[Cory]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

 

[davidmicraig]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Renovation and reorg is always a fun project. Enjoyable to customize your space to suit the needs. I like your cabinetry and rolling storage. As "hodgepodge" as you described, the space looks quite effective and organized. I hear you on the conversion from carpentry to woodworking. Glad you are gaining so much here and receiving so much support on your journey. Thanks for sharing your shop.

David

 

[Rick Dennington]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Greetings Cory:

Stellar job on the shop. Things are starting to shape up for you. A shop is an evoulation of change.

The more tools you add, the more room you'll need: the more room you get, the more tools you want.

It's an over and over process. You might get it the way you want it in about 20 years…..lol

So just keep on keeping on, and you'll get there with change…..............

 

[toddc]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Dave hit it - space customization. Everybody's specific needs are different and that will be reflected in the way that we organize it (if ever

Happy LJ anniversary! I hope you remember your wedding anniversary as well.

 

[rtb]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Be warned no shop is ever complete, whenever it becomes the way you want it you time to be satisfied will be very short,probably until the next tool. Happy birthday. (also happy wedding anniversary, don't dare forget it)

 

[Beginningwoodworker]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Nice workshop!

 

[jockmike2]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Congrats Cory, glad you enjoyed the journey so far. I'd kill for a clean shop like yours, LOL, just kiddin. Very nice looking work space. Happy one year, they do go by fast. mike

 

[PineInTheAsh]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Greetings Cory,

My sincere congrats on the anniversary.

You're lookin' good there with that shop. Can't wait to see the changes you're planning. I hope you can furnish a pictorial story-you know how this crowd loves looking at shops.

That all-purpose rolling cart is a handsome bugger; bet it sees a lot of action as a "right-hand man" at your side. I notice the Rockler assembly squares and clamps. How do you like them? Do they do the job?
I don't recall seeing them in any other LJ shop pics and tours.

Nice job all 'round Cory.

Thanks, and all the best,
Peter

 

[MsDebbieP]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

your shop needs organizing? Can't imagine what the "after" pix will look like. ..

I smiled at the "wife's car" statement-oh the number of times I have read that here at LJ

 

[bigike]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

nice shop, i wish i could get mine this organized or even close to it.

 

[REK]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Very nice shop=====clean

Congrats on your year a day early!!!

 

[stefang]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Great looking shop. Well organized and neat. Some great looking tools too. I especially liked the Jim Beam. LOL. Looking forward to the reorganization, but I can't imagine it being better.

 

[Cory]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Thanks for all the comments and congrats, I appreciate it.

PineInTheAsh: I really like the Rockler right angle clamps. I got them on sale last year and I use them on almost every carcass assembly.

MsDebbieP: I didn't mean it to sound badly that my wife parks her car inside, just the opposite. I want to make room for her and my kiddos to get in and out without getting too cold/wet. Ok, ok. I wish I had the room her car takes up, but not enough to broach the subject!

To all: because my family is in and out of the garage/shop all the time, I make it a point to clean up every time I finish a session. I also make it a point to unplug all my tools after I use them and/or put them away so my little ones aren't tempted to play with my chisels or flick on the table saw switch just to hear the click!

 

[Cory]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Stefang: That bottle has a special place in my heart. I shared it with my fraternity brother, who passed away shortly after. I keep it around to remember him and to also remember to enjoy every day….it may be your last.

 

[stefang]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

A good reason to have it there Cory. Our friends who have passed live on in our memories.

 

[JimNEB]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

I like the assembly table. Handy to have all those tools right there when you are putting projects together.

 

[a1Jim]

One year on LJ, what a difference a year makes

With my one year anniversary on Lumberjocks coming up in a few days, I thought I'd start my first ever blog. I can't even believe it's only been a year. When I joined a year ago I had quite a bit of experience with carpentry work and home improvement. I had no idea how little I actually knew about working with wood. One year later, I realize I have only scratched the surface of this hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I have a lot to learn.

My shop, like my skills, has a long way to go. A year ago, it was a place to park some tools and some cars. It has slowly evolved into a place to create. Though I still share the space with kids toys and garden equipment, I no longer park my car in the garage and I pull my wife's car out when I'm in there working. The set up, though, has really been a hodgepodge. When I've added a new tool or created a new jig I just stuck it where I had space. Like most everyone, my shop time is limited and I need to have it more organized and create better flow when I'm working on a project. I've got a total renovation/change I'm planning on starting in the next few weeks. Here are the before pictures:

Main bench area

Clamps, jigs, rollers

Lumber storage, bench top router table, planer, workmates, misc storage

Drill press, miter saw, more lumber, misc stuff for table saw

The project that kicked off my addiction: a rolling work table w/storage:

I'm finishing up a project right now for a local church. When that wraps up, I'll get going on the renovation of the shop.

