Middle Age and UNDERemployed...

You can make a lot of stuff with a scroll saw, a few hand tools and a circular saw. I know. That’s what I started with. The scrool saw dosn’t make much dust or noise.

-- Bruce from Central New York

Wood mag did a project awhile back where the workbench folds flat against the wall. Had a couple of cabinets over it for tool storage. Really simple design.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Search for workbench coffee tables. I think I’ve seen maybe two here. Handtools are the best bet. Stay away from MDF.
“http://lumberjocks.com/projects/6176”

-- Jim

Jersey – sorry about the downsizing – seems there’s a lot of that going on. I have my bench, scroll saw and most of my hand tools in a small bedroom. If your wife doesn’t mind – you could use the kitchen counter top for some things. I use mine quite a lot for large assembly things. I ususally cover it with something to protect it. I’ve not had any problems with it—- but then I don’t answer to anyone.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Glenn,

Sorry to hear about your situation. But the good news is there are tons of possible solutions to keep woodworking while you rent. Here are two suggestions:

Garrett Wade has an interesting version of a folding bench that you could take ideas from. Also Rockler just came out with a folding bench as well. Storage could be solved by a traditional wood workers cabinet above the bench for handtools and a vertical storage cabinet to the side could be a nice place to store bench top tools until they are needed. All of this could fit on one wall that is less then 78 linear inches so you could use a corner of a room and when not in use everything folds up or is put away real nice and clean.

http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=crossSell&itemID=105754&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=105754

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19738

Also, I know of at least two LJs who have worked in some very tight spaces and have had ingenious solutions when dealing with limited space: Check out Thuan and FritzM here on LJ.

It would be great if your blog your solution as we all love to see well thought out shops no matter how big or small. good luck.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com