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18K views 54 replies 19 participants last post by  SteveFelsheim 
#1 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
 

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#2 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
Dude, that's the stuff that dreams are made of right there…

Congrats, and I look forward to seeing the progress.
 

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#3 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
Tell me about that roof. That such a long span for the beam that spans the whole width horizontally (whatever it is called… beam?). And it looks like a relatively thin/narrow beam. Is is also joined sequentially where I see the metal plates? Tough to see how it has much strength. Is the roof line actually carrying all the weight, and all the structure is there to support the purlins?
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
You probably don't need any windows for security reasons but a few well placed [high up] clear plastic siding that matches the tin would let in some much needed light.
A big fan in the ceiling to suck out the shop and would blow the heat out of the attic, works great in the south.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
You should think about putting an epoxy coating on the floor. I did and it made a remarkable difference in the humidity level in my garage. It also makes sweeping up a breeze. I did a very bright yellow, at my daughters request. It really improves the light situation and if you drop the odd screw, nut or bolt they are super easy to locate.
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
Tell me about that roof. That such a long span for the beam that spans the whole width horizontally (whatever it is called… beam?). And it looks like a relatively thin/narrow beam. Is is also joined sequentially where I see the metal plates? Tough to see how it has much strength. Is the roof line actually carrying all the weight, and all the structure is there to support the purlins?

- gargey
I did not build the building, it was built by the person that owns the condo association. I think its a pretty standard construction method. It seems a bit like post and beam, without the posts :) it has triple 2Ă—6 walls every 24" and cross beams that run laterally. The roof is just standard trusses. It better hold!!
 

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#7 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
You should think about putting an epoxy coating on the floor. I did and it made a remarkable difference in the humidity level in my garage. It also makes sweeping up a breeze. I did a very bright yellow, at my daughters request. It really improves the light situation and if you drop the odd screw, nut or bolt they are super easy to locate.

- BurlyBob
Great idea :) I will have a post of doing just that shortly. (I have a backlog of work since I started finishing it in March).

Wow, bright yellow, you are brave!
 

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#8 ·
Finally, new shop, from the ground up.

After corners of a basement, parts of a garage and a shared space, I finally have the opportunity to build a new shop from the ground up.

This series will attempt to document the process and maybe provide others with some ideas. I am always on the lookout for tips too, please feel free comment with them!

I started last winter by purchasing a building in a "storage condo" area. This means, I own the building, but pay association fees for the grounds, snow removal, water etc. I didn't have the space at my home, so was very happy to have this option.

Stay tuned for more pictures (I am doing a bit of time travel here, but wanted to start from the beginning)

The shop is 26Ă—36 with 12' ceilings.

Wood Floor Flooring Wall Beam


Sky Cloud Wood Land lot Architecture


Cloud Sky Plant Tree Land lot


Up next, insulation, heat, floor and lighting.
You probably don t need any windows for security reasons but a few well placed [high up] clear plastic siding that matches the tin would let in some much needed light.
A big fan in the ceiling to suck out the shop and would blow the heat out of the attic, works great in the south.

- htl
Windows would be nice, but I didn't have the builder put any in, as I didn't really know exactly where I wanted stuff. Without fail, if I had them put in windows, it would be right where I didn't want them :)
 

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#9 ·
February 2016. Shell done, Step 1, lighting

I had the builder sheet the ceiling with steel, install the hanging heater and insulate the ceiling. So, it was a basic shell (one plugin, one light bulb) when I got the keys. I did opt to upgrade to 200 amp electric service.

Fixture Wood Door Wood stain Hardwood


First step, light. The one bulb is not going to cut it.

I decided on standard T5 bulbs. A lot of them :) One thing I can't stand is not being able to see. My goal was to make sure anywhere I was in the shop, I did not cast a shadow on the very thing I am trying to see.

I also went with 6500K (daylight) bulbs. Hoping this would produce a nice light that represents color well. It was a good call, very happy with it.

In the end, I have 80 4' bulbs. Seems like a lot, but the light is honestly perfect (the pics don't do it justice)

Wood Line Beam Ceiling Composite material


Wood Floor Flooring Composite material Ceiling


This picture is from a bit further on in the build out, but gives you a better idea of the amount of light.

Furniture Building Table Wood Chair


Next up, insulation and wall sheeting.
 

