The key to working efficiently in your workshop is a good system of organization for your tools and materials. In an earlier segment, commonly used tools were segregated into groups by usage, and organized on wall mounted pegboards. Following are some additional suggestions for organization and efficiency your workshop. Clamps are easy to store, since they can simply be clamped onto a shelf or an existing feature such as ceiling joists. If you want to get even more organized with your clamps, consider building a clamp rack (figure A). A rack like this is simple to build. Just drill half-inch holes in a piece of lumber at regular intervals. Then glue some pieces of half-inch dowling that have been cut to length into the holes. Organize your clamps on the rack by size to make it easy to access the size clamp you need. Tool Boxes Tool boxes come in a variety of types and sizes, some of which are specialized for a particular type of usage. A portable saw-horse/workstation is uses an efficient design to serve multiple purposes in the workshop, and is a space-saver. It serves as a sawhorse for supporting large work (figure F), or it can be opened up to serve as a sturdy tabletop. The work surface locks into position with locking handles on the side (figure G). The entire unit folds flat when not in use for easy storage. Wall brackets are ideal for storing ladders, saw-horses and other large items so that they are off the floor and out of the way (figure H). It's important to secure wall brackets to wall studs for stability as they will be supporting heavy items. Ladders come in many sizes and designs, but perhaps the most versatile ladder of all is an adjustable ladder that can be configured to serve as a regular trestle ladder, a straight extension ladder, a scaffold (figure I) or even a saw-horse for supporting a work surface (figure J). Tool belts are essential for jobs that require a great deal of mobility while you work. Keep in mind that many tools are heavy, so loading a tool-belt with a large amount of tools can be uncomfortable, and carrying all that weight around can tire you out quickly. Tool belts come in an assortment of styles including cloth, nylon and canvas ones that are relatively lightweight (figure K), and more serious heavy-duty belts made from leather. Some are designed as a simple belt with removable attachments (figure L) so you can customize your selection of tools depending on the job you're doing. Heavy-duty tool belts are generally made of treated leather, and are sewn and bradded for durability (figure M). - Tip: Avoid storing fine leather tool-belts fully loaded with tools. The heavy weight will cause the leather to get stretched out and worn over time. Remove the tools from your belt after use, and hang the belt on a hook or peg for storage.
If all you're going to be doing on a particular job is drilling or driving screws using a cordless drill, consider using a drill clip that attaches to your belt. This convenient accessory acts as a lightweight "holster" for your drill (figure N).
RESOURCES :
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
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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