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Workshop Information

Location
United States
This is my shop, before and after. I've done my best to match up each 3 pictures to be the same perspective or the same area of my shop. In March of 2009, I began a renovation or 'finishing' of the space. Currently, a few more things need to be done but a shop never really is complete. I would like to add some painted (University of Kentucky blue) pine baseboards, some more outlets, and 220 circuits/outlets. I'm contemplating a window unit air conditioner low on the back wall somewhere and, this fall, I'm definitely adding a heater. Also, I will be 'blowing' insulation in the attic to an R-25 (or better) level.

The project required no demolition because it was just 4 walls and bare studs. It has R-13 insulation in the walls, 1/2 inch drywall walls, and 5/8 drywall ceilings. 4, 4-foot flourescent lights were added, with room for 4 more if I find I need more light. Right now, it's super bright in there. I have a 100amp subpanel with room for about 12 more circuits. Each wall has its outlets on separate circuits as well as the lights and ceiling receptacles. Finally, it's a place that I can actually work in and not have to squint my eyes, hunt for things, etc.

I have a few 'prized' items in this shop. Along the back wall, you will see the first one. It's my CNC Router. Even though I'm still getting to know the gal, she's awesome. I forsee a long future between us. The other is my Jet 1220 lathe, seen in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th picture. She's been with me for almost 3 years now.

So, that's it! You can see more of my shop happenings here on my blog or over on my new site: The Workshop Garage.

If you are ever down the Belleville IL, way, feel free to drop me a line. Thanks for looking.

Gallery

Comments

· In Loving Memory
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3,873 Posts
Some progress pictures would be nice. That would allow other people doing the same thing to see how you handled it.

You could start a blog on it.
 

· Registered
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1,083 Posts
Very eager to view some pics of your shop. Slowly, post pics here or blogged the progress.
Good luck.
 

· Registered
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1,624 Posts
Hey that would be nice Gary. Good idea. Keep us posted on your progress.
 

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There are a lot of us here who are self-professed shop addicts. Visual tours of other shops are a nice aspect of this group. Like the others I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your shop. Gary's suggestion is a good one. Following along on a project's progress is the closest that we can get to actually being there with you.
 

· Registered
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130 Posts
Definitely. I'm in the process of updating the specs on my equipment right now and sifting through all of the awsome projects here. I really like the shop pictures because I don't know how I want to create my layout. I know my TS will be the centerpiece of it. It's a brand new Rigid granite topped unit. I'll post a picture to appease the masses. Lots of equipment, 400 sq ft of space. More in the rafters. Sheesh! haha

Thanks guys,
Matt
 

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3,229 Posts
Yup, we like to see them at any stage. I dunno why… it's weird.

Then someone posts a plane. I look at it and go… ooooo! I have a plane too. Still dunno why. Hey, what's wrong with us?
 

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Updated my workshop with 3 more pictures. Feel free to make suggestions. I do a bit of 'soliciting' in the last couple of paragraphs. :)
 

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1,083 Posts
Thanks for updating.
Looks like your tools storage doors have yet to be built or installed. Going on temporary doors and semi-permanent shelves is a good idea. You may get better solution to it like installing a sliding door for instance, a higher shelves to accomadate certain type of tools/power tool. Do it slowly, you may know while you really work in this shop. Do not in a hurry. You may get a better layout that is most convenient and confortable to your work style.
Good luck!
 

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130 Posts
I have had this configuration for about a year now and I've moved the pegboards around quite a bit. The only thing that hasn't changed is the bench, which is bolted to the wall. (Very solid). I'm thinking a mobile bench of roughly the same size would be nice when I need to get my work out in the middle of the floor. For the rest of the time, it might stay up in the corner. It would save space and give me flexibility. After you mentioned the semi-permanent route, I'm thinking I have probably gotten pretty close to what I like. I know the lumber rack will need to be decided upon because its the one thing I haven't been really satisfied with after all this time.

Thanks guys.
 

· Registered
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4,420 Posts
Interesting looking shop. How do you like the Rigid TS's granite top?
 

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I love it. It's about 2 inches thick and really dampens the vibration and noise. The mobile base is really nice. The only downside to this machine is the actually transport and assembly. I purchased mine at the 'Wood Show' and they used a forklift to put it in the back of my friend's truck. Once home, we thought, 'How the heck are we supposed to unload it?' Even after taking the contents apart and removing things from the box, it required 4 guys to move the cabinet and granite table to the ground. Then I had to round up more people to help lift it up onto the mobile base when I was ready. I think it weighs close to 500 pounds. A granite topped TS, 120-240v 1.75 motor, and hybrid cabinet, all for $480+tax (after rebates and discount), is a pretty awesome thing. Now if I could find a big jointer and planer for the same deal!

Does anyone have good examples of lumber storage solutions? I'll probably ask this in the forums. One thing I do is a lot of wood turning. I have about 30 big silver maple, black cherry, and walnut logs in the back of my shop, painted, stacked, and ready for roughing into bowl blanks. These are one of the biggest 'obstacles' in the shop right now.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Matt
 

· Registered
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309 Posts
Nice shop. What so you use your CNC Router for?
 

· Registered
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130 Posts
I've only had the router for about 1 month so far. I plan to make all sorts of things with it. Fixtures, jig parts, jigs, lightswitch covers, carved boxmaking components (including the sides and joinery), set of inlayed pistol grips, etc. Those are just some of the things that come immediately to mind. The list goes on and on. I'll definitely be posting pictures of stuff I make with this machine. I paid too much not to. Be warned, I'm a software engineer and I've made mistakes with this thing. If you aren't technical don't get one thinking everything will be easy. Maybe with the CompuCarve or CarveWright but not a true CNC. This is an industrial strength tabletop machine and works wonderfully. The operator, he works fairly well. hahaha
 

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I'd luv to have a CNC machine and know how to run it, same goes for a laser machine. Both are probably out of my financial reach anyway.
 

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Thanks for the pics. SHop looks nice.
 

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My shop project is underway. I've updated the workshop description and added some more pictures of the 'before and after' of the cleanup. Next week, insulation for the walls. The following Saturday is drywall. Fun, fun. Other additions are going to be some type of heat for next winter (haven't decided yet), an electrical upgrade, and possibly some air conditioning. I want to build a lumber rack out behind the shop for my turning stock (the painted logs in the background) and maybe lumber. I'll just keep it covered with a big tarp. Hopefully that will suffice. Thoughts?

About the CNC. I won't lie. It was pricey. I purchased one of the more high end benchtop machines I could find. All in all, I'm set back about 3 grand (not counting software). You really need to be an engineer/programmer if you are going to run one of these things. It's still a little cold out here in the Midwest so I haven't gotten to spend a whole lot of time with it.

I do have some major plans for it but I'm waiting for warmer days. This one is a Romaxx HS-1. It is all milled aluminum and steel. It uses high strength belts for the X and Y axis and can do 1200 inch per minute rapids. The PC 892 is overkill but the machine can more than handle it. You can get one here. Romaxx CNC support is great.Hopefully, I can use it to make some parts for a bigger machine some day!
 
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