Attachments

#10 ·
February 2016. Shell done, Step 1, lighting

I had the builder sheet the ceiling with steel, install the hanging heater and insulate the ceiling. So, it was a basic shell (one plugin, one light bulb) when I got the keys. I did opt to upgrade to 200 amp electric service.

Fixture Wood Door Wood stain Hardwood


First step, light. The one bulb is not going to cut it.

I decided on standard T5 bulbs. A lot of them :) One thing I can't stand is not being able to see. My goal was to make sure anywhere I was in the shop, I did not cast a shadow on the very thing I am trying to see.

I also went with 6500K (daylight) bulbs. Hoping this would produce a nice light that represents color well. It was a good call, very happy with it.

In the end, I have 80 4' bulbs. Seems like a lot, but the light is honestly perfect (the pics don't do it justice)

Wood Line Beam Ceiling Composite material


Wood Floor Flooring Composite material Ceiling


This picture is from a bit further on in the build out, but gives you a better idea of the amount of light.

Furniture Building Table Wood Chair


Next up, insulation and wall sheeting.
Now that's some nice lighting, better wear your shades. lol
 

Attachments

#13 ·
March 2016. Epoxy floor

As mentioned by BurlyBob in my first post, epoxy seemed like a good thing to do. I hate sweeping up concrete, finished epoxy looks nice and brightens things up a great deal.

The problem is, it was early March in WI and still below zero. I needed to get the floor up to 63 F before I could apply the epoxy.

So, I cranked the heat, and waited. After two days, I was getting close.

Temperature Communication Device Measuring instrument Font Gadget


It took 3 full days to get the concrete up to temp. Then comes the acid prep and rising. Bleh.

Here we are, ready to go.

Road surface Asphalt Floor Flooring Brick


I used a 2 part epoxy from Sherwin Williams. It went down very easy with a roller and I am very happy with it.

Liquid Fluid Drink Alcoholic beverage Paint


Here we are all done. Couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. This is the last time this floor will be this clean :)

Wood Flooring Floor Brickwork Line


The only thing I wish I would have done was to put some grit in the epoxy to make it less slick. It can be slippery when covered with sawdust or when you track snow in. Guess I have to clean up after myself.

A couple of days of curing, and I can bring in tools and let the setup begin.
 

Attachments

#14 ·
March 2016. Epoxy floor

As mentioned by BurlyBob in my first post, epoxy seemed like a good thing to do. I hate sweeping up concrete, finished epoxy looks nice and brightens things up a great deal.

The problem is, it was early March in WI and still below zero. I needed to get the floor up to 63 F before I could apply the epoxy.

So, I cranked the heat, and waited. After two days, I was getting close.

Temperature Communication Device Measuring instrument Font Gadget


It took 3 full days to get the concrete up to temp. Then comes the acid prep and rising. Bleh.

Here we are, ready to go.

Road surface Asphalt Floor Flooring Brick


I used a 2 part epoxy from Sherwin Williams. It went down very easy with a roller and I am very happy with it.

Liquid Fluid Drink Alcoholic beverage Paint


Here we are all done. Couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. This is the last time this floor will be this clean :)

Wood Flooring Floor Brickwork Line


The only thing I wish I would have done was to put some grit in the epoxy to make it less slick. It can be slippery when covered with sawdust or when you track snow in. Guess I have to clean up after myself.

A couple of days of curing, and I can bring in tools and let the setup begin.
Their you go. Now paint the walls in a semi gloss white and you'll be wearing sunglasses to work.
 

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#15 ·
Shop furniture: I will do it right this time! -- Outfeed table

Given I was moving from a shared shop, I had zero shop furniture and no storage. Ugh.

I have always been lazy with my shop furniture. Basically 2Ă—4s and plywood slapped together so I could get back to furniture projects. I always paid for this wil frustration down the road. I am trying very hard to think it through and make sure I can store what I need where I use it.

I figured I need the following to be fully functional.

1.) Outfeed table for the table saw.
2.) Miter bench that doubles as a small tool workstation (mortising machine, spindle sander, etc..)
3.) Assembly table
4.) Router table (currently I have a leaf on my table saw for this, not a fan.)

I started with outfeed table.
I adapted a design from FWW for outfeed table. Having storage for the cross cut sled and several large drawers is really great.

