Yes, it really helps when you're working in zero gravity.Originally Posted by Carl Beckett
Member
Yes, it really helps when you're working in zero gravity.
Member
I've decided that 500 sq ft of space virtually dedicated to making stuff is still absolutely awesome. Reading about the many large shops people have and dreaming about 1200, 1800, 3000 sq ft can easily make you lose perspective - whilst more space would be amazing I just realised how blessed I am to have what I have. I'm going to work hard and do my best to set it up as efficiently as I can, make it a nice place to work, and not allow myself to forget how fortunate I am to have the problem of figuring out how to "fit in" a bunch of nice tools!
We considered moving house recently and took a good look at a place on 4 acres with a 2700sq ft two storey workshop but realised we really didn't want to get in a bunch of debt! I'd rather have my 500 sq ft free of debt than a huge workshop that forces me to be a wage slave for another 20 years. Also, I'm still holding out for a property market crash here in Australia!.
Enjoy your shops, whatever size they are! Just having a shop space at all is a huge blessing - don't let dreams of larger ruin your reality!
Cheers, Dom
Member
That's very inspirational, and I'm with you, my brother. I don't like to think about a world without this kind of spirit.I've decided that 500 sq ft of space virtually dedicated to making stuff is still absolutely awesome. Reading about the many large shops people have and dreaming about 1200, 1800, 3000 sq ft can easily make you lose perspective - whilst more space would be amazing I just realised how blessed I am to have what I have. I'm going to work hard and do my best to set it up as efficiently as I can, make it a nice place to work, and not allow myself to forget how fortunate I am to have the problem of figuring out how to "fit in" a bunch of nice tools!
We considered moving house recently and took a good look at a place on 4 acres with a 2700sq ft two storey workshop but realised we really didn't want to get in a bunch of debt! I'd rather have my 500 sq ft free of debt than a huge workshop that forces me to be a wage slave for another 20 years. Also, I'm still holding out for a property market crash here in Australia!
Enjoy your shops, whatever size they are! Just having a shop space at all is a huge blessing - don't let dreams of larger ruin your reality!
Cheers, Dom
Contributor
I agree 100%. For the first time in my life I have a dedicated shop that doesnt need to be shared with Automobiles, lawnmowers, etc. A blessing and I am happy to make it work.I've decided that 500 sq ft of space virtually dedicated to making stuff is still absolutely awesome. Reading about the many large shops people have and dreaming about 1200, 1800, 3000 sq ft can easily make you lose perspective - whilst more space would be amazing I just realised how blessed I am to have what I have. I'm going to work hard and do my best to set it up as efficiently as I can, make it a nice place to work, and not allow myself to forget how fortunate I am to have the problem of figuring out how to "fit in" a bunch of nice tools!
We considered moving house recently and took a good look at a place on 4 acres with a 2700sq ft two storey workshop but realised we really didn't want to get in a bunch of debt! I'd rather have my 500 sq ft free of debt than a huge workshop that forces me to be a wage slave for another 20 years. Also, I'm still holding out for a property market crash here in Australia!
Enjoy your shops, whatever size they are! Just having a shop space at all is a huge blessing - don't let dreams of larger ruin your reality!
Cheers, Dom
Contributor
My shop is 30x34. Actually 30x30 with a 4x14 bump out for the big door, so 960 sq ft. All the usual suspects; 52" SS, 8"jointer, planer, 16" DP, Cyclone, Router table, Miter saw, 14" BS. I use one corner of the space for my welding machine and plasma so I guess count those too. I was ADD before it was fashionable so the idea that anything would sit in one place for long is actually kinda humorous. I think about placement but keep mobile bases under most of the equipment. Oh, I also have a 12x16' covered porch that gets used on occasion.
Contributor
My shop is 30x34. Actually 30x30 with a 4x14 bump out for the big door, so 960 sq ft. All the usual suspects; 52" SS, 8"jointer, planer, 16" DP, Cyclone, Router table, Miter saw, 14" BS. I use one corner of the space for my welding machine and plasma so I guess count those too. I was ADD before it was fashionable so the idea that anything would sit in one place for long is actually kinda humorous. I think about placement but keep mobile bases under most of the equipment. Oh, I also have a 12x16' covered porch that gets used on occasion. It is a great space.
I have two shops a short block apart. My "shop" is 3450 sq ft with a bathroom. It's a goofy old L shaped building that needed a lot of work when I bought it. Still needs more of course. The "new building" is 30 x 60 on the ground floor with a side access walkup basement apartment. I've been very stingy with space in my shop. This results in lots of open, flexible space. I live in a small rural town. I would never be able to afford what I have in a big city.
Member
Living the dream in terms of shop space Steven!
In my situation it's very much a choice of - small shop but disposable income to spend on tools and timber as well ad security knowing I don't need to service a mortgage vs bigger place and shop but no money to splash on it and stuck in a long mortgage/loss of freedom! Hard to know which is better - but i'm sticking with small shop atm!
Enjoy the open space!
Cheers, Dom
Dom- I’m not bragging. In a similar mindset as yours. Small town living, getting a lot more for the dollars I have, mortgage free.
Member
My shop is 225 ft². A 15'x15' outbuilding.
I have;
Lunchbox planer
16" bandsaw
Floor standing drill press
Folding contractor table saw
Sliding miter saw on folding stand
1.5 hp dust collector
16 gal air compressor
Festool Mft, tracksaw and Domino
Kerosene heater, electric heater
Piles of handheld power tools
About 22' of 2' deep work bench/ utility grade bench, nothing special.(way too much, currently consolidating)
ALL tools are mobile. I use 1 at a time, in the middle of the shop if not outside.
If I have to run full length stock, 8' or whatever, my outfeed goes out the door.
I want a jointer but I don't think I can get it in there.
New shop may be in the works. New mortgage in process. I asked the bank for a LOT (lol). We'll find out what they'll loan (based on equity/ appraisal) soon.
House reno comes first, shop gets what's left...
Did the op build a shop? This is a zombie thread but he appears to be still active.
[OP]
Member
Hi Jay,
My new shop is nearing completion. I had a thread about the construction. https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread....-Mountain-King I stopped updating it. The shop lacks finish electrical, plumbing, interior trim, and flooring. Hoping it is finished soon. Thanks for reviving the thread. I will update the statistics if I have time.
Thomas
Member
Hmmm, 850sf? I wouldn't think you could have done it in less than 1000sf, provided that everything is on wheels. Of course, that's not taking gravity into account. :^) What are your provisions for building on an extension?
[OP]
Member
Hi Doug,
There’s plenty of room up in the open beam ceiling if I can get the anti-graviton particle generator working. If that fails, I have a full basement. Current plan is for the wood rack, radial arm saw, and dust collector to go downstairs. The rest seems to fit nicely on the main level at least in SketchUp. We will see how it fits when I move the tools in soon. The tools are on wheels so experimentation is expected.
And, the lot is 2.5 acres so there’s room to expand.
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