In this episode of The Ultimate Workshop, host Jay Baker takes viewers through the plans and steps of setting up the ultimate home woodworking shop. Included are such topics as shop layout, essential tools, optimized storage systems and sophisticated dust control. Whether you're an advance woodworker or just a weekend hobbyist, ideally your woodworking shop should help your work be focused, productive and enjoyable. In this segment, Jay and guest Robert Lewis talk about planning an ergonomically designed workspace, and outfitting it with the most important woodworking tools.
- Too often, a woodworking space is limited to a corner of a basement or garage, but if you're serious about woodworking you'll eventually want more room. This Ultimate Workshop was built for an advanced woodworker, with plenty of room for serious woodworking equipment and eventual upgrades.
- The structure was designed with a concrete foundation, wood-frame construction and maintenance-free vinyl siding. The blueprint called for 848 square feet of space, and 10-foot ceilings to accommodate large pieces of lumber. Two separate 220-amp power lines were installed for the large pieces of equipment, and outlets were located conveniently throughout. Lots of windows provide plenty of light and ventilation, and the doors are large enough for moving large pieces of equipment in or out.
- A key idea in designing a woodworking shop is beginning with the basic blueprint, then laying out the major tools and workstations (figure A) to make the space workable and efficient for your purposes.
- Expert carpenter and woodworker Robert Lewis stresses the importance of working out a design on paper before installing the large equipment. Rather than purchasing equipment first, then trying to decide where to put it all, instead start with a diagram. Work triangles are a common concept in workshop design. For most workshop applications, efficient workspace design follows a triangle (figure B), with the most important workstations at the three corners of the triangle. The work triangles describe the relationship between several tools and a single work area.
- But the "triangle" concept is just a conceptual guideline, and the ultimate goal is efficiency. Some tool clusters may be laid out in a square, circle or trapezoid (figure C). In woodworking, the primary tool cluster is typically made up of the workbench, table saw and miter saw.
- For our workshop, we put the table saw in the middle of the room (figure D) because it's one of the most versatile and frequently used tools in the shop. It's advisable to have at least eight feet of access space around the table saw.
- We placed the workbench (figure E) right next to the table saw, in the center-rear of the room, within easy reach of tools and storage cabinets.
- The workbench is a staple of the woodworking shop, and they take a lot of abuse. Don't expect a new workbench to remain looking new for long. They're designed for work, not decorating.
- Key features to look for when selecting a workbench are sturdiness, a wide footprint, plenty of clamping surfaces, and holes to accommodate bench dogs -- the removable pegs that help secure and hold materials on the work surface. Another useful feature is a tray that runs along the length of the workbench (figure F). This elongated tray can be used to hold nails, fasteners and other small items that you're using for a particular project, and when you're done with your work, simply sweep sawdust into the tray for easy cleanup with a shop-vacuum.
- The miter saw is also in the central tool cluster because it's essential for smaller cuts. Some people even use a miter saw or radial-arm saw (figure G) in place of a table saw.
- A band saw is another necessity for a complete woodshop. It's great for making freehand curves or for re-sawing (figure H). Since the one in our workshop is on a rolling base, it can be placed practically anywhere.
- A drill press is yet another vital tool since it allows you to make precise, straight holes in wood surfaces (figure I).
- A jointer cuts the edges of wood precisely to provide flat, smooth edges for joining pieces of wood together. Since only one side of the machine is used, we placed our jointer in close proximity to a wall (figure J).
Those are the basic essentials of a serious woodworking shop. If you're ready to get a little more advanced, here are a few other suggestions:
- Proper sanding is critical to the outcome of any woodworking project. A sanding station (figure K) makes the essential job of sanding go much faster and easier.
- A router table (figure L) simplifies the job of rounding or trimming edges, cutting rabbets and making joinery.
- Finally, for the advanced woodworker, you may eventually work your way up to a lathe (figure M). Wood-turners use this high-end machine to make a variety of highly designed wood elements.
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
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