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 TH-cam. Thanks for the video.
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!
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)
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Having a 32x48 shop built as i type. Halfish will be dedicated to auto mechanic/metal work. welder/grinding and half into wood working with a bit of blend between the two. As ill be using drill press and other types of tools that can go back and forth to an extent. I work on concrete all day so the anti fatigue mats really stand out to me. Call it a luxury if you will but i really like that idea even if it is a cheap foam. I had it in my last garage but it wasnt there near long enough due to a young puppy.
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.
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, & TH-cam! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Thanks for the good ideas
I’ve been looking at a heap of TH-cam 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!
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.
@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.
Since I read *TopFineWoodworking. Com* , I think nothing will ever surpass it as an outstanding woodworking book. The book consists of attractive images as well as drawings and also reader-friendly text. I consider this book a "must have" since it supplies a broad range of information on just about everything working with woodworking and does it quite well.?
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 :)
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.
Grizzly tools has a handy shop layout tool available. Scroll to the bottom of their website screen. Also, if adding electrical circuits, in my shop I have three 20A circuits, I call “A”, “B” and “C”. The outlets are spaced about four feet apart and alternate from A, then B then C. When using high amperage tools, it’s simple to have them running on different circuits so nothing gets overloaded. I also have two 240V outlets, but now wish I had put in three of them. Last thing to remember is infeed space and outfeed space for table saws and miter saws. Gotta allow for that. Great post!
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
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!
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
Hello My name is Oscar. I’m a beginner. Speaking of critical principles, can I add that the HEIGHT of all tool’s tops plays a very important role. They can come in handy if they are on the same level. If you need to assemble or cut a big piece of material or work. It worked with me, my shop is 12X12 feet. Cheers 🍾
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.
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.
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!
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!
I use the graph paper shape for shop borders, but I cut scaled cutouts of poster board to try out locations for all of my major components. It beats screwing up your drawings. Just an idea 💡
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!
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!!
2 things to add: I use the ridgid rolling stand for my Miter saw. I had the Dewalt and it sucked. I had to ben down too far and locking it was a task. I use the Ridgid version and it is a gift from God. 2nd you should explore ceiling tracks that hold a block and tackle or 2. Amazing how that can help!
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!?
When making those cardboard tools you could add the material overhang on infeed and outfeed to the cutout like 8' behind and infront of the blade... I have my shop in my attic, it's 14x25 but it has a chimney 1/3 down it and my table saw placement literally had 1" tolerance to be able to handle plywood on it.
Good video, I haven't read all the comments, but thought of safety is in there. One safety pet peeve of mine is, "don't arrange any potentially dangerous tool so you will regularly use it with your back to the door". Some one opening the door and yelling, startling you, is usually VERY uncomfortable...in the least.
You forgot to mention to leave a space for that future fridge. LoL! My dad seemed to always have a mini fridge and then eventually a smaller full size fridge in his garage shop. Always loaded with waters and whatever beverage (cokes, teas, seltzers, etc.) and, of course, ice. You know, for when you hit the wrong nail. LoL! Great video by the way. I'm still trying to set up my garage shop. Thank you.
A tip for a small shops - forget about the "material flow", if the shop is small enough everything is nearby. In case of small shops the more important is to utilize the dead space, so I would start planning from a bigger items - lumber storage - beams, large sheets; where to cut large plywood sheets. Where to put the shop vac / dust collection and how to attach to all large tools, so you won't trip over a hose. There is some maneuverability regarding the hand tools - so keep them organized in groups - drill bits near drills, sanding stuff together, etc.
I know what you are saying and you are RIGHT, but I think one of the things he meant was the space you need to move boards. The less space you have, the harder that gets!
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!
Check out more of my woodworking tips & tricks right here: th-cam.com/video/bp5qlPE_kv8/w-d-xo.html
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 boom arm is the bomb. So smart to bring dust collection from the ceiling. Then he adds an outlet!
I need to add a boom arm too
Love the analogy of the shop is like a person, no one's perfect and we (and the shop) are constantly improving!
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!
Yeah I can't work long without mine!
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 TH-cam.
Thanks for the video.
You're welcome! I'm glad it helped
"Improve a little bit each day." Sage advice from a young man. Very infomative and enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! I have to credit my wise father with giving me that advice.
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!
Never wear gloves when operating planer. Thanks for the video, good luck.😉
@Isto é tudo uma palhaçada the blades can grab the glove and pull your hand in
@Isto é tudo uma palhaçada one of the first thing that they teach you during woodworking safety 101
Gloves with power tools is generally a bad idea.
shouldnt we have decent bladeproof gloves by now?
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)
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!
Good luck! You can do it!
Succinct, on point and useful. "Teach a man to fish..." Well done!
Thanks, I appreciate that!
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.
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!!!
