Single Garage Woodshop Layout Options

[John1102]

I am looking to downsize to a smaller workshop home hobbiest and DIY work.  I am wondering what others recommend.  I am considering two options.  I have attached two screen shots of the layouts below using the grizzly shop planner. Thanks for any feedback.

Option 1:
Incorporates a jobsite table saw, kapex miter saw, MFT table w/festool track saw, & hand-tool workbench.  (pros smaller tool footprint with more mobility)

Option 2:
Incorporates a sawstop PCS cabinet saw w/fence rails cut down to 25" rip capacity, MFT table w/festool track saw, and hand-tool workbench.  Will have miter saw stored in outdoor shed that can be setup outdoors when needed.  (pros are quality table saw, better dust control w/crosscuts on MFT and table saw but less mobility)

 

[RussellS]

My opinion.  I like the bigger SawStop tablesaw over the jobsite saw.  Both for the power of the motor when ripping and the safety features.  But both of your options have a tablesaw for ripping.  Great.  Cannot have a workshop without a tablesaw for ripping.  For functionality, probably the jobsite tablesaw option wins.  Rip on the tablesaw.  Crosscut with the mitersaw.  But I'd advise option 3 which includes both the mitersaw and the SawStop tablesaw.  HaHa.

 

[Gregor]

But I'd advise option 3 which includes both the mitersaw and the SawStop tablesaw.  HaHa.

I can't say anything about the sawstop, these are not available here (though I likely will get me one after they got available).

I wouldn't put the Kapex away but would try to place it so either the MFT or the hand-tool workbench can be used as a replacement for the ug-wing (or what you use as stock support) on one side.

Sawstop version likely depends on if it would ever need to leave the garage. There is a mobile base available for both versions, I would think about getting one so you could move it around (put aside when you need the room, pull out of the corner when you need it) easily. Also cabinet saw w/fence rails cut down to 25" rip capacity dosn't sound convincing, instead of ruining the resale value (and possibly warranty) I would look for a solution to use the extra 5" in a way that keeps it intact.

What's that next to the window, above the planned place for the sawstop?

 

[John1102]

I will take a few pics of the space and post those for better viewing.  On the window side near the T/S I have a refurbished milwaukee drill press on a 15" tool cabinet and the triangle is a wall mounted Oneida mini dust gorilla. 

I would prefer to have a cabinet saw and miter saw but due to the small space I feel I will need to compromise.  Curious what kind of accuracy and quality cuts guys can get off the jobsite sawstop or bosch 4100. 

 

[HarveyWildes]

I'd go with the SawStop hands down.  I had a similar layout for a while.  I used a sled on the table saw for short crosscuts, but kept the miter saw for cross cutting long boards.  Most of the time it was folded away.

 

[John1102]

Here is the shop layout (360 degree) shots with existing cabinet saw, paulk workbench--changed to rob cosman $100 hand tool workbench, and DIY MFT w/built in router table.

(Considering downsizing to jobsite table-saw w/kapex miter saw versus cabinet saw only)

 

[sancho57]

All depends on what you want to build.

For a long time I did without a table saw (gave it away as I never used it after getting my TS55 w rails and MFT) and just used my TS55 with a variety of guide rails.

Takes a little longer than with a table saw.

But after you make different jigs etc you can build just about anything.
A couple of MFTs or a MFT and a extension that you can set up and take down and your in good shape

 

[Chris Cianci]

I am looking to downsize to a smaller workshop home hobbiest and DIY work.  I am wondering what others recommend.  I am considering two options.  I have attached two screen shots of the layouts below using the grizzly shop planner. Thanks for any feedback.

Option 1:
Incorporates a jobsite table saw, kapex miter saw, MFT table w/festool track saw, & hand-tool workbench.  (pros smaller tool footprint with more mobility)

Option 2:
Incorporates a sawstop PCS cabinet saw w/fence rails cut down to 25" rip capacity, MFT table w/festool track saw, and hand-tool workbench.  Will have miter saw stored in outdoor shed that can be setup outdoors when needed.  (pros are quality table saw, better dust control w/crosscuts on MFT and table saw but less mobility)

Hi is your question which Saw Stop should I buy?
Also I assume if you are willing to put a miter Saw in a separate shed then it’s a tool you seldom use?
Do you already own the Kapex? Meaning a Kapex gets put in th shop? And a different miter gets its separate shed ?. I say all of this in a joking manner......I hope that is obvious.
More seriously....I think evaluations of what you specifically use most could help your decision......I breakdown sheet goods w tracksaw and foam on the floor, and crosscut them on an MFT, I leave my Kapex set up always as I use it a lot. I have a job site table saw that I may go for months (as a hobbyist) and not turn it on.
If you haven’t been at this  for a bunch of years you may be evolving in your work style, we all are. If that is the case it looks like both of your drawings don’t have a lot of permanent tool placement so I’d recommend spending a couple months trying out both options, kinda like building a prototype furniture piece before building a piece of fine furniture out of expensive hardwood. Your workflow, building style can dictate which tools you purchase and their best placement for your individual style.
The classified section of FOG is filled with tools people bought and later found out that they hardly used. Use both layouts as working prototypes that way your layoutbest suits you as an individual
Best

 

[John1102]

I am considering adding a kapex to my shop workflow but downsizing my table saw from a cabinet saw to a jobsite.  I have a homemade MFT w/festool track saw already.  Just wasn't sure what people have found are more beneficial.  Kapex + jobsite TS or cabinet saw with no kapex.  Thanks!

 

[Gregor]

Having a Kapex in the shop, ready to use for the smaller cuts and any miters you need... IMHO priceless.

 

[John1102]

How good is the dust collection with a Kapex in an indoor shop (fine airborne particles)?

 

[mikeyr]

I was scared to buy the old Kapex and I never did.  I know they "may" have fixed it earlier this year.  My current saw (until yesterday) was a 52" Unisaw, I picked up a 36" SawStop PCS last night and will get rid of the Unisaw since I just don't have the room anymore and since I got my track saw, I don't think I have cut anything bigger than around 20" on the table saw.  I am considering tonight cutting my rails before I assemble them to around 25" to give me more space, really will hate doing that if I do it.  I did consider the SS Jobsite but I felt I need a real table saw.  You really don't but there are so many things that can be done much faster on a table saw than a tracksaw with parallel guides.  I decided on the PCS, I got the upgraded ICS base, it really rolls around easily.

I do think about a Kapex but I built a sled for my Unisaw to make my miters and that is absolutely repeatable, I suppose I now have to rebuild a new one for the SS.  With that sled, I don't feel the "need" for a Kapex, I have a cheap chop saw for the rough work long work.

 

[ChuckM]

How good is the dust collection with a Kapex in an indoor shop (fine airborne particles)?

The Kapex is not a dust-free solution, but it is the best you can get in the market when it comes to dust extraction and among a few other things.

 

[ChuckM]

I picked up a 36" SawStop PCS last night

Did you also get the dust collection tube/blade guard? If so, try hooking it up directly to a shop vac for increased effectiveness.