I wasn’t sure what to put for “shop type” since my space is a 190 square feet sun room right off the kitchen. This means the Mrs.has an observation window from the kitchen sink. I used to have nearly the whole space taken up by a table saw but this year I switched to a more bandsaw centered process and bought a Festool track saw. I also convert a corner of the basement into a spray booth every now and then.
I didn’t bother to clean up before taking pictures so you can see my boys still working on ‘boats’. I even built an addition onto the workbench at their height. I would make a lot more furniture if not for their help but its not hard to get help vacuuming the floor.
One of the blessings of a sun room is the ability to keep the dust collector outside, saves space and keeps noise to a minimum. I keep the switch on and just plug it in when it’s time to use the stationary tools. However, that means I have to bring the bag in each night so it doesn’t get wet. I use the Festool vac for all the hand held tools. A box fan with a furnace filter in the window over the lathe is my ghetto air cleaner.
Another plus is the very high ceilings allow me to keep 12 foot boards stored vertically in the corner. I can keep about 150 board feet in a pretty tight space. Storage is accomplished by two quickie wall shelves, a converted IKEA kitchen cabinet base unit, and an old filing cabinet nestled under the bench.
The manifest includes
-lunchbox planer
-Rikon 14″ bandsaw
-Festool: TS55, OF1400 router, RO DX 90 sander, CT22 vac
-router table with RE-600 3hp Ryobi router
-Craftsman lathe
-cheap, embarrassing bench top jointer and similar drill press
-Dewalt 717 miter saw
-HF 1/2hp dust collector with cyclone lidded trash can
-a few planes and chisels along with assorted goodies strewn about
Someday I’ll take over the rest of the basement so that I’ll have enough room for a proper jointer and a miter saw station (maybe even a table saw). But for now I’ve got access to the outdoors, lots of natural light, high ceilings, and the ability to keep an eye on my boys while they play in the yard. So for now I’m good.
Great to see you teaching and raising up little ones, If you dont raise them up the world will.
Thanks
Really Cool.
It’s great to see ideas on how people use small spaces. I had about 200 sq ft for years and just expanded to 400 sq ft. But it is amazing how much you can get built in a small shop. In the smaller shop I built a complete set of custom kitchen cabinets, just had to saw the hardwood plywood to size outside and have a separate storage area as the cabinet were completed. Recently completed a commission for 2 – 6ft hard maple shaker style dining benches with tapered legs.
I love seeing how other people have their spaces set up. I swear I have 15 “How to set up shop” books. I’m amazed by how much you can fit into less than 200 sq ft. I have been working on setting up my shop the last ten years in my parents basement. I always feel like I need more room and it’s 1300 sq ft just for my tools. I have another section of the basement I use for wood storage. Nice job utilizing such a small space, I’m impressed.
Lucky man! Nice little shop, accommodating wife, and mini me helpers! What more could you ask for in a workspace!
Great use of your space. you certianly prove your don’t need a ton of space to get the job done.
I think your shop is representative of most hobbyist wood workers. Some really nice stuff some not so nice stuff but you make it happen. I think it is easy as a wood worker to have the mind set that we need all these expensive tools to make something great when its just not true.Cool shop. I am sure you make some great stuff in there.
It is sometimes difficult to successfully place the tools and use all the available space. It seems that you have done very well.
Very nice setup Lonnie. I have the same sort of space crunch in my basement/garage workshop but I would absolutely kill for that kind of headroom (the ceiling often is polishing my bald-spot…it may even have caused it!! LOL). Great idea to swap out the table saw for a more space friendly solution. Thanks for the peek.
Cheers
John
Nice layout Lonnie. The local chapter of the MWA is meeting this Saturday morning, if you would like to participate.
Sometimes I feel like it is the process of getting to the dream workshop that’s the most fun. How do you like the Rikon 14″ bandsaw? I got the the deluxe one about a year ago and I love it, I am curious how other people like theirs.
You should marry her all over again. Can’t say my wife would be open to having me setup shop anywhere that’s visible from the main house. Looks like you have a great setup in there.
Nice use of space…
Great use of a small place.
Great use of space. It’s not the tools but how they’re used that makes the woodworker.
Cool shop. Neat to see what you can do with under 200 sq ft. I have to compliment the mrs. because she lets you do all that in the main house. She must be great!
Thanks, she is in fact great! We have a few rules that keep the dust under control. Shop shoes stay in the shop, whenever there is cutting or sanding the door is closed and the “snake” is under the door.
It’s good to see participation by the little ones