I'm glad it helped!
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.
just about to rearrange my garage/workshop/ hideaway from my wife. Some great tips.Thanks
OMG THIS IS SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you so much for this organization method!!!
This is the only video that comes up when i search how to layout a small store 😂 thanks 👍
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.
Thank you sir! I appreciate the compliment. Good luck in your shop!
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!
Sounds like fun! Good luck with your setup!
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.
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!
Having a 32x48 shop built as i type. Halfish will be dedicated to auto mechanic/metal work. welder/grinding and half into wood working with a bit of blend between the two. As ill be using drill press and other types of tools that can go back and forth to an extent. I work on concrete all day so the anti fatigue mats really stand out to me. Call it a luxury if you will but i really like that idea even if it is a cheap foam. I had it in my last garage but it wasnt there near long enough due to a young puppy.
Yeah those mats are life savers and they're really not that expensive.
Thanks! Just the right video to point me in the right direction for my limited space workshop.
Good luck! It's totally doable!
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.
That's some great advice... keep the benches at the same height!
Well done ,we are struggling with all the clutter..and plan to put car in garage in winter
Like your zoning 👌
Great video for efficiency. It is the key to productivity, regardless of the space available to you!
The talk at the end was the best 👌👏
Thanks!
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, & TH-cam!
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Thanks for the good ideas
Yes it's always a work in progress! Keep improving and making it better
Thanks so much for this easy to understand full of common sense video, it is inspiring to watch!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Best video I have found….
I’ve been looking at a heap of TH-cam 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!
Thanks! I really appreciate that. Good luck setting up your shop!
Hell yeah I love this. I built my first wood bench to carve stuff.
Very good tips, probably the best videos I have seen so far.
Thanks I appreciate that!
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.
Thanks I really appreciate that! Good luck with your shop!
Great tips- I have a mess of tools in my garage since we moved and I’ve been overwhelmed with trying to lay it out- these are great tips!
Glad it was helpful!
@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.
Those are some great ideas for my blank wall! Thanks for the insights
Since I read *TopFineWoodworking. Com* , I think nothing will ever surpass it as an outstanding woodworking book. The book consists of attractive images as well as drawings and also reader-friendly text. I consider this book a "must have" since it supplies a broad range of information on just about everything working with woodworking and does it quite well.?
Great video thanks. Very to the point and no fluff. This will help planning my classic car workshop area.
Sounds fun! Good luck!
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 :)
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.
I never comment on a youtube video, i've seen like 15 videos of how to setupa a small workshop.
By far this is the best to start
Thanks! I really appreciate this!
Grizzly tools has a handy shop layout tool available. Scroll to the bottom of their website screen. Also, if adding electrical circuits, in my shop I have three 20A circuits, I call “A”, “B” and “C”. The outlets are spaced about four feet apart and alternate from A, then B then C. When using high amperage tools, it’s simple to have them running on different circuits so nothing gets overloaded. I also have two 240V outlets, but now wish I had put in three of them. Last thing to remember is infeed space and outfeed space for table saws and miter saws. Gotta allow for that. Great post!
Good tips! I think the grizzly tool was taken down a while ago though.
*The workshop looks great 🤗*
Outstanding video. Practical, Crisp and very informative. Thank you!
Thank you!
I have so many ideas and so little space...in my head... thanks for the video...it is going to be a great help...
Just got a new house with a 2 car garage and an extra 3rd car single garage on the side. This helps me out a ton! Thank you for the video!
Sounds fun! Good luck with the new shop!
Congrats on 100k subs, this video is definitely gonna help me build out my new shop!
Thank you and good luck in your shop!
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
Good luck! Just try different things and see what works for you.
Excellent video! One thing I would have liked to have seen covered is how to set up proper dust collection.
Thanks! Yeah I gotta do that on another video because I'm still optimizing my dust collection setup.
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!
Haha Frilliant! Glad it helped... Thanks for subscribing!
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
Exactly right! Well said... leave space in the areas where wood needs to go
Hello
My name is Oscar. I’m a beginner. Speaking of critical principles, can I add that the HEIGHT of all tool’s tops plays a very important role. They can come in handy if they are on the same level. If you need to assemble or cut a big piece of material or work. It worked with me, my shop is 12X12 feet.
Cheers 🍾
Yes! Great advice Oscar!
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 could tell you got a new table saw, you had that glow 🤣
Oh yeah, there's definitely a glow...
Thanks so much. This was a big help to me. I just got a medium size storage building that I am turning into my wood shop.
Glad I could help... Good luck!
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.
Both excellent tips! The four casters are super helpful.
The mats are a super idea…great video, something for everyone here.
Really good tips on the layout. Thanks.
Excellent advice. Thank you.
Good ideas. Am planning a shop in a new building now.
Great points and Ideas.
