get some ideas. A friend of mine also has a YT channel focused on making money from woodworking, including the project idea side and the business side. Check out Matthew Peech Woodworking. Best of luck!
A well thought-out presentation! I have used some of these ideas downsizing from a pole barn shop to a 2 car garage, but I will certainly incorporate some of your concepts soon. One thing I found to be essential in order to process sheet goods and pieces at or over 8 feet long is to get as many surfaces as possible at exactly the same level - except for my workbench, which is lower. Plywood sheets glide in with the help of my radial arm saw table, across the router table (that doubles as an outfeed for the saw), and onto a narrow table behind the table saw. The workbench being below this level avoids your having to clear off things you're working on and tools you have out. It was a challenge to get some tools on rollers to conform to this level concept, but it has been well worth it. Several of my tools are paired up on rolling cabinets - even a back-to-back 12" restored bandsaw with a 10" "baby bandsaw." Pairing up tools allows them to store against a wall, but you spin them out to use the tool of choice. There's a scroll saw with an orbital sander, etc. Again . . . great job on your video.
Perfect, as a new woodworker just starting out, this information is just what I need. It's a little overwhelming trying to decide which way to go. I love the cardboard cutout method of planning, I've done that myself over the years and found it a very relaxing method of planning. Thanks for this video, very helpful. I have to go now and make something :)
I’ve been looking at a heap of RU-vid content for ideas on setting up my new workshop. This video is without doubt the best video on organizing my workspace. Thank you so much!
All good advice tips. One thing makes me more productive and want to stay longer in my shop is quality sound system in shop. Love music playing while I work on projects. Maybe not a layout tip but a productivity tip. Thanks for your insight.
Great content. You don’t concern what I do, but you DO cover how to think about my specific processes, materials, storage or new parts, etc. Make it’s so much easier!!!
Thank you! This is a well thought-out and complete video on planning shop layout. I don't think anything has been missed. Good job! This is the video I was looking for.
I am getting ready to set up a garage shop and have been doing research. Like you, this is not my first garage shop (my 7th). Unlike you, I have also had my dream shop (35X55 metal building), wherein I set up spaces for ALL my hobbies - woodwork, cabinetry, leatherwork, metal work, auto mechanics, machine work, etc. Now, I'm back in a small space, but have a lot of big tools. Luckily, I have two small spaces now, so one will be for wood work and metal work, while the other will be for leatherwork. Your video reminded me of the basic principles I need to remember while planning out my woodworking/metalworking shop. My layout is turning out to be very similar to yours, however, I will be adding a good (not great) dust collection system, as I have learned that in a small shop, one of my greatest frustrations is having to spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning up between each work session. Thanks for a great video!
@The Evening Woodworker Great video with excellent tips! For the blank white wall where you want to build cabinets above the benchtop, I would make at least part of it more of the adjustable "cubby hole" shelves with dados and divider inserts like you did in the base cabinet. Your tools and any other items are just immediately available, no drawers or doors to open, and the cubbies can obviously be sized to fit just about anything reasonable. To keep dust out of them, I simply attached some inexpensive roll-up/down vinyl window shades under a small lip or overhang along the top front of the cubby cabinet. It's really simple to "open and close" the cabinets with the window shades. And you can leave the window shades rolled up to keep them open for easy access while you're working at the bench without having cabinet doors sticking out. Saves on weight and plywood as well. In my shop I also have some of those generic 6ft tall by 36" & 48" wide metal erector-set type storage shelf units for general purpose storage. I use the same white roll-up vinyl window shades attached to the top front.of these utility shelves to keep dust off of them. I also attached some vinyl shelf liner (sold in various width rolls) to the sides where the ends of the shelves are exposed to "enclose" them and keep dust from entering the sides. The roll-up/down vinyl window shades are inexpensive and come in standard sizes or can be easily made to custom lengths and widths very inexpensively. A variety of colors and patterns are available as well. I just stick with the standard white ones as they are cheaper and keep the shop bright and open.
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I’ve done a lot of thinking and research on maximizing small shops. This might be the most useful video I’ve seen on this subject. Really well done, and 100% agree on all your points.
Great video. One thing that helped me out and you touched on it lightly, think about the work area around each tool. For example, a miter box you the work area is to the right and left of the miter box. A jointer or planer you need more space in front and behind the tool. By keeping the flow of the tool in mind you can keep like flow items flowing together thus utilizing the same floor space
Great ideas, I just did a similar use of the layout. Something that I did was instead of using Imperial, I used metric instead at scale. Actually easier to cut out. I'm in process of rearranging my father's garage/shop & shop for thos specific purposes. And the thing about shops are they will never be perfect, we'll ALWAYS want to rearrange & reorganize them. Thank you very much The Family Handyman magazine, Pintrest, & RU-vid! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Thanks for the good ideas
This video is bucking frilliant! I *LOVE* the graph paper trick! I have been through two garages, and am at my third one, over the last five to six years, wondering how to setup my garage workshop! I am subscribing right now! Thank you so much!