Here is the basic shell. both sides are mirrors of each other. The idea is the top shelf will be for the cross cut sled on one side, and shallow drawer on the other side. The rest are various sized drawers for blades, jigs, tablesaw stuff.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Gas


With the drawers made and fitted (100lb full extension slides)

Table Wood Flooring Hardwood Gas


And with plywood drawer fronts attached.

Cabinetry Furniture Table Drawer Wood


It works really well. I used hardboard as a skin for the top. I think I will change this to 1/4" Melamine. It slides better and glue comes right off.
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Shop furniture: I will do it right this time! -- Outfeed table

Given I was moving from a shared shop, I had zero shop furniture and no storage. Ugh.

I have always been lazy with my shop furniture. Basically 2Ă—4s and plywood slapped together so I could get back to furniture projects. I always paid for this wil frustration down the road. I am trying very hard to think it through and make sure I can store what I need where I use it.

I figured I need the following to be fully functional.

1.) Outfeed table for the table saw.
2.) Miter bench that doubles as a small tool workstation (mortising machine, spindle sander, etc..)
3.) Assembly table
4.) Router table (currently I have a leaf on my table saw for this, not a fan.)

I started with outfeed table.
I adapted a design from FWW for outfeed table. Having storage for the cross cut sled and several large drawers is really great.

Here is the basic shell. both sides are mirrors of each other. The idea is the top shelf will be for the cross cut sled on one side, and shallow drawer on the other side. The rest are various sized drawers for blades, jigs, tablesaw stuff.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Gas


With the drawers made and fitted (100lb full extension slides)

Table Wood Flooring Hardwood Gas


And with plywood drawer fronts attached.

Cabinetry Furniture Table Drawer Wood


It works really well. I used hardboard as a skin for the top. I think I will change this to 1/4" Melamine. It slides better and glue comes right off.
That's a real nice looking table/cabinet. An outfeed table is also on my to do list.
 

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#18 ·
I needed a new jointer

When I moved into a shared shop, I sold my 6" jointer (no love loss) because the shared shop had an 8".

Now that I am back in my own shop, I needed a new jointer.

I REALLY wanted something larger than an 8". I really, really hate ripping down a nice piece of wood just so I can make it flat (yes, I can do it by hand, and have many times).

I love the idea of an old industrial jointer, but I didn't want to screw around with 3ph power, or rebuilding a machine. I just wanted it to work. (back to my laziness with shop things)

I did tons of research, saved my pennies and went with the Grizzly 12" with a helical head. One word, beast. This jointer is really great so far. I have not spend a ton of time behind it, but so far, really love it.

What I didn't love, was trying to get a 1000lb machine out of my trailer!!

I ended up using a cherry picker (designed for yanking auto engines). Worked really well since I was working by myself. High pucker factor though.

I could not have the jointer delivered to my house given I live on a cul de sac, so a semi cannot turn around. I could not have it delivered to shop either, for a similar reason. This left me picking it up at the shipping center. This was fine, as they used a forklift to load it on my trailer.

Tire Sky Wheel Tree Road surface


Now the "getting it off the trailer" fiasco.

Building Wood Floor Gas Engineering


Wood Line Floor Wall Flooring


The jointer has landed.

Table saws Wood Floor Flooring Gas


I did end up putting a mobile base under the jointer. Good move.
 

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#19 ·
I needed a new jointer

When I moved into a shared shop, I sold my 6" jointer (no love loss) because the shared shop had an 8".

Now that I am back in my own shop, I needed a new jointer.

I REALLY wanted something larger than an 8". I really, really hate ripping down a nice piece of wood just so I can make it flat (yes, I can do it by hand, and have many times).

I love the idea of an old industrial jointer, but I didn't want to screw around with 3ph power, or rebuilding a machine. I just wanted it to work. (back to my laziness with shop things)

I did tons of research, saved my pennies and went with the Grizzly 12" with a helical head. One word, beast. This jointer is really great so far. I have not spend a ton of time behind it, but so far, really love it.

What I didn't love, was trying to get a 1000lb machine out of my trailer!!

I ended up using a cherry picker (designed for yanking auto engines). Worked really well since I was working by myself. High pucker factor though.

I could not have the jointer delivered to my house given I live on a cul de sac, so a semi cannot turn around. I could not have it delivered to shop either, for a similar reason. This left me picking it up at the shipping center. This was fine, as they used a forklift to load it on my trailer.

