Current Status
Hi all,
This spring was the kick-off for converting my 2 car garage into a dedicated wood shop.
I have always wanted to do this and I am loving ever minute I can spend out there. Most of the time I have been able to be out there has really been for making the shop itself. It has been an experience and a bigger job than I originally thought. I am finally reaching the point for some non-shop builds. On the slate for this coming year are 3 bedroom sets which will include pedestal beds with storage, modular closets with hanger compartment, 10 drawer dresser and shelf compartment on french cleats along with 3 slab computer desks and a traditional woodworking bench. I'll be a busy boy that is for sure.
Anyway, I have insulated my garage door, the back wall and 1/2 of the outside wall. The remaining 1/2 wall will be completed in the spring after I build a shed to house my tractor, snow thrower and the rest of the yard tools. That will free up an additional 15-20% of floor space. I also placed 1/2 plywood over the insulation which has allowed me to freely fasten anything anywhere. On the back wall I created a french cleat and tool holder system. I really love the flexibility to change and fine tune the organization. I have alos ran 2 20 amp circuits which have proved to be a blessing. No more tripped breakers. There is a 30A 120v and possibly a 240v circuit planned for the future.
The new additions to the shop this year have been many, Grizzly 14" band saw with riser kit, Grizzly 6" joiner, Dewalt 12" planer, Rigid oscillating belt/spindle sander BOSCH ROUTERS and several other tools. All have been great performers. I also have built a modified cart for my HF DC (based on lumberjock Corey's design) and carts for my planer and sander (based on lockwatcher's design). That design is cheap, simple, strong and can be modified for everything from tool carts to assembly tables. Really great design. Last fall I made a mobile monster assembly bench. It has been great, but I wish I knew then what I know now. Not the greatest for wood working traditionally, no dog hole or vises.
My current table saw is a Rigid TS2424 with mobile base. I bought it new in '97. I have since added temporary out feed table, extension table, dust collection and a Vega pro 50 fence. It has handle everything I have thrown at it to date, but I have desires for a cabinet saw, think of the Powermatic 52 inch. Probably in the next 2 years. I would like to have a better central DC and dedicated tool drops. Again, that will be in about 2 years. I am planning on getting a drum sander this Xmas. Looking at the Grizzly 12". I should be getting my new Grizzly air cleaner this week. The Performax from Menards just was not cutting it. I use it at the bench.
My current and last shop build (for a while) is a router cabinet. That should be done in the next couple of weeks.
So here are some pics
Back wall and lumber rack
Router Cabinet
Tablsaw
Tool Carts
Monster Bench
Band Saw & DC
Not Sure why I can't rotate the photos.
Anyway, thanks for looking and all the great advice and for sharing your knowledge. Love this site!
Start with 10, end with 10….....that's a good day!
Hi all,
This spring was the kick-off for converting my 2 car garage into a dedicated wood shop.
I have always wanted to do this and I am loving ever minute I can spend out there. Most of the time I have been able to be out there has really been for making the shop itself. It has been an experience and a bigger job than I originally thought. I am finally reaching the point for some non-shop builds. On the slate for this coming year are 3 bedroom sets which will include pedestal beds with storage, modular closets with hanger compartment, 10 drawer dresser and shelf compartment on french cleats along with 3 slab computer desks and a traditional woodworking bench. I'll be a busy boy that is for sure.
Anyway, I have insulated my garage door, the back wall and 1/2 of the outside wall. The remaining 1/2 wall will be completed in the spring after I build a shed to house my tractor, snow thrower and the rest of the yard tools. That will free up an additional 15-20% of floor space. I also placed 1/2 plywood over the insulation which has allowed me to freely fasten anything anywhere. On the back wall I created a french cleat and tool holder system. I really love the flexibility to change and fine tune the organization. I have alos ran 2 20 amp circuits which have proved to be a blessing. No more tripped breakers. There is a 30A 120v and possibly a 240v circuit planned for the future.
The new additions to the shop this year have been many, Grizzly 14" band saw with riser kit, Grizzly 6" joiner, Dewalt 12" planer, Rigid oscillating belt/spindle sander BOSCH ROUTERS and several other tools. All have been great performers. I also have built a modified cart for my HF DC (based on lumberjock Corey's design) and carts for my planer and sander (based on lockwatcher's design). That design is cheap, simple, strong and can be modified for everything from tool carts to assembly tables. Really great design. Last fall I made a mobile monster assembly bench. It has been great, but I wish I knew then what I know now. Not the greatest for wood working traditionally, no dog hole or vises.
My current table saw is a Rigid TS2424 with mobile base. I bought it new in '97. I have since added temporary out feed table, extension table, dust collection and a Vega pro 50 fence. It has handle everything I have thrown at it to date, but I have desires for a cabinet saw, think of the Powermatic 52 inch. Probably in the next 2 years. I would like to have a better central DC and dedicated tool drops. Again, that will be in about 2 years. I am planning on getting a drum sander this Xmas. Looking at the Grizzly 12". I should be getting my new Grizzly air cleaner this week. The Performax from Menards just was not cutting it. I use it at the bench.
My current and last shop build (for a while) is a router cabinet. That should be done in the next couple of weeks.
So here are some pics
Back wall and lumber rack
Router Cabinet
Tablsaw
Tool Carts
Monster Bench
Band Saw & DC
Not Sure why I can't rotate the photos.
Anyway, thanks for looking and all the great advice and for sharing your knowledge. Love this site!
Start with 10, end with 10….....that's a good day!