Organizing a New Shop #5: Making Progress

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, the fridge is still reeling from being stuffed (and so am I!), but I am on vacation! So for the next week, I am attacking my shop, with the goal of getting it organized and workable.

Yesterday, I pulled everything out and started to sort through the pile. It really wasn’t as bad as I feared, but it has become apparent that I really have to have pegboard, cabinets, and shelves. I also am struggling with the machine layout. I think I’m pretty close to what I will ultimately end up with, but the table saw placement is giving me grief.

I originally had my saw somewhat in the center, feeding from right to left, with the jointer at the right side towards the back wall. Then I got my Unisaw, and my buddies talked me into placing it in front of the overhead door, feeding front to rear. Since I typically work with the door open, it makes sense to leave it that way, but it feels like it blocks access to the shop. Maybe after I get the stack of plywood converted into an outfeed table my perception will change. Not having my son Tommy around anymore to help me move stuff around kind of forces the decision! It was hard enough to get him to help when he lived here, but now I have to feed him carne asada and guacamole just to lure him up, and then he takes off as soon as he smells work :)! But, all in all he’s a good kid, and I’m proud of him. I digress.

For today, I’ll continue to sort out stuff, and maybe go buy some baltic birch plywood for my tool cabinet.

-- Furniture Medic- the prescription for damaged furniture