Tire Sky Wheel Tree Road surface


Now the "getting it off the trailer" fiasco.

Building Wood Floor Gas Engineering


Wood Line Floor Wall Flooring


The jointer has landed.

Table saws Wood Floor Flooring Gas


I did end up putting a mobile base under the jointer. Good move.
That is a big unit!
 

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#22 ·
Miter saw bench and storage

I decided to build the miter bench featured on New Yankee Workshop (with a few changes). The design is great. Lots of storage and room to use other tools such as the hollow chisel mortiser and dovetail jig.

Starts with (basically) plywood boxes.

Wood Flooring Tool Floor Hardwood


Then a sub top made from half lapped 2Ă—4s.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


On top of the 2Ă—4 sub top, I put CDX plywood (its cheap) and Melamine for the final top. I like Melamine. Its smooth and cleans up easy.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


Now for the drawers. Lots of drawers. 13 of them. I don't normally use a dovetail jig for furniture, but its great for cabinet drawers. Nothing fancy here. 3/4 plywood and 1/2 bottoms.

Wood Gesture Rectangle Material property Font


Wood Interior design Drill Flooring Wood stain


Almost done, just a few handles left to install.
Wood Floor Flooring Wall Hardwood


Here are some pictures of the drawers. Finally, a place for everything (well, almost :)

Table Wood Workbench Gas Hardwood


Wood Audio equipment Gas Cameras & optics Machine


Cabinetry Wood Countertop Drawer Floor


Wood Floor Flooring Engineering Machine
 

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#23 ·
Miter saw bench and storage

I decided to build the miter bench featured on New Yankee Workshop (with a few changes). The design is great. Lots of storage and room to use other tools such as the hollow chisel mortiser and dovetail jig.

Starts with (basically) plywood boxes.

Wood Flooring Tool Floor Hardwood


Then a sub top made from half lapped 2Ă—4s.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


On top of the 2Ă—4 sub top, I put CDX plywood (its cheap) and Melamine for the final top. I like Melamine. Its smooth and cleans up easy.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


Now for the drawers. Lots of drawers. 13 of them. I don't normally use a dovetail jig for furniture, but its great for cabinet drawers. Nothing fancy here. 3/4 plywood and 1/2 bottoms.

Wood Gesture Rectangle Material property Font


Wood Interior design Drill Flooring Wood stain


Almost done, just a few handles left to install.
Wood Floor Flooring Wall Hardwood


Here are some pictures of the drawers. Finally, a place for everything (well, almost :)

Table Wood Workbench Gas Hardwood


Wood Audio equipment Gas Cameras & optics Machine


Cabinetry Wood Countertop Drawer Floor


Wood Floor Flooring Engineering Machine
Looking good, I like the progress.
 

Attachments

#26 ·
I couldn't take it anymore

I was hoping I would not need AC in the shop, but, clearly I do.

Thermostat Temperature Wood Kitchen appliance Gas


So, off to the big box store. Got a 14.5K BTU through the wall unit. Now to poke a hole in the wall and slide it in. I wanted it as high as possible on the wall so its never in the way. It came with a remote, so I don't have to climb a ladder to use it.

Window Building Wood Ladder Floor


Sky Azure Wood Rectangle Fixture


All done. Works great, just removing the humidity made a world of difference.

Wood Electrical wiring Floor Wall Building


Thermostat Wood Kitchen appliance Temperature Home appliance
 

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#27 ·
I couldn't take it anymore

I was hoping I would not need AC in the shop, but, clearly I do.

Thermostat Temperature Wood Kitchen appliance Gas


So, off to the big box store. Got a 14.5K BTU through the wall unit. Now to poke a hole in the wall and slide it in. I wanted it as high as possible on the wall so its never in the way. It came with a remote, so I don't have to climb a ladder to use it.

Window Building Wood Ladder Floor


Sky Azure Wood Rectangle Fixture


All done. Works great, just removing the humidity made a world of difference.

Wood Electrical wiring Floor Wall Building


Thermostat Wood Kitchen appliance Temperature Home appliance
Is it big enough for bad guys to get in through?
 

