Help me redesign my workshop!

[shponglefan]

I'm in the process of redoing my basement workshop.  I've gutted most of what was in there, so I basically have most of a blank slate to work with.  Here is the layout:



It's a bit of an odd shape given it's fairly long (25 feet), but narrow (8.5 feet).  For electrical, I've got one outlet in the bottom left corner and 3 along the top wall (spaced roughly 5 feet apart).   I only have a single workbench right now which is 8 feet by 2.5 feet.

Previously I had this bench against the top wall.  The table saw itself is a portable one.  I was thinking of using the bench in the middle as an "island" and setting up the portable tablesaw at one end.  This way I have the full length of the bench as an outfeed, and space on either side for large plywood, etc.

The only other significant power tool I have requiring a bench is a miter saw.  Everything else are hand tools.

What I'd like to do is try to come up with some ideas for the following:

1) Main bench + table saw placement
2) Secondary bench/stand (?) for miter saw
3) Allowance for future tool aquisition (possible planer, jointer, drill press, etc).
4) Storage ideas for small tools, power tools, fasteners, finishes/paint, etc.
5) Lumber storage

Any ideas?  I've been wrestling with this for a couple weeks now and can't seem to make any headway!

[jmike]

Really like the idea of having your bench as an outfeed for your tablesaw.

The only problem I see is that you always have to make sure your work bench is clear before cutting.
Currently using my garage as my workshop. I'm planning on moving my workbench towards the front, it sits at the back where all dust collects (not to mention that area has the worst lighting).

 

[Vigo]

You don't need to listen to my advice much at all here, my shop is a disaster.    I'll give my 2 cents of ideas though.

I would personally not go with the "island" workbench. I really never saw the benefit in them unless space is a total non-issue. Anything I need to get up on all sides of, I just put on sawhorses or a folding workbench. Everything else is just lined up against the back wall. All my power tools that might need extra clearance are on individual stands that can be rolled out to the center of the room if need be.

If that cubby hole is empty, then put up heavy duty shelves there and store all your hand power tools in one spot. That is how I do it at least. I personally keep my paints and stuff under my workbench. I use my tools much more, but even though the workbench is closer, I don't use it because I hate bending over for my tools so much.

I wouldn't worry about where outlets are so much. Just run long ceiling power strips down your shop lengthwise. Also get a couple retractable extension cords on the ceiling as well. You will have power anywhere you work.

I keep all my fasteners in a those Plano boxes. I got about 5 boxes filled screw and nails, and another couple for specialty fasteners. I like it, because if I have a project somewhere else in the house, I just grab the appropriate plano box for the project and go to then decide on the exact nail/screw while there.

[TopJimmyCooks]

what do you make?  what will be done in the shop?  what are the largest materials you handle inside?  with that info I can offer some advice as i've set up several different types and sizes of shops over the years. 

[keilmillerjr]

Here is what I might do if this was my basement. ZX6R and KDX220 optional, but highly recommended. 

[Maximus]

I don't think this is going to work at all. If your wife wants to watch TV then she's not going to like you using that table saw in the middle of the room. But I do like the way you've kept some space from the walls for speaker placement and soundproofing...

wait what thread are we in again??

[shponglefan]

I don't think this is going to work at all. If your wife wants to watch TV then she's not going to like you using that table saw in the middle of the room. But I do like the way you've kept some space from the walls for speaker placement and soundproofing...

wait what thread are we in again??

I would have thought the lack of fancy 3D renders would have been a dead giveaway

[shponglefan]

what do you make?  what will be done in the shop?  what are the largest materials you handle inside?  with that info I can offer some advice as i've set up several different types and sizes of shops over the years.

Up 'till now it's mostly smaller projects (arcade CPs, stands/racks for music gear, and the like).  Most of the time I don't work with stuff larger than a 4 x 2 sheet of plywood or MDF.  But there are occations where I do cut larger pieces.  For example, I recently put up drywall so I was breaking down the 8 x 4 sheets in there.  And also I recently cut some 8 x 4 hardboard.

In the longer run, I think I'd like to get into proper furniture building so I can see working with larger pieces (i.e. building dressers, etc).

