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I’ve worked in a 2,000 square-foot professional shop and I now work in a one-car garage shop, and the one thing that’s universal for all shops is that you’ve got to be able to find stuff. Whether it’s the marking gauge that was on the bench just yesterday, or that ogee router bit that is in either the router or the drawer, disorganization is a big hang-up. You can waste a lot of valuable shop time if you’re running around looking for tools.
So organizing a shop (and putting things back where they belong) is a great habit to develop. That starts with how you have your shop laid out, and what storage you can make available. I’ve uploaded a free PDF of an article from Popular Woodworking that will give you some insight into that initial set up, or can help you rearrange if that’s necessary.
Once you’ve got the plan set, it’s time to build some storage items – the fun part!
- I highly recommend a clamp rack (a rolling clamp rack and one on the wall are both good ideas).
- Next are a couple dual-purpose items. If you don’t have a router table, build one that has storage underneath for router bits, wrenches and more. Using the same thought process, drill presses usually waste a lot of space underneath, so build in a cabinet for more storage (perfect for drill bits).
- Do you use saw horses in your shop? How about replacing them with a couple rolling drawer bases that offer stability and storage! And if you’re really thinking, you can make it so the plank on top is height adjustable.
Those are just a few ideas to get you started organizing a shop, but you can find books, videos and many articles on shop projects to help optimize your space and time in our online store. Our big sale starts this weekend.
–David Thiel