Attachments

#35 ·
Shop Essentials

While working on the dust collection pipe installation fiasco, it was brought to my immediate attention that 26 ga metal is sharp. So…

Wood Fixture Line Wall Motor vehicle


Figured I may as well get the fire extinguisher while I was at it. Having a fire is the wrong way to be reminded of getting a fire extinguisher :)

And, equally important, High speed internet.

My shop is in the middle of nowhere, so no traditional Internet options (cable/DSL) are no good.

I had two options, satellite or cellular. Satellite is expensive and notoriously unreliable. I get zero cell coverage inside my shop (its a metal building after all), but I do get a decent signal outside.

Talking to the Verizon people, we came up with a solution. Its really fast (> 50MB down), and works perfectly!! The price is much more reasonable than satellite. A super antenna / receiver mounted on the outside and a wireless router on the inside.

Verizon installed the unit for me, and with a 2 year contract, I didn't have to pay for the hardware.

It was amazingly painless.

Sky Building Electricity Surveillance camera Electrical wiring


Wood Flooring Floor Electrical wiring Wood stain
 

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#36 ·
Shop Essentials

While working on the dust collection pipe installation fiasco, it was brought to my immediate attention that 26 ga metal is sharp. So…

Wood Fixture Line Wall Motor vehicle


Figured I may as well get the fire extinguisher while I was at it. Having a fire is the wrong way to be reminded of getting a fire extinguisher :)

And, equally important, High speed internet.

My shop is in the middle of nowhere, so no traditional Internet options (cable/DSL) are no good.

I had two options, satellite or cellular. Satellite is expensive and notoriously unreliable. I get zero cell coverage inside my shop (its a metal building after all), but I do get a decent signal outside.

Talking to the Verizon people, we came up with a solution. Its really fast (> 50MB down), and works perfectly!! The price is much more reasonable than satellite. A super antenna / receiver mounted on the outside and a wireless router on the inside.

Verizon installed the unit for me, and with a 2 year contract, I didn't have to pay for the hardware.

It was amazingly painless.

Sky Building Electricity Surveillance camera Electrical wiring


Wood Flooring Floor Electrical wiring Wood stain
Your comment about having a fire extinguisher made me realize that I don't have one in my shop.

The internet isn't such a big deal to me since the house is only a few step away.

One word of warning, though, make sure your sensitive electronics are all on a GOOD surge protector. I just finished buying a new cable modem and wifi router and spent a couple of nights trying to get it all working after they got smoked by a lightning strike.
 

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#38 ·
Router Table

Finally getting around to building a proper router table. I have a cast iron wing on my table saw that houses a router table, but its not ideal. The biggest issue is dust collection (i.e. there is none).

I decided to go with the newest rendition of the New Yankee Workshop router table. I like the features, so, why not (and I don't have to design it myself!).

Coming along good. Using pre-finished birch plywood and oak for the trip. The top will be MDF with laminate.

Base is basically done, now on to the top and the fence!

Wood Table Gas Engineering Flooring


Wood Shelf Shelving Gas Hardwood


Cabinetry Wood Gas Composite material Hardwood
 

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#39 ·
Router Table

Finally getting around to building a proper router table. I have a cast iron wing on my table saw that houses a router table, but its not ideal. The biggest issue is dust collection (i.e. there is none).

I decided to go with the newest rendition of the New Yankee Workshop router table. I like the features, so, why not (and I don't have to design it myself!).

Coming along good. Using pre-finished birch plywood and oak for the trip. The top will be MDF with laminate.

Base is basically done, now on to the top and the fence!

Wood Table Gas Engineering Flooring


Wood Shelf Shelving Gas Hardwood


Cabinetry Wood Gas Composite material Hardwood
Looks great! Please keep us updated on your progress.
 

Attachments

#45 ·
Router Table Continued

Just finished the construction on the router table. Pretty happy with it.

My electrician friend scoffed (rightfully so) at my switch because I didn't mount it in a box. I cut out the old switch location and installed it properly.

Wood Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Composite material


Not many practical color choices of laminate at the home center, so black it is. I used Incra T-Track and a Woodpecker router plate that will hold a Triton 3.125 HP router. Given the Triton has a tool to adjust the height from above the table, and can change the bit from above the table, I didn't feel a router lift was needed.

Wood Gas Flooring Composite material Bumper


Wood Cabinetry Tool Gas Machine


I didn't want the fence to be black given I often make marks on the fence for stoped cuts, etc, so I just used Melamine. Not perfect or pretty, but very functional.

