Reply To: Garage Workshop…
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Hi Max,
I have a similar size shop in Leicestershire; 3x5m external dimensions but slightly smaller inside due to insulation in the walls. I also work my day job (computer programmer) in there, so can’t use all the space for woodwork and have to be careful with dust. Here are my thoughts…
Raising the roof would be nice but I’d say it’s not a huge priority. I’m 6’2″ and only have a couple inches under the purlins. I manage ok but doing larger assemblies can be tricky. Put your bench so it runs the same way as the rafters. You’d also have raking light from the window that way (I think).
I have a 14″ band saw and a 10×6″ planer/thicknesser for milling. I’m as careful as I can be with dust (extractor and air filter) but still wrap my computer in a bin bag when using the stationary tools, and open up some windows to change the air when I’m done. I’m hoping to get a more powerful extractor and have it outside to free up a bit more floor space and help improve air quality inside the shop.
Timber storage is outside but I still have some inside, which I’m hoping to use soon to free up the space.
As others have said, organisation will help no end. Clear everything out. If no-one here can take the tools you want to shift, put them on eBay with a 99p starting bid and state collection only. Someone will buy them, move them, and use them. Take anything else you don’t need to the charity shop or tip. Be ruthless.
Do you work with mainly hand or power tools? You said you’d work in the home shop if you had a couple of doors to make, so would you use chisels or a floor-standing morticing machine to to them?
I’d do a video of my shop but there’s barely room to move at the moment as I have two band saws (got a new one and waiting for the old one to sell), the coffee table awaiting finish, P/T, dog bed (she’s allowed in my shop!), timber, my desk, and a big-ass fan (was 37 degrees in here during peak summer) all taking up floor space.
Hope this helps.
George.