[wp34]

I got used to having my workbench as an island while using my dad's shop.  I'm in the process of setting up my own shop and have left room to keep the workbench in the middle.  It is nice to be able to clamp a work-piece down and then be able to walk all the way around it if I need to.

[michelevit]

Islands for the win. Also locking casters on everything. Its great to be able to move everything around for cleaning, maintenance and even spraying.
Electric outlets everywhere. NEC says you can have 100 outlets if you wanted to.

[shponglefan]

I would personally not go with the "island" workbench. I really never saw the benefit in them unless space is a total non-issue. Anything I need to get up on all sides of, I just put on sawhorses or a folding workbench. Everything else is just lined up against the back wall. All my power tools that might need extra clearance are on individual stands that can be rolled out to the center of the room if need be.

Originally I wasn't thinking of going "island" until moving things around and sliding my bench in the middle.  Then it was like, "why haven't I done this before?"

The main thing I'm trying to avoid is having to constantly setup/tear down workspaces.  I used to do that especially as I had less space, but I find that such a chore.  Dunno why...

If that cubby hole is empty, then put up heavy duty shelves there and store all your hand power tools in one spot. That is how I do it at least. I personally keep my paints and stuff under my workbench. I use my tools much more, but even though the workbench is closer, I don't use it because I hate bending over for my tools so much.

Interesting, I was originally thinking of putting the power tools under the bench.  Or possibly building cubbies on the wall.  Haven't decided yet.

[shponglefan]

So here's a couple possible layouts.  The first is what I was originally thinking of doing before going the island route.  The second is a possible island layout.





I guess the pros/cons are:

Pro Island: Tablesaw set up in one spot and ready to go; can access work pieces from any side.  Storage under island bench accessible from all sides.
Con Island: Uses up more space, possibly doesn't make good use of available wall space.

Pro No island: More space to walk around, move things around the shop.
Con No island: Have to move/setup tablesaw each time; storage space under benches possibly not optimal.

[shponglefan]

Some more experiementing with layout.  I found this article on small shop layouts and it gave me the idea to move the tablesaw.

The idea would be to set up the tablesaw with a larger than originally planned stand, including some basic outfeed space.  The 8 foot workbench would normally be against the wall.  But I thought I could mount casters on the back legs to move it out to use as additional outfeed/island bench.

I also think this layout might work better in terms of workflow.  Lumber would flow from one side of the room, cut with the saw, then into the main work area.

[TopJimmyCooks]

suggest flipping the workbench and miter saw secondary bench locations.  there is a common workflow in most woodworking shops: 

prep stock with planer/jointer (you may skip this with storebought s4s wood, I usually do)
rip stock on the TS
chop stock to final length on the miter. 
Then drilling, router/bench work.

So flipping would get those more in line for flow.

Most importantly think about your infeed and outfeed room.  8' of infeed space in front of the blade is critical.  I can't deal with less than 16' but I get this by positioning many tools in front of doors and windows so I can feed in through the opening when i need to a few times per year. 

[michelevit]

here is a good example of a workshop table/island. Its meant to be portable, but it would make a great permanent addition to your workshop.



The storage directly underneath the top makes it awesome.

[shponglefan]

suggest flipping the workbench and miter saw secondary bench locations.  there is a common workflow in most woodworking shops: 

prep stock with planer/jointer (you may skip this with storebought s4s wood, I usually do)
rip stock on the TS
chop stock to final length on the miter. 
Then drilling, router/bench work.

So flipping would get those more in line for flow.

I see what you mean about the workflow and that seems a good idea.  Although I suppose I'd lose the easy outfeed option for the table saw.  I guess no matter what, there are going to be tradeoffs...

Most importantly think about your infeed and outfeed room.  8' of infeed space in front of the blade is critical.  I can't deal with less than 16' but I get this by positioning many tools in front of doors and windows so I can feed in through the opening when i need to a few times per year.

With the tablesaw position given, I'd have a bit more than 8 feet infeed (for narrower pieces) and more than 8 feet outfeed.  So I'm think I'm good there.

[Audiowizard]

I'm not sure if you're still working on your shop but if want some crazy serious help check out the woodworking forum sawmillcreek.org