Thanks
Second time around watching this video. Great tips especially for a small shop that I'm trying to get together.
Thanks! Good luck with your setup.
Hi, I'm your New subscriber I love wood 🪓 work.. from India
Great advise, thank you, Louis
thanks for your vid, very smart way of use of space
Thanks!
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!
It works! ...and it's much easier than moving real tools and workbenches!
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!
Thanks for sharing really appreciate,trying to set up my shop. Great advice thanks from Barbados
Please keep making videos! nice work
Thanks, will do!
Good information thanks for posting
Yep, many have said this, great video, very helpful and insightful!
Such a great video!!!! Thank you.
I use the graph paper shape for shop borders, but I cut scaled cutouts of poster board to try out locations for all of my major components. It beats screwing up your drawings. Just an idea 💡
Good call... keep it flexible until you're ready to commit to a layout!
I found this video to be really helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. Good advice. Very useful.
Glad it was helpful!
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!
It works well! Good luck!
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!!
Thanks! I'm glad it helped. Show the video to all of your friends!
A fab guide. Clear and inspiring. Now to dig out my graph paper and plan
Very helpful tips I'm starting my own work shop building tables
Good luck in your shop!
2 things to add: I use the ridgid rolling stand for my Miter saw. I had the Dewalt and it sucked. I had to ben down too far and locking it was a task. I use the Ridgid version and it is a gift from God. 2nd you should explore ceiling tracks that hold a block and tackle or 2. Amazing how that can help!
I've been curious about the ceiling tracks but haven't had a chance to try them yet... maybe soon!
nicely planned video, it's a YAHOO for me!
Thanks!
Great video, right time right place for me. Cardboard cutouts awesome idea :)
Thanks I'm glad it helped!
This has been a great help.I appreciate your subtle fish symbol. 😀
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for sharing. This video is well set up - really helpfull.
Thanks!
Extremely great point about making the most with your dead space, good video
Thanks! I still have dead space I need to fix!
@@EveningWoodworker But I should confess, I am most jealous about all the space you have. I'm working out of a garage in the UK.
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!?
Thanks so much for the suggestion to use the little pieces for figuring out how you want your shop6set up. That's genius!
Very nice production!
Great tips, stayed for the bonus tip and subscribed! Keeping as many tools mobile is a game changer!
Thanks I appreciate it!
When making those cardboard tools you could add the material overhang on infeed and outfeed to the cutout like 8' behind and infront of the blade... I have my shop in my attic, it's 14x25 but it has a chimney 1/3 down it and my table saw placement literally had 1" tolerance to be able to handle plywood on it.
That's a great idea! That would definitely help to visualize the space
one key item you forgot to consider is lighting. proper lighting is key for almost everything when working with wood.
Good call! That is definitely important too. Thanks for the reminder!
Proper lighting is important for everything in life
Nice video.. thank you. Really liked the positive attitude and uplifting message at the end. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks! We all need more positivity these days
Good video, I haven't read all the comments, but thought of safety is in there. One safety pet peeve of mine is, "don't arrange any potentially dangerous tool so you will regularly use it with your back to the door". Some one opening the door and yelling, startling you, is usually VERY uncomfortable...in the least.
I hadn't thought of that... that's a good tip though!
You forgot to mention to leave a space for that future fridge. LoL! My dad seemed to always have a mini fridge and then eventually a smaller full size fridge in his garage shop. Always loaded with waters and whatever beverage (cokes, teas, seltzers, etc.) and, of course, ice. You know, for when you hit the wrong nail. LoL! Great video by the way. I'm still trying to set up my garage shop. Thank you.
Dang I totally forgot that! My kitchen isn't too far away though
Young buddy I love your advice!
Thanks!
A tip for a small shops - forget about the "material flow", if the shop is small enough everything is nearby. In case of small shops the more important is to utilize the dead space, so I would start planning from a bigger items - lumber storage - beams, large sheets; where to cut large plywood sheets. Where to put the shop vac / dust collection and how to attach to all large tools, so you won't trip over a hose. There is some maneuverability regarding the hand tools - so keep them organized in groups - drill bits near drills, sanding stuff together, etc.
Great tip!
I know what you are saying and you are RIGHT, but I think one of the things he meant was the space you need to move boards. The less space you have, the harder that gets!
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!
Great! I'm glad it helped. Good luck with your shop!
Love the shop and all the tips, hope to arrange my space better soon too
This was hugely helpful. Thanks.
GREAT video, so helpful wxa try what I needed THANK YOU 🙏
Thanks for the great ideas and tips
Great job! Thanks! 👍🏼
Thank you very much. I am trying to get into wood working. This video is very informative. I really liked the final positive message also. Very nice.
Thanks! I'm glad it has helped. Welcome to the fun side of the island!