My Long Wait for a Workshop #1: First Video - Building Norm's Workshop Hutch

James, looks like a nice shop shaping up. I like the PCV clamp rack, good idea. Are you going to park a car in there too? What are you using for a bench top? By the way I have considerably more then 2 clamps per year old. Take a look at my shop for ideas about packing a small shop.

http://lumberjocks.com/Robw/workshop

Rob

Thanks Rob.
No cars allowed – already too small. The bench top will be 3/4 plywood over the framing, then the dark masonite. I like the idea of being able to change out the bench tops when they get messed up.

Wow – your shop is well organized – something to shoot for. Great job!

As for clamps – sometimes I think it’s just a contest. Especially when I see shops with sevendy-eleven thousand clamps on a big wall – no way that many would be needed at one time unless you were building a town.

James

-- James - I don't like jogging - the ice pops out of my glass...

James, you might think about using 2 sheets of 3/4 ply for the bench top, makes it very sturdy. One of mine is 2 sheets of 3/4 and the other is a section of butcher block that can be ordered in different sizes (used for kitchen counters). Those are both rock solid.

Rob

Great looking shop. Should be pretty sharp with the Griz color scheme. I agree with Robw extra thickness with a little over hang gives a strong place for clamping.

Thanks Clay and Nancy -

That 3/4 ply is going over a frame of closely spaced 2×4’s on their sides – you both still think I need 2 layers?

James

-- James - I don't like jogging - the ice pops out of my glass...

Looks like you are making good progress with the workshop hutch – I made one myself & it is awesome for making sure everything has a place & every place has a thing. Keep up the good work. I have built several ‘Norm’ projects & all have turned out great so far & I have learned so much in the process. I especially like your comment that woodworkers should have 2 clamps per year of life – good rule of thumb.

-- bluesmarky..........................................."If you're here & I'm here, doesn't that make it our time?"

nice video, and looks like a good space to ww in, small but efficient! I also would echo previous comments and recommend doubling up on the workbench plywood surface; another good rule of thumb is that your bench can never be too sturdy!

-- Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Depending on your intended use you will want mass. Are you planning on a woodworkers workbench like a Roubo or something similar? If you are then 1 sheet of 3/4 would be enough.

Hey Blues – nice bench and hutch – I hope mine looks as good. (I wonder what ole Norm is doing now…)

As for the benchtop – yes – I will have a sturdy wwer’s bench later – this is for general use – small projects and nothing too big or heavy. Also a place to set up miter saw, mortiser, small assembly, etc.

Thanks for the great feedback – I really like this website community!

James

-- James - I don't like jogging - the ice pops out of my glass...

Hey James – this is great space to enjoy your time – well thought out and efficient. Good job on the video also, sometimes easier said than done.

Looking forward to your future updates.

Jeff

-- Jeff - I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

Thanks for the video. I liked the clamp storage idea. May try to use it in my shop. Nice to hear from a fellow Colorado woodworker. I will be looking forward to future updates.

-- John, Colorado's (Wooden Wizard)

2 clamps per year old, hmm I need some more clamps.

Great looking shop so far.

-- Easy to use end grain cutting board designer: http://www.1024studios.com/cuttingboard.html

James, it looks like you are going to end up with a fine shop. You really have some very nice equipment. I like your method for acquiring clamps. By your calculations I should have 84 clamps. If this were so I would be over-run with clamps in my 9’x11’ shop. It is a nice thought though. Good job on the video. Keep em’ comin’.

-- Doug - Make an effort to live by the slogan "We try harder"

James,
nice to others “branding” their shops with the color of their tools. I figured there was only one or two other eccentrics like me that did it. I ended up with mostly PM tools so I created this knee wall around three walls of the shop.

I am in the planning stages of building wall of “Norm” base cabinets, but want to incorporate a RAS, a SCMS and a router lift table in the range of 22’-24’ long. Will keep my eye on your progress.

As far as two many clamps, after counting mine, I guess it’s time to get out the walker and head to a nursing home. 2 per year, arrggh.I am starting to feel real old about now..

Rob

-- Rob-Yorktown "Shop's still not done, Tools are bought, Wood is bought, need to find time to start a project.."

Wow – thanks to all for nice comments.
Rob – LOL – yes you indeed have some clamps! Love the colors.

Progress – got the bench top done and finally the window arrived. I now have even better light, and a great view!

James

-- James - I don't like jogging - the ice pops out of my glass...