| Workshop by Todd A. Clippinger | posted 503 days ago | 1596 reads | 5 times favorited | 25 comments | ![]() |
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My shop is 34’ x 34’, which is 1156 sf. I recommend about 1200 sf to anybody looking to build, it is a size that you can live with for a long time. This has turned out to be a manageable size to heat and power. It basically was designed to work around handeling 16’ stock, be it rough stock or sticks of trim. I have a wooden floor, which is comfortable to stand on all day, and driving cars into it is not even an option.
I have 2 sets of 6’ wide double entry doors. I figured if I can’t get a project out of my shop through those, it won’t go into most houses. I never figured the houses I would be doing work in would have 8’ high x 6’ wide openings like some of them do. Over the double entry doors I have salvaged non-operating windows that let a lot of light in from the east and south. I have four other windows that are 4’h x 5’ w to let in lots of daylight. My lighting is somewhat inadequate. I have four light units salvaged from a campus library in Bozeman, MT. They are 6 bulb fixtures 4’x4’.
I have a 200 amp, 1ph service panel separate from the house. I had to have the service line upgraded from the street. Two people can run the stationary tools with no problem. More than that would be an issue, but then so would space. I have a 12’ x 16’ finish room that is currently being used as shed strorage until I can finish the garage and storage area. “The cobbler’s children never have shoes.”
This size of shop is very adequate to work in if you keep control of the space and have good layout to facilitate workflow. I clean everyday that I work in the shop, often more than once. An orderly shop is safer to work in and more efficient.
I heat the space with a 75,000 BTU overhead HotDawg heater. I don’t burn wood in the shop as a big safety issue, but we do in the house. I also should mention that I have 3 fire extinguishers in the shop. I watched the neighbor’s welding shop get hosed down on the interior when it caught fire, he had one small fire extinguisher.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
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25 comments so far
Karson
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12002 posts in 806 days
posted 503 days ago
Todd Very nice shop.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Bill
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2508 posts in 567 days
posted 503 days ago
A great shop and nice tools. I like the cabinet saw, planer, and sander.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
Max
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5063 posts in 679 days
posted 503 days ago
Todd, I like the layout of your shop and your outfeed table for your saw. Nice..
-- Max "Desperado", Salt Lake City, UT
Todd A. Clippinger
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2486 posts in 505 days
posted 503 days ago
Thanks for the kudos guys. The infeed table and the assembly table are on wheels. Mobility is key in a small shop. The outfeed table table is stationary, I got a little fancy with tapered legs and arches for the stretchers. The tops are 2 layers of 3/4” plyood and are covered with laminate. The laminate is far more durable than melamine and the bright surface helps “lighten up” the shop. The assembly table is on wheels but takes some effort to move it. I don’t do a lot of hand tool work, so this has been very appropriate for my style of labor. There are casters under the middle of the assembly table for extra support because of it’s size. If you are budgeting for tables like I built, the 2 big ones are about $550 (includes vise) and the smaller infeed cost about $350.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Dusty
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783 posts in 562 days
posted 503 days ago
Todd,
Please mess up your shop a little bit at least. You make guys like me look bad with all the clutter I have. At least spread some saw dust on the floor.
:)
Nice shop.
Dusty
-- Dusty
Bwillie
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103 posts in 512 days
posted 503 days ago
I wish, I wish, I wish….......ran to the garage…....nope, still no change. great shop.
But you gotta get some tounge and groove on those walls. Tell this missus that it’ll inspire you.
-- ICN, Bill, (http://www.beavercreekfitness.com)
Jeff
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945 posts in 500 days
posted 497 days ago
Great shop! I’m envious. Some day though… I agree about the daily clean up. Walking into a cluttered shop is sorta like coming home to a kitchen full of dirty dishes.
I like your tables very much. They have sparked a few thoughts for my own space (albeit much smaller).