I used your mapping technique today and I am so thankful for you for sharing this information. What a lifesaver! I hope to pass it on. Thank you again!!
I forgot to mention this. Your suggestion about the floor mats is spot on. I threw a 5x8 rug down (temporary) for this very reason. If you are not doing this, you are abusing your body unnecessarily.
Best video I've watched on shop setup. I'm currently clearing out a section of my garage for a wood working shop. Fantastic job, and thank you so much for this video!
Outstanding Video!!! At present, I am stuck with a small outdoor area in West Texas with barely an 6 ft AFF galvanized roof overhead. I am determined and will prevail. Your video was very informative and inspirational. Thanks
I think you did an excellant job explaing shop design. I too have a similiar sized shop and just bought my first piece, the table saw. I am going to need a bunch more stuff and was feeling intimidated by the manatude of the project but you helped keep it in perspective. Thank you!
As an amateur with woodworker, I typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement. Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness [Link Here== *TopFineWoodworking. Com* . I now work like a genius. That is great!?
This is an extremely good video, you have done well with it. These are things I think about a lot and you have been most helpful, so thanks for taking the time to do this. Looking forward to your next video. Regards, (Bill from Australia).
This is just superb, I have been researching "new woodworking projects" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Yanathew Wood Waggler - (search on google )? It is a good one of a kind guide for building amazing sheds and your own wood work projects minus the headache. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got cool success with it.
Good video! I also have a small shop. Mine is 20 feet wide by 30 feet long, divided by a partition with double doors into two bays that measure about 9 feet 3 inches wide. I have to be able to rearrange things quickly depending on what I'm doing. All my large tools except a full height drill press are on mobile bases, half on manufactured bases and half on bases I built. I am in the midst of replacing all the manufactured bases with my own for two important (to me) reasons that I would add to your list. Number one - The manufactured bases all have two fixed and two swiveling casters. This means the machines need to be steered into position, making it harder to store them and retrieve them when I need them. All the shop-built bases have four swiveling, lockable 3-inch casters (cost, about $8 each). These allow me to push tools sideways, a dig deal in cramped space. The couple of dollars in price between a fixed and swivel caster is a cheap price to pay for that. My table saw and outfeed table can be hooked to each other with a couple of large hasps and I can spin the whole arrangement on it's own center, depending on whether I'm cutting something wide or long. Number two - All the large power tool work surfaces, benches and a table saw outfeed table are at the same height, 37 inches in my shop. This allows me to use the tools as infeed/outfeed tables for each other.
What a fantastic video!! thank you so so much for the tips. I just moved into a new home so I'm building a shop from scratch and I didn't know where to start, well now I do. And I really appreciate the effort you put into creating these basic principles. Thank you!
Hi from England, thank you for the extremely good and common sense advice you impart in this video, it is probably more appreciated than you realise, nice shop and tools, but most important you seem to be a nice man with a natural gift for presentation. Have a very pleasant day.
excellent video. I have been struggling with setting up my shop. i really like the cutting of of stationary tools and laying them on a draft drawing of the shop. Smart!
Good advice. My garage shop is used as storage for a bunch of crap that belongs to kids that don't live here anymore, and the workspace is used for parking. I have more space than some, but configuring has been a struggle.
Thanks for you video! and even if you are right at 8:39.....I immediately remembered myself using my cordless drill and gently pressing the trigger just enough to turn on the small led light it has to use it as a lamp, and nothing more than as a lamp in my pitch black container room.
Thanks a lot for this video! I am converting my old barn board garage into my workshop (very slowly),but I found that I'm not as organized as I should be. You just helped me out a ton in that respect. Keep up the excellent videos. Being a novice in the craft, I need all the help I can get! Cheers from Upstate New York!
really cool visual/design tool with the cutouts and placement on the drawn out graph paper. good project for when yer serious to get it done!!! think i'll go this approach. thx!
Excellent video sir. Thank you for your advice. I'm getting ready to overhaul my shop. I work on anything and everything from wooden projects, steel fabrication, mowers, cars & trucks, electronics... anything. So I've been really needing to get organized. Tired of walking back and forth across the entire shop to do this or fetch that... Lots of wasted time. I'm subbing too.
thank you! I like your instruction style. This is so helpful. I am thinking of setting up shop in my garage and this already save me so much time planning to fit everything together.
Thank you, some very good info here! I've in fact been in the process of laying out my workshop, a slightly larger than average double garage, in my mind for a while now, but I'll have to get rid of some older stuff I'm not really using anymore before I can really start moving stuff around. I measured the shop, benches and all the larger tools and trolleys, and drew a diagram in Sketchup, placing everything where I THINK they would fit best, but that is not necessarily where they would be most efficient for a good workflow, so I may have to draw a second and perhaps third version of that... I'm sure your tips will be a great help in doing that. I'm already thinking I should probably relocate my wood rack from the middle of the shop to just inside one of the doors!
I'm six months late to the party, but what a great video! So many good tips here. I setup a french cleat system in my shop, but what I am finding is that I am not using it as efficiently as possible. I have a lot of small holders when I need one large holder. This really has me interested in reorganizing my shop.
