Ideas for shop reorganization?

[ear3]

When I brought home my tools from the last job I was on, this is what the shop looked like:

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Cleaned up and organized things are a bit better, but I'm still basically maxed out on space (and this is before I added the MFT/3, which now, when not in use, stands on its side next to the plywood and behind the router table).

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My shop takes up half of a two car garage, which is separated down the middle by a 2x4 and plywood wall.  I started my shop maybe 10 years ago, before I really knew what the hell I was doing, and it has grown and been reconfigured organically to reflect my changing priorities and skills.  But the last reconfiguration was before I started converting over to Festool, and I feel like I've reached the limit in terms of space under the current configuration.  I'm having a mental block because it is difficult for me to think past the constraints imposed by the present setup -- so I'm searching for ways (and advice) on how to change things around so I'll have the optimal use of the space.  I will someday get the full garage, but that is dependent on the passing away of a member of the family of the previous generation, so I'm not going to let my mind wander down that path for the moment.

Most of the tools are mobile, and I do a lot of my cutting out in the driveway, so it's not like I need to create more workspace -- it's more about the placement and storage of tools.  The most radical option would be to remove some section of the overhead loft, which covers the space in front and back, with an opening in the middle (crosswise from left to right -- so spanning the other side of the garage) that I use to store long dimensional lumber, a ladder, and the FS3000 guide rail.  If I remove the back part, I might be able to build more vertical shelving/storage, extending/replacing the current unit that currently stands next to the drill press, which holds tool cases, painting supplies, my Leigh Dovetial jig, the chainsaw, and various other accessories.  I could conceivably then build something specifically made fore the Festoool systainers.

The workbench was the first thing I built, and is sorely in need of redoing.  It's simply a piece of plywood, covered with wood tiles, anchored by 8x8 posts.  I'm thinking of getting two MFT replacement tops (though I would have to cut one of them down), or having a CNC fabricated top that would be long enough, and making that the workbench.  The thing is, I really like the metal filing cabinets, which I use for smaller tools (both power and hand), and also, actual files with things like manuals, receipts from jobs I've done, and anything to do with the house.  And I currently use the left hand side underneath the bench to store my air compressor and portable planer.  Maybe if I were able to pare it down to one cabinet, I could create some extra space so that I could keep the underside relatively open to access it for clamping through the holes once I change over the workbench top.  I'm also pretty sure that I don't use the pegboard space above the workbench as efficiently as I might, and could perhaps even put some cabinets up there.

The other wall is exposed studs.  I've thought of closing them up, but I actually like how the clamps and other items can be tucked in between them, which gives me a few extra inches.  I've found the wood storage setup to meet my needs: two floating shelves with space underneath for 4x8 sheets.  Though as you can see, I could only fit the 5x5 sheets of baltic birch plywood next to the table saw in the front.

Thanks to anyone who has made it all the way to the end of this.  Any suggestions on space optimization would be most appreciated, from the simple to the radical.

 

[Iceclimber]

You have a lot of stuff in that little space.

Time for an addition

 

[Motown]

I noticed that you have the Incra LS, a separate Kreg router table and the space to the right of your saw is open. One suggestion would be to purchase the Incra router table. http://www.incra.com/product_routertablestands_tsrttabletops.htm

If you need to bring the table to the job site than it probably doesn't make sense but if not I have it attached to my table saw and its a great set up. My only other thought would be to build some upper cabinets. I hope this helps.

 

[sancho57]

Looks about like my shop.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Edward

Gosh things are tight in that garage. The non workshop half of the garage is presumably used for a car. Is there any way that you could find some storage space in that half - maybe above the car (or whatever else is there) or at the sides or ends?

Peter

 

[ear3]

Hi Edward

Gosh things are tight in that garage. The non workshop half of the garage is presumably used for a car. Is there any way that you could find some storage space in that half - maybe above the car (or whatever else is there) or at the sides or ends?

Peter

Unfortunately, the other half is currently stocked with the trash of another family member.  It's a two-family house, and so that person has claim to one half as part of living in the upstairs for however much longer they shall live.  If I dwell on it too much, I start riding off on a really dark train of thought, thinking about what I might do for the sake of more shop-space!

I like the Incra table saw addition option, though as was mentioned, I sometimes bring the Kreg Table to jobs and so I would not at this point get rid of it.

 

[nclemmons]

First immutable law of workshops!  -  The collection expands to fill the space available!

