| Workshop by Todd A. Clippinger | posted 976 days ago | 3421 reads | 9 times favorited | 42 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

























42 comments so far
Karson
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25279 posts in 1279 days
posted 976 days ago
Todd Very nice shop.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Bill
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2562 posts in 1040 days
posted 976 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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13985 posts in 1152 days
posted 976 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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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 976 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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785 posts in 1035 days
posted 976 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 985 days
posted 976 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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996 posts in 973 days
posted 970 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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4572 posts in 1190 days
posted 968 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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192 posts in 1090 days
posted 961 days ago
What a great shop and the items your producing are just fantastic.
-- "Have you hugged your pet today?" ---------- Larry
Drew1House
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425 posts in 967 days
posted 942 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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425 posts in 967 days
posted 942 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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869 posts in 785 days
posted 773 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 /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.
Dadoo
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1724 posts in 869 days
posted 773 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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5858 posts in 976 days
posted 773 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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7467 posts in 1097 days
posted 773 days ago
Green with envy! :-)
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Jamie
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146 posts in 693 days
posted 693 days ago
Nice shop Todd. I really like the layout, and the worktables. Did you make them?
-- Jamie, Kentucky
bfd
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413 posts in 686 days
posted 676 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 http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com
Mark
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313 posts in 1012 days
posted 675 days ago
You certainly have just about everything you need to spend a winter in the shop. Very nice and well organized.
-- Mark
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6991 posts in 1178 days
posted 660 days ago
I love, & envy your shop.
I also admire all of your artistic woodworking talent.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
rikkor
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11338 posts in 753 days
posted 660 days ago
Very much looks like a shop suitable for a high level pro, like yourself.
anthony
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21 posts in 650 days
posted 649 days ago
your shop looks great
-- anthony pelton
Teri
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87 posts in 641 days
posted 632 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 820 days
posted 617 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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168 posts in 1062 days
posted 617 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/ - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5220040
John's Woodshop
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117 posts in 895 days
posted 617 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"
Beginningwoodworker
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3857 posts in 552 days
posted 386 days ago
Todd thats a nice shop.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Scott Bryan
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20080 posts in 701 days
posted 386 days ago
Todd,
I really don’t know how I missed this post. I apologize for just now getting around to looking at your shop. It is simply wonderful to have this much shop space available. Yours appears to be well organized and I really like the shop tables that you have built. They are solid and add much needed storage to your shop. And you have some nice tools to work with as well.
Thanks for the post. I enjoyed visiting with you.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
John Gray
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1723 posts in 764 days
posted 386 days ago
BEAUTIFUL SHOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 582 days
posted 370 days ago
Very nice shop Todd!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/
Blake
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2715 posts in 753 days
posted 332 days ago
Ok, now lets see the video tour!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Matthew Weatherly
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26 posts in 322 days
posted 321 days ago
Wow, you have a nice, clean, and organized shop!
-- Matthew Weatherly
jm82435
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502 posts in 621 days
posted 299 days ago
Wow that is a really nice shop. That is cleaner than mine has been for probably 15years. By the scene out your window I think I know the area you are in. I still want to come see you sometime when I get to the big city…
now you not only need a finishing room but a production room for your video… :-)
-- A thing of beauty is a joy forever...
Bob42
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285 posts in 669 days
posted 299 days ago
That’s some shop!!
One would think you could make something in there. Do you do much in there? Only joking ;-)
You have been blessed with a talent and a shop. drip, drip, that’s me drooling. Thanks for the peek.
-- Bob K. East Northport, NY
Mark Shymanski
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1549 posts in 591 days
posted 269 days ago
Great shop.
-- ...it's rennovation time!!!
WoodSpanker
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298 posts in 271 days
posted 263 days ago
Seems pretty well lit to me, or it may just be because it is dark outside the windows! I kinda like the fact I can see outside through your windows. Adds the feeling that what I’m seeing is real. My shop I used to have had only 1 window, and all I could see was the back of my house. :) Its a lovely shop, and you make wonderful work in it!
-- Adventure? Heh! Excitement? Heh! A Woodworker craves not these things!
Garys
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16 posts in 270 days
posted 226 days ago
I agree with the clutter issue. i clean almost everytime also. it makes the work process a hole lot easier when you are able to go and grab what your looking for.i love what you have done with the place. keep at it
Junji
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492 posts in 261 days
posted 204 days ago
Ah, I just found out that you are in Montana. The state I want to come and visit again the most.
I visited there about 10 years ago, I stayed there like a week or to 10 days for fly fishing, and of course Yellow Stone.
I don’t know how long it takes that all the circumstance will allow me to visit there again, but I will someday.
-- Junji Sugita from Japan, http://tetra.blog12.fc2.com/
8iowa
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591 posts in 640 days
posted 204 days ago
You’ve got a great shop. Mine is not quite as large, but is also situated at 46 degrees North. I understand what you say about lighting. Even though I’m not U.P. there all winter, I did stay thru thru early December. The short hours of daylight and cloudy skys really make you want to go out and buy more light fixtures.
Has Spring arrived yet?
-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"
Todd A. Clippinger
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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 204 days ago
Spring is arriving. The windows were open on the house today letting in fresh air and chasing out the stale air of winter.
I was working in the shop with the double doors open to the sun. It was perfect!
I noticed today that I need to get the lawn mower fired up.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
interpim
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427 posts in 337 days
posted 204 days ago
I’ll trade you my shop for your shop :)
-- San Diego, CA US Navy
Garys
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16 posts in 270 days
posted 198 days ago
i love your shop i would love to come work for you…. some amazing projects come out of your home away from home
blockhead
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268 posts in 187 days
posted 36 days ago
Great looking shop Todd. It seems to be very well organized and efficient. Very well done and laid out.
-- Brad, Oregon- Wood, it's what's for dinner.