Thanks for looking. And thanks for all the help, support, and ideas from all of the incredibly talented people on this forum.

Cory

Great job

 

[Cory]

The Plan...

With a project just about wrapped up, I've come up with a plan to organize and renovate my shop. My goal is to eliminate clutter and get everything in a drawer, hung up or stored high on the wall, or behind a cabinet. I had a tenant renovate an office space and they had some perfectly good cabinets that were being thrown out. I grabbed them and they'll be a part of my renovation.

I'm also grabbing a few solid core doors that were also being thrown out. They'll become counter tops. The upper cabinets over my bench now will be moved and used above those base cabinets. My sketchup skills are non existent, but I do use AutoCAD a lot, so I whipped up a quick rendering of what I'm trying to accomplish:

This is the floor plan

Here's an elevation of the main wall

I'll be building a new workbench, although it will be strictly utilitarian and not a work of art. Under the bench I'll put my two rolling tool chests and leave some leg room for a stool. Above the new bench will be a french cleat tool wall where I'll keep most of my tools.

I have been wanting to get a 'real' dust collector instead of using my shop vac for a while now. I'm most likely going to grab a Harbor Freight 2hp DC and add a canister filter. The new DC will sit underneath a new shelving unit that will hold lumber and misc items. Here's an elevation of the new storage wall:

As a caveat to this whole plan, I'm going to the Woodworking Show in Indianapolis this weekend, so I might come back with different ideas about how I want to store my stuff or arrange my shop. We'll see.

Thanks for looking!

 

[PurpLev]

The Plan...

With a project just about wrapped up, I've come up with a plan to organize and renovate my shop. My goal is to eliminate clutter and get everything in a drawer, hung up or stored high on the wall, or behind a cabinet. I had a tenant renovate an office space and they had some perfectly good cabinets that were being thrown out. I grabbed them and they'll be a part of my renovation.

I'm also grabbing a few solid core doors that were also being thrown out. They'll become counter tops. The upper cabinets over my bench now will be moved and used above those base cabinets. My sketchup skills are non existent, but I do use AutoCAD a lot, so I whipped up a quick rendering of what I'm trying to accomplish:

This is the floor plan

Here's an elevation of the main wall

I'll be building a new workbench, although it will be strictly utilitarian and not a work of art. Under the bench I'll put my two rolling tool chests and leave some leg room for a stool. Above the new bench will be a french cleat tool wall where I'll keep most of my tools.

I have been wanting to get a 'real' dust collector instead of using my shop vac for a while now. I'm most likely going to grab a Harbor Freight 2hp DC and add a canister filter. The new DC will sit underneath a new shelving unit that will hold lumber and misc items. Here's an elevation of the new storage wall:

As a caveat to this whole plan, I'm going to the Woodworking Show in Indianapolis this weekend, so I might come back with different ideas about how I want to store my stuff or arrange my shop. We'll see.

Thanks for looking!

that looks like a great plan Cory, and those cabinets are the easiest fastest way to get things started. I have the upper cabinets for that set in my garage if you ever need it

 

[LakelandDave]

The Plan...

With a project just about wrapped up, I've come up with a plan to organize and renovate my shop. My goal is to eliminate clutter and get everything in a drawer, hung up or stored high on the wall, or behind a cabinet. I had a tenant renovate an office space and they had some perfectly good cabinets that were being thrown out. I grabbed them and they'll be a part of my renovation.

I'm also grabbing a few solid core doors that were also being thrown out. They'll become counter tops. The upper cabinets over my bench now will be moved and used above those base cabinets. My sketchup skills are non existent, but I do use AutoCAD a lot, so I whipped up a quick rendering of what I'm trying to accomplish:

This is the floor plan

Here's an elevation of the main wall

I'll be building a new workbench, although it will be strictly utilitarian and not a work of art. Under the bench I'll put my two rolling tool chests and leave some leg room for a stool. Above the new bench will be a french cleat tool wall where I'll keep most of my tools.

I have been wanting to get a 'real' dust collector instead of using my shop vac for a while now. I'm most likely going to grab a Harbor Freight 2hp DC and add a canister filter. The new DC will sit underneath a new shelving unit that will hold lumber and misc items. Here's an elevation of the new storage wall:

As a caveat to this whole plan, I'm going to the Woodworking Show in Indianapolis this weekend, so I might come back with different ideas about how I want to store my stuff or arrange my shop. We'll see.

Thanks for looking!

About the only thing I feel I 'shorted' my shop on is cabinets. The drawers I used are great, but drawers can't substitute for cabinets. I think you'll really enjoy having all that cabinet space. For visible and convenient wall storage, I like white pegboard. It seems that woodworkers either love or hate pegboard. I happen to love it, and used a ton of it in my shop. The white type really helps with light reflection, and if you really want to go fancy, you could use the white plastic ones sold by Lowe's. Your ceiling height is nice too.