Wood Cabinetry Floor Flooring Tool


Can't wait to use it, huge upgrade from my old one. Most excited about having dust collection!!

All that is left to do is a bit of finish sanding to break the edges and put some finish on the Oak parts and plumb the dust collection to it. (bleh)

Furniture Wood Interior design Table Flooring
 

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#46 ·
Router Table Continued

Just finished the construction on the router table. Pretty happy with it.

My electrician friend scoffed (rightfully so) at my switch because I didn't mount it in a box. I cut out the old switch location and installed it properly.

Wood Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Composite material


Not many practical color choices of laminate at the home center, so black it is. I used Incra T-Track and a Woodpecker router plate that will hold a Triton 3.125 HP router. Given the Triton has a tool to adjust the height from above the table, and can change the bit from above the table, I didn't feel a router lift was needed.

Wood Gas Flooring Composite material Bumper


Wood Cabinetry Tool Gas Machine


I didn't want the fence to be black given I often make marks on the fence for stoped cuts, etc, so I just used Melamine. Not perfect or pretty, but very functional.

Wood Cabinetry Floor Flooring Tool


Can't wait to use it, huge upgrade from my old one. Most excited about having dust collection!!

All that is left to do is a bit of finish sanding to break the edges and put some finish on the Oak parts and plumb the dust collection to it. (bleh)

Furniture Wood Interior design Table Flooring
Nice router table…well done
 

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#49 ·
Out of my way air compressor

I have a love hate relationship with my air compressor. Yes, its useful, but its loud and very annoying to empty the water from the tank. It also takes up valuable floor space.

So, I decided to solve 2 of the problems.

I mounted the compressor as high on the wall as I could. (about 9 feet up). This gives me easy access to the tank drain (when its not broken) and frees up valuable floor space.

Granted, getting up their was a challenge. Use a loop mounted to a stud in the ceiling and a cumalong to get it up that high. Then mounted it on some heavy duty brackets. It does not move at all.

Also added an oiler and regulator within arms reach so I can regulate the pressure without a ladder.

Still loud and annoying, but ….

Wood Wall Gas Membranophone Hardwood
 

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#50 ·
Out of my way air compressor

I have a love hate relationship with my air compressor. Yes, its useful, but its loud and very annoying to empty the water from the tank. It also takes up valuable floor space.

So, I decided to solve 2 of the problems.

I mounted the compressor as high on the wall as I could. (about 9 feet up). This gives me easy access to the tank drain (when its not broken) and frees up valuable floor space.

Granted, getting up their was a challenge. Use a loop mounted to a stud in the ceiling and a cumalong to get it up that high. Then mounted it on some heavy duty brackets. It does not move at all.

Also added an oiler and regulator within arms reach so I can regulate the pressure without a ladder.

Still loud and annoying, but ….

Wood Wall Gas Membranophone Hardwood
That's a really good idea. Just remember to drain the water on a regular basis.

In my last shop I added an extra tank (for added capacity) and put the add-on tank up in the air.
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Gas Wood Electrical wiring Valve Machine
 

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#55 ·
done?

Well, I have been falling down on my blog (insert favorite excuse here).

You may notice the shop looks a bit more "worked in", (i.e. messy)

Since my last post, I got the new bandsaw (Laguna 18" LOVE IT).
Milling Gas Wood Machine Machine tool


Got my jointer/planer area setup and all the dust collection pipes run (that sucked, large, pun intended)
Wood Gas Engineering Machine Flooring


Got the dust collection for the router table setup (more suckage)
Wood Gas Machine Engineering Ladder


Got some wood storage above the miter saw station. It works, but its a serious pain getting the wood in place.
I think vertical storage on the opposite wall will be easier.
Wood Hardwood Lumber Building Flooring


Also (finally) got a workstation area setup with computer, etc.. This has made it possible to keep my bench free of stuff! The cabinets are just cheap homestore ones, but they work great. The top was a blem from the homecenter ($35, nice).
Property Computer Cabinetry Computer desk Computer monitor


And, finally, most importantly, dog likes it. I does not matter how much room I have, she prefers directly under my feet.
Wood Felidae Carnivore Floor Flooring


Its been a long project to get it all up and running, but, totally worth it. So far, very happy with it.

Any bets on what changes first?
 

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