The Shop is Starting to Come Together (heavy pic advisory)

[Basshunter]

Hello WTO,

I have posted a few times here - mainly with questions about new and used power tools as I am in the process of finally finishing setting up my shop. I started this project back in 2006/07 when I just started brand new in the hobby. I got very frustrated with the combo table saw/jointer that I have (my dad's). I tried to get them to cut square and flat, but had real problems. I finally got so frustrated and distracted with other things that I got away from the hobby. Well, I have the bug again and am trying to get the shop going one more time. I have decided to do it right this time by getting a more reliable and consistent set of tools.

I have recently added a dust collector and a Grizzly 8" jointer (with helical head). In addition, I have added a sub panel with 240 v power and some fluorescent lighting.

At this point, I am focused on replacing the combo TS. I am torn between going new Vs used. As I have struggled in the past, I am leaning towards new. Am strongly considering a new Sawstop. But, the Unisaw looks really nice too. I am at a standstill because I cannot decide.... I will keep you posted on what I end up doing.

Anyway, on to the shop...

My shop consists of one stall of a 3 car garage plus an addition at the back end of the stall. The addition is 12 x 15 and the stall is approximately 20 x 10 for a total of about 380 square feet. I do have to store kids toys, yard equipment and the like in the stall, so I am at present only using about 11 x 10 of the stall space. I do plan to work into the storage space in the future.

Here is my shop, working from the garage door inward:

View from garage door:

A little closer view of the machinery area:

View from the main part of the garage:

My hand tool storage and small bench:

My bench - 3ft by 10ft - laminated maple top. I have work to do on this. I bought it from a lefty so I have to move the face vice to the left side of the bench. The top is glued on so I have to figure out how to cut the indentation for the back jaw so it is flush with the edge - I will be posting a separate question on this soon:

A closer view of the bench:

Tool cabinet - I plan to add a two piece assembly table here (I think 2 tables on wheels thinking 3 x 4 feet for each):

Planer/Sander - plan to add a built in bench for use with planer and miter saw:

New Jointer and Dust Collector and band saw - DC ducting for all tools is flexible 4" hose. Given the layout of tools, duct work is pretty simple with short runs. I am running it this way until I know for sure how the tools will be situated. I may then go to 5" duct work:

Wood storage - I also have some under the bench as well:

Future shop space - I plan on adding sheet good storage here (hopefully soon):

Here is my current table saw - It is an old delta combo unit. The saw and Jointer share the motor. It actually runs great. The table tilts for height and bevel adjustments. Cutting a 45 degree bevel is a little scary. I have the saw somewhat dialed in, but the fence is just worn out. I cannot get it square to the table or parallel (enough) to the miter slots. It was my dad's and I would love to keep it, but will be replacing it soon.

Well that's the shop. Any ideas on layout or improvements for work flow, etc are much appreciated. Looking forward to making some stuff and sharing here in the future.

[JayWC]

Looks like a great shop. Don't forget to post it on TheWoodWhisperer as well. Marc will post it there and a link to it on Facebook so you can share with your friends too.

I have one opinion I'd like to offer...keep your dad's jointer/saw. I mean...replace it with a newer nicer model to support your improving skills, but keep the unit somewhere in your shop as a reminder. If in the future you have to get rid of it for the sake of space, post photos of it in the shop somewhere. To me, that's one of your anchors to hold on to.

[Jfitz]

That's a great shop you have set up there. I really don't have any suggestions on layout or workflow, as I always struggle with that in my shop.

[Bombarde16]

I really don't have any suggestions on layout or workflow, as I always struggle with that in my shop.

And that's exactly how it should be. Layout and workflow are impossible to separate from what it is that you are building. If you build the same piece of furniture over and over again, then you can indeed establish an ideal layout. Otherwise, just recognize that your shop layout will be in a perpetual state of evolution and enjoy it that way. For that matter, look at your shop the same way you would view a tool such as a combination square or the fence on your saw. Such tools are adjustable for a reason.

[duckkisser]

ha looks like more room then alot of people have only thing missing is a lathe. trust me once y ou start turning you will be addicted to the machine.

[fransikaner]

Great looking shop space that I am sure will offer you years of rewarding service. Thanks for sharing!!

[Dave H]

There is no way that you work in that shop, where's the dust, where the mess' where's all the crap on the benches No really, nice shop space. I'm always going to share some pic's of my shop, but it's never clean enough, and there's always something else I want to build before I take pic's. I bought the delta unisaw at the begining of the year, and I love it. It's a pleasure to own, super smooth cuts good luck on your decision, but isn't that the fun part drooling over all the choices. How do you like the rigid spindle sander, I have one also it's amazeing how much I use that thing, how the heck did I ever live without it? Looking forward to seeing some projects from your shop. Dave

[Basshunter]

Thanks for the comments guys.

JayWC - I totally agree. We are going to keep the saw in the family. One of my brother's wants it, or I may just move it to the unfinished basement.

Good advice Rob H, plan on getting everything on wheels so it can be as adaptable as possible.

Higtron - you are right, there has not been much building going on in there yet. Although, I have been very focused on getting the shop set up with power, lights and cleaning it, that it is cleaner than normal. Although, I hate having dust everywhere so I always clean up everything at the end of the day. I really like Rockler's Dust-Right hose system as it is so easy to vacuum up the floor and tools. Also open up both doors and get the leaf blower out fairly regularly.

Now just have to finalize on the table saw. I have a line on what I think is a fairly new Delta - 36-L552. It is much bigger than I need, but hope to get it for a grand or so... Will keep you posted.

Basshunter