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
oscorner
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4576 posts in 717 days
posted 495 days ago
You have a very nice shop! Great equipment and all wonderfully set up. You must be a very happy woodworker.
-- Jesus is Lord!
Larry
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133 posts in 617 days
posted 488 days ago
What a great shop and the items your producing are just fantastic.
-- "In dog years - I'm dead"
Drew1House
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420 posts in 494 days
posted 469 days ago
Very nice… envious of the space. I have every one of my machines going on a mobile base so I can roll them into the middle of my 24×24 space to use them. I guess if I did this for a living I would have something to complain about. Love the way you have organized the space though. I am anxious to see the rest of the pictures.
Drew
-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Drew1House
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420 posts in 494 days
posted 469 days ago
Todd… would it be worth it to you to drive down here for some 4×7 fixed pane windows? just the glass sandwich but they are brand new and I have 2 of them.
-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah
BarryW
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181 posts in 312 days
posted 300 days ago
I was looking around for some other shops that were “close-by”....ha….we’re out in the middle of nowhere it seems….but I like the space in your shop…I’m finally getting electric for my 220 equipment this week…the electrician shows up Friday!!! yay. We seem to have similar taste in bandsaws! I don’t get out much, so it’s not likely for me to be dropping by Billings anytime soon since I’m JUST DOWN THE ROAD in Rapid City…you have a really nice shop.
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ http://thecreekviewwoodworker.blogspot.com
Dadoo
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1430 posts in 396 days
posted 300 days ago
So who is the guy standing so proud in the middle of your shop? LOL!
Really nice shop Todd. Mine has to remain mobile and compact because it serves double duty as a garage, but I really would enjoy being able to “spread out” as you have done here.
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
WayneC
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5690 posts in 503 days
posted 300 days ago
What would I know, I’m only a dog. But it looks like a good place to take a nap…
Actually, we have not seen you for a while. How are things going?
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
CharlieM1958
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3704 posts in 624 days
posted 300 days ago
Green with envy! :-)
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Jamie
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131 posts in 220 days
posted 220 days ago
Nice shop Todd. I really like the layout, and the worktables. Did you make them?
-- Jamie, Kentucky
bfd
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171 posts in 213 days
posted 203 days ago
Hi Todd,
When I think of what the ultimate shop for me would be It is pretty much what you have set up for yourself. The size seems perfect for a one man opperation and the layout looks very efficient. I like yourself believe in a clean and organized shop. The level of your work is also top notch!
-- Brian, Folsom, CA
Mark
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306 posts in 539 days
posted 202 days ago
You certainly have just about everything you need to spend a winter in the shop. Very nice and well organized.
-- Mark
Dick Cain
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4417 posts in 705 days
posted 187 days ago
I love, & envy your shop.
I also admire all of your artistic woodworking talent.
-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
rikkor
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6700 posts in 280 days
posted 187 days ago
Very much looks like a shop suitable for a high level pro, like yourself.
-- Maplewood, MN
anthony
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20 posts in 177 days
posted 176 days ago
your shop looks great
-- anthony pelton
Teri
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83 posts in 168 days
posted 159 days ago
You do have a great shop. I like your outfeed table with the storage … I printed that photo for more inspiration.
-- Teri, Kokomo, IN
wildbill903
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53 posts in 347 days
posted 144 days ago
I still dig the outfeed table, very organized. The shop looks great! Alot brighter with the sheetrock and paint!
Splinters
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131 posts in 589 days
posted 144 days ago
Nice shop Todd….you provide me great inspiration to push forward with my new shop.... Thanks
-- Splinters - Living and Loving life in the Rockies - http://www.splinterswoodworks.com/
John's Woodshop
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105 posts in 422 days
posted 144 days ago
Todd,
Fantastic SHOP! What a great space and what great tools. I too like the assembly table. Great Job!
John
-- John -- Racine, WI -- Woodworking..."It's not just a Hobby, it's an Adventure"