One thing I noticed is that you have a lot of stuff hanging on the walls.  You might consider doing upper and lower cabinets to give you more shelf and bench space and drawer space.  It appears you have a number of tools on bases like the lathe that could be on a bench and then let you use the space under it for storage.  You did say you move things out into the driveway, so that needs to be a consideration, but Just a thought about rethinking the space and where there is 'unused' space that could be cabinets or drawers, even if they were on wheels.. 

The other thing - take a look at your collection of tools, supplies, and materials and figure out how much of the stuff in the garage you have not used in 2 or 3 years.  That might give you some ideas on things that can either be given away or sold, moved to another location for storage, or perhaps put up in the rafters, an attic, or basement.  I had a radial arm saw that I sold after getting a miter saw, for example because I was not using it and needed the space. 

The key is being efficient with the storage you have. 

I just watched a lot of the video series of Ron Paulk on building his mobile toolbox on Youtube.  He is a big believer in drawers and upper and lower cabinets to really store a lot of tools.  That's what led me to the advice for you.  The first of the series on designing the trailer start with this video - Video 1 on Design - where Ron uses Sketchup design explorations to look at maximize tool storage as a good method.

Good luck and post photos as you progress.

neil

 

[jlyons]

Read the Anarchists' Tool Chest.

 

[BMH]

Hi Edward,

A couple of suggestion;
1-Chose a single working height for all of your work surfaces.
2-Get rid of most factory stands and build your own stands with storage space under for drawer or systainer drawers. Drawer give you 30-40% more storage space then low shelving. Mount everything on high quality casters.
3-Build the "Guido wall" on one side and a mobile work bench on the other side. http://www.benchworks.be/tipstricks.html has some good idea you mount on casters. This should be placed at the entrance of the garage. Back of the garage to store all the big power tools on caster.
4-Unless you need your chop saw on site get rid of the stand and build a miter station on casters
5-File cabinets is out.Replace it with unit with smaller drawers that can be pulled out on each side, 4-8 cm deep. Great for router bits, chisel etc...
6-modular shelving 5-15 cm deep amazing amount of storage with small bins. Think narrow thin shelves spanning smaller distances.
7-Clamps store horizontally and in a box hinged to ceiling of garage.
8-Lumber rack on caster and with solid sides for the plywood level give extra storage space for guide rails, level etc...
9-Get rid of old tools and containers

That was my couple of suggestions good luck

Bruce

That

 

[ear3]

Thanks neilc for the video and Bruce for the itemized suggestions.  BTW, what is a guido wall?  I couldn't find anything on the Google about it.

 

[Rocky]

Thanks neilc for the video and Bruce for the itemized suggestions.  BTW, what is a guido wall?  I couldn't find anything on the Google about it.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL53EFE642B27F304B

 

[alex946]

Please sell circular saw, INCRA LS and router table. Completely get rid of them.

 

[Sparktrician]

Thanks neilc for the video and Bruce for the itemized suggestions.  BTW, what is a guido wall?  I couldn't find anything on the Google about it.

Guido Henn did what he calls a "Chaos Wall".  Here are two links - http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/chaos-wall/ and http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/building-guido-henn%27s-chaos-wall-any-advice-feedback/. 

 

[ear3]

Thanks neilc for the video and Bruce for the itemized suggestions.  BTW, what is a guido wall?  I couldn't find anything on the Google about it.

Guido Henn did what he calls a "Chaos Wall".  Here are two links - http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/chaos-wall/ and http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/building-guido-henn%27s-chaos-wall-any-advice-feedback/.

Ah, I see.  Impressive.  And it might actually work if I take down the loft and go vertical.

 

[BMH]

I made my Chaos wall shorter as I have a 7 feet tall ceiling. If you push it up higher it is even better. I think Guido also had a great workbench designed also that had a router table and festool style MFT3 cutting ability. You can add these caster to the table

 

[baldguy]

Please sell circular saw, INCRA LS and router table. Completely get rid of them.

I'm not sure I agree with selling the incra LS... but if you do go that route, please let me know.  I've been drooling over those for some time

 

[thedude306]

Hi Edward,

A couple of suggestion;
1-Chose a single working height for all of your work surfaces.
2-Get rid of most factory stands and build your own stands with storage space under for drawer or systainer drawers. Drawer give you 30-40% more storage space then low shelving. Mount everything on high quality casters.
3-Build the "Guido wall" on one side and a mobile work bench on the other side. http://www.benchworks.be/tipstricks.html has some good idea you mount on casters. This should be placed at the entrance of the garage. Back of the garage to store all the big power tools on caster.
4-Unless you need your chop saw on site get rid of the stand and build a miter station on casters
5-File cabinets is out.Replace it with unit with smaller drawers that can be pulled out on each side, 4-8 cm deep. Great for router bits, chisel etc...
6-modular shelving 5-15 cm deep amazing amount of storage with small bins. Think narrow thin shelves spanning smaller distances.
7-Clamps store horizontally and in a box hinged to ceiling of garage.
8-Lumber rack on caster and with solid sides for the plywood level give extra storage space for guide rails, level etc...
9-Get rid of old tools and containers

That was my couple of suggestions good luck

Bruce

That

Some solid advice here.

