Generally our woodworking shops start off as little corner hobby areas in our garage or basement. Over time, we then start adding tools, learning new skills and eventually that little hobby shop turns out to be a full blown woodworking shop.
The fun part is that at some point, you may have enough space and tools to actually come up with a completely new design and layout, or build a new shop from scratch. This is where you end up designing for purpose, certain tools go in certain places for reasons.
Basics Of Shop Layout
Make efficiency and functionality number 1
Make noise control and comfort a high priority
Plan everything out on paper first
If you do those steps above, you will find that you can get so much more done in your workspace. Inspiration will come to you easier also if you are using these tips as your mind will be clear. There are several things which are important, but I believe that the most important consideration when laying out a space to work is that your tools are easily accessible.
Having easy access to your tools creates a fluid atmosphere which is important for mental clarity and precision.
One of the biggest problems when running a basement or garage shop is the noise and/or vibration that is generated. There really are a number of techniques you can utilize to muffle the vibration and noise. One of the easiest and most affordable methods is to use isolating rubber feat on all of your tool benches and machines.
This stops the travel of the sound vibration to other parts of your work environment. You can also employ rubber isolation when it comes to your ducts and drywall joists. The aim is to stop the transfer of vibration.
Choosing the right flooring for your shop is an important consideration for anyone. We know all to well how hard a full concrete floor can be on your feet, especially during winter months when the floor is cold. One thing I used to do is to install plywood flooring over the concrete. Before I put the concrete down, I used Green glue, again to stop the vibration.
I cannot tell you how much easier it is on the feet, since the wood and the glue "give" a little bit. Not to mention it is a whole lot warmer in winter.
One thing I consider a must is a dust collection system. You really have to read the specs on these to find out what particle size the vacuum is rated for. Some units call themselves "dust vacuums" but really are designed to pick up just the large chips. Always read the specs on what size particles the dust filter is designed for.
Remember, when you are designing your shop, always layout your plans on paper first. You end up looking at this model on paper and imagine yourself actually building something. Eventually, new ideas will pop in your head and you can really find some creative ways to make your shop easier to work in and safer.
The fun part is that at some point, you may have enough space and tools to actually come up with a completely new design and layout, or build a new shop from scratch. This is where you end up designing for purpose, certain tools go in certain places for reasons.
Basics Of Shop Layout
Make efficiency and functionality number 1
Make noise control and comfort a high priority
Plan everything out on paper first
If you do those steps above, you will find that you can get so much more done in your workspace. Inspiration will come to you easier also if you are using these tips as your mind will be clear. There are several things which are important, but I believe that the most important consideration when laying out a space to work is that your tools are easily accessible.
Having easy access to your tools creates a fluid atmosphere which is important for mental clarity and precision.
One of the biggest problems when running a basement or garage shop is the noise and/or vibration that is generated. There really are a number of techniques you can utilize to muffle the vibration and noise. One of the easiest and most affordable methods is to use isolating rubber feat on all of your tool benches and machines.
This stops the travel of the sound vibration to other parts of your work environment. You can also employ rubber isolation when it comes to your ducts and drywall joists. The aim is to stop the transfer of vibration.
Choosing the right flooring for your shop is an important consideration for anyone. We know all to well how hard a full concrete floor can be on your feet, especially during winter months when the floor is cold. One thing I used to do is to install plywood flooring over the concrete. Before I put the concrete down, I used Green glue, again to stop the vibration.
I cannot tell you how much easier it is on the feet, since the wood and the glue "give" a little bit. Not to mention it is a whole lot warmer in winter.
One thing I consider a must is a dust collection system. You really have to read the specs on these to find out what particle size the vacuum is rated for. Some units call themselves "dust vacuums" but really are designed to pick up just the large chips. Always read the specs on what size particles the dust filter is designed for.
Remember, when you are designing your shop, always layout your plans on paper first. You end up looking at this model on paper and imagine yourself actually building something. Eventually, new ideas will pop in your head and you can really find some creative ways to make your shop easier to work in and safer.
SHARE
