benhasajeep's Workshop

Last Feb 2/07 we bought a new to us house in Maine. 100 year old colonial on 3 acres. It included a chicken barn that had been converted to a large storage building.

My shop is in the south end of a 24’ x 140’ long building. The building is basically in 2 sections 1 24’x60’ and 24’x80’. The 24’ x 80’ section is divided in half length wise that a previous owner had seperated into 7 storage units. The storage units are the left and on the right half a long 80’ open section to access the storage units.

At the other end of the building I chose for the shop as it had a 24’ x 60’ open area with about 2/3 of it currently being used for woodworking. There is a garage door about 3/4 down the long wall. The building has its own 200 amp service at the far end. Just for convience and protection against voltage drop, I added a 100amp sub panel in the workshop end. Still working on the electircal as I have time. But I added a 30 amp 240v circuit for my 45 gallon compressor. New light circuit for 4’ lights. Down the center I added 1 20amp 120v, and 1 15amp 120v. So each post has 2 different 120v circuits. Down the long wall with the garage door I added another 15amp circuit. I have enough materials to add several more 240v, and 120v circuits, just have not taken the time to do it as I have what I need at the mooment.

Most of my bench tools are of the cheaper variety. Craftsman contractors saw about 5 years old. Craftsman radial arm saw purchased this winter when there was a good deal going (several discounts added). Craftsman 24” scroll saw. Delta lunch box 12” planer. Harbor Freight 6” jointer, Harbor Freight 14” bandsaw with riser. Harbor Freight 2 hp dust collector with 1 micron filter. Harbor freight 17” drill press. Harbor freight 10” slide saw. Cheapey china 14” x 40” wood lathe. This spring I added a Powermatic 3/4 hp mortiser.

Many people lament about the Harbor Freight tools. I have been fortunate to have some decent luck with them. I am very mechanically inclined and from the get go, took the time and made sure they were all aligned / set up propperly. Most likely in the future I will end up replacing them with better larger machines. So far I have gotten my monies worth out of them (most over 5 years old with moderate use).

Eventually I will spread out and use all of the 24’ x 60’ space. Currently its convient to use part of it for outdoor power equipment and auto work. Eventually I will take out 2 of the storage units in the far end and move the automotive stuff down there. That will create a 24’ x 30’ area for that purpose. As of right now I have all the space I need. My first shop was 16’x19’ at my parents house. And my last shop was 16’x25’. So still in a little shock at all the room I have.

-- Ben, Living the good life in Maine now (almost, just need to retire in 2 decades time)