I would REALLY lose the router table.  Especially with that incra and table saw.  I would def do a built in on that.  Do the piece of wood with a hole in it clamped to a set of saw horses if needed out of the shop.

WAY too many small parts drawers on the wall, I'm invested in bosch/sortimo so I would go i-boxx but festool has to have some proper storage for those types of things.  Or dewalt makes some nice small parts storage containers as well. 

The miter saw stand is a beast for that size of saw.  Rolling cart for sure.

I would probably build one of these for onsite or for just out of the garage.  Overanalyze's break down table is sweet an can be used in 4x8 or 4x4.  I added adj height feet to make it the same as my table saw and bench.  HIGHLY recommended for any shop.

 

[Brent Taylor]

My thoughts: 1. Remove 1/2 the floor in your loft and build some rolling book shelf type storage boxes and group like items together. 2. Use the end of the loft for bulkier and more used items. 3. The space behind the boxes, store needed,but unused items. 4. Hinge the ladder to give your self more floor space. Now for under the loft: 1. Build some boxes to go between the ceiling joist, that drop down to store boxes of nails, screws, canned goods, clamps, etc. 2. Clip your 3 M TS rail to the ceiling along with your work ladders. Now for the walls: 1. The area opened up by removing the loft floor, make a chaos cabinet, fill it with your shop tool and supplies( Ok, here is the hard part; lose the boxes and all the stuff you have not used in the last 2 yrs, even the systainers, wasted space is wasted space, store them in the loft). 2. Hang your shorter rail and longer clamps. 3. Lose the work table/desk( you have a MFT or make a flip-up work surface, store the filing cabinet at the head of the stairs in the loft). 4. Divide your site work and shop based tools. 5. Combined your TS and router table (but still make it site usable: detatchable).  6. Keep it up and keep it clean(I fail on this point all the time). Clean shop(site), Safe shop(site).  Good Luck, Edward Hope it helps.

 

[rmwarren]

Edward, your photos remind me of my first shop, a 10' by 20' single car garage. I started collecting stationary tools and quickly got to the point that I couldn't move in it. Like you, I wheeled everything outside to work, which sucked when the weather was bad.

Came a day my wife decided she needed that space to grow her business, so I got to build my 24' by 32' free-standing shop and relocate, then convert the original space into her offices. This caused me to really go overboard and I ended up with a cabinet saw with outfeed tables that was nearly 7' square, tons of benches and lots of wasted space.

Then we moved to our current home, where we have zero excess land and no garage, & I ended up selling all the large tools and converting to the Festool TS/MFT and on down that slippery slope. It is constantly a challenge but I think I am actually happier with the smaller space, it makes me really particular as to my tools and workbenches.

There is a thread here that may give you a few ideas, I just updated it after making some *** this past weekend.

Good luck, I will follow along to see how you ***.

RMW

EDIT - this is weird, everything time I use the word "p-r-o-g-r-e-s-s" the forum eliminates it from the post?? See *** above.

 

[teocaf]

i will comment on just one thing:  your PKR is atrocious.
that would be what i call the Pegboard Kerning Ratio.  A tool here, a dissimilar tool there, lots of empty space that is usable right now.  what i did is go through all my drawers and determine what can hang on the wall.  sure you can bunch more in a drawer but then you're forever digging through duplicates, they're out of sight and you forget so you buy more...  who needs 100 screwdrivers? i went through a large rolling tool chest and eliminated a bunch of stuff, hung the rest on the wall and cleared up my toolbox for other things.  i even found some things that i forgot i had and either sold them or started using them.  imagine that!
(as an aside, i'm now modifying those tool chest drawers to hold taller stuff but that will be for another post)
pegboard and hooks are inexpensive, but what i really like is slat wall.  when you get a new tool, you can slide your hooks in that section a tiny bit over to accommodate it, thus improving your PKR on an ongoing basis.
you can get slat wall and accessories reasonably at those places that resell used store fixtures or go to a store that is going out of business and is clearing everything out.
i'm going to try to attach a couple of pics that i took just now to illustrate said use of PKR, which by the way is a trademarked term which cannot be used without the express written consent of....oh, never mind, just go ahead and use it freely--maybe it will go viral!
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