Workshop Information
Location
United States
After teaching for 30 plus years, I retired in 2011. My shop has been a work in progress for a long time. Only recently did I kick out the car and allow sawdust to fill every nook and cranny. I've been upgrading my tools and right now I have a quite workable setup. Not on par with the big boys, but for strictly a hobbyist, I can get a lot done. Here's my little shop:
My Unisaw (used 2004 model) with a Biesemeyer Fence. My other saw (Ridgid) just seemed underpowered, so I watched Craigslist until I found a nice one. Behind it is my HF 2 HP dust collector: Still trying to figure out how to best use it. My Ridgid 4512 table saw is now relegated to dados and splines.
Steel City 12" Planer: This does a GREAT job. I recommend it if you're on a tight budget but need to plane wood. And I LOVE the old Milwaukee belt sander (except when I bump it with my fingers). I had the motor rebuilt once, and it has saved many a mistake for me.
My new Shop Fox band saw Model 1706: LOVE it. I used to have a Craftsman 22400. It was a 150 pound paperweight compared to this saw. Thank God I bought the service agreement when I got it. I am on a first name basis with the repair guy… he was here SIX times! The Shop Fox has enabled me to resaw… which I could not do with the Craftsman. The Freud router and table are a nice way to round corners and insert hinges.
Here's my Ryobi benchtop drill press: weak, but enough for me. I do love the laser guide.
A Craftsman benchtop router table with Craftsman router: Nice to have several routers for different applications without changing blades so much. Next to it is another, a Vermont American benchtop router table with Craftsman router. And finally my Craftsman scroll saw: An old friend.
This is my sanding station with Bosch and Porter Cable oscillating sanders: Just like Box Guy! Sure makes everything easier. This is probably the one innovation for me that has enabled me to make things that look professional… smooth and quality finishing is so important.
For cross cuts I use an old Craftsman Radial Arm saw. GREAT tool! I bought this with the table for $65 on Craigslist. Runs like a dream and cuts smooth. It's a big time saver for me.
I used to stack lumber horizontally but now I store my lumber vertically.
Here's the best feature of my shop… My wife! She has been very patient and understanding, and has even agreed to do ALL the finish coating! Boy is that nice!
I am maxed out on tools, both for space and financially. Now I have to keep learning how to best use them. My shop still needs more light and better dust collection, but I like being in it, and can comfortably spend hours having fun with wood.
Your comments and suggestions are most welcome!
Jerry