So far, this series has covered the basic elements needed to plan and equip a first-rate workshop -- including site selection, layout, workstation design, major equipment, power tools, hand tools, organization, storage and safety. In this segment, a few extra features are covered that can enhance the workshop space even further.
- A utility sink may not be immediately obvious as a workshop fixture, but for the workshop that is removed from the house, a utility sink is especially useful as a source for water as well as a cleanup area (figure A). It's especially helful for cleaning up paintbrushes, rollers, etc. The critical feature of a workshop utility sink is that it's deep enough to avoid making a mess on the surrounding floor.
- Anti-fatigue mats for the floor might seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but they can be genuinely helpful if you spend a great deal of time standing in your workshop. These cushioned mats (figure B) feature a non-slip surface (figure C), and their cushioned construction helps absorb the impact and stress of prolonged standing. They can make a noticable difference on a long workday. They can also help prevent or minimize damage to equipment or other objects that may fall from the work surface.
- Consider adding a refrigerator to your workshop to keep snacks and cold beverages. A small refrigerator (figure D) is probably sufficient. You may also want to include a coffee maker (figure E). After all, you'll probably be spending a lot of time in your workshop. Why not add a few creature comforts?
- And to that end, why not add a wall-mounted television? Or better yet, a TV/VCR combination (figure F). Then you'll be able to keep up with news, weather or other programming while you work and make use of "how-to" videos and "do-it-yourself" programming right in your workshop. And for the best in that kind of programming you should, of course, keep your set tuned to DIY!
RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
Special thanks for DIY's The Ultimate Workshop
Popular Woodworking magazine
Web site: www.popularwoodworking.com
American Tool
Web site: www.americantool.com
Black and Decker
Web site: www.blackanddecker.com
Ryobi Technologies Inc.
Web site: www.ryobitools.com
Stanley Tools
Web site: www.stanleyworks.com
Vermont American
Web site: www.vermontamerican.com
Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop
Model: 156158360X
Author: Sandor Nagyszalanczy
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Workshop Book
Model: 1561582719
Author: Scott Landis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop
Model: 1558704817
Author: Bill Stankus
Popular Woodworking Books
Setting Up Your Own Woodworking Shop
Model: 0806983140
Author: Bill Stankus
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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