Need advice on building new workshop. Try #2

I like how you have colour-coded the “can’t move” vs movable objects. Smart.

You’ve come to the right place for questions/answers/suggestions and “gentle nudging” to try new things.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Okay here is some more detail with front views of each wall. The top view (while nowhere close to scale) does include dimensions now. Any and all suggestions and comments are appreciated.

http://picasaweb.google.com/auburnfan93/Workshop02

-- Dad to 5, Son of The One

Beginning to think I should forget about the cast iron table and simply lay in the router plate directly in the counter top then reinforce underneath. I can add my own t-tracks etc.. for the fence etc.. Should I get rid of the cast iron table and just go with the counter top. I hate to do away with the cast iron but I know I’ll have a better chance of getting a totally flush workspace if I do.

-- Dad to 5, Son of The One

You asked.

I find it easier and quicker to cut out scaled outlines of each tool, cabinet, etc and move them around on a “scaled” page. in such a shop as yours with limited space I would put virtually everything on wheels, make my benches high enough to store stationary tools underneath. benches and counters on hinges help too so that they can be dropped from the wall or swung down against the wall. racking and open shelving that hangs from the ceiling works well too.

In my 25 years+ of woodworking I have come to the conclusion that shop layouts are never written in stone and are constantly evolving. What works today, might not work tomorrow.

Good luck

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

Roman, I wish I had the space and the time to be so organized as to cut outlines for everything. However, as you can see from the before pics, space is at a premium. I am putting almost everything on mobile base with storage underneath for more tools to change as needed.

Okay here are some pics of the actual space, please no comments on the mess. I know. My problem is that I need to take everything out and build it to plan. But I have no place to put all that stuff except the yard. Which means I’ll have to get it done on a weekend. At least these pictures will give you a better idea of what I’m working with.

http://picasaweb.google.com/auburnfan93/Workshop02

-- Dad to 5, Son of The One