Need help figuring out my workshop. Neander guy with limited power tool experience

[Matt Lau]

Dear Creekers,

I have a "workshop" that's been piling up with stuff.
Tragically, I can see the potential of the wokrshop, but am not sure where to start.

Can I load up some pictures and a floor diagram and ask for help?

I'm hoping to improve the usability of the space.
Most of my work is hand tool based, but I'd like the potential to do cabinetry in the future.
I'd tried most of the books on "small shop organization," but most of them are way bigger than the 1.3 car garage I'm working out of.

-Matt

[Jim Becker]

Matt, small shop dynamics primarily means "maintaining flexibility". That means embracing mobility and things like multi-use surfaces that can also be easily removed if you need the floor space. Keep storage up high when you can since that maximizes your floor space. Etc.

[Matt Lau]

I don't know how to post pictures.
Here's a link from my google account:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J7...=w1148-h861-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J7...=w1148-h861-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/z7...=w1148-h861-no

[Matt Lau]

Matt, small shop dynamics primarily means "maintaining flexibility". That means embracing mobility and things like multi-use surfaces that can also be easily removed if you need the floor space. Keep storage up high when you can since that maximizes your floor space. Etc.

Hey Jim,

I totally understand what you mean.
However, I feel like there's lots of smarter people than myself.

If they see my space, they may have better ideas.

[Jim Becker]

There appears to be a permissions issue with your photo links...you'll need to make sure that "public" access is permitted to view them.

[Matt Lau]

IMG_20180328_114939.jpgIMG_20180328_114918.jpgIMG_20180328_114931.jpg

[andy bessette]

I would begin by getting as much stuff off the floor as possible. Think shelves high on the walls.

[Matt Lau]

Thanks for the tips.

Should I have floating shelves, or get some 2x4?
Also, is there a way that I can make it mobile?

I had rats earlier in the year, so would appreciate being able to move stuff to remove feces and place traps.

Oh, and I bought some 1/2" baltic birch ply to make french cleats.
However, I'm not sure if it's thick enough.

If needed, I can get some 3/4" ply

[Jim Becker]

Maintaining flexibility in your on-wall storage isn't a horrible idea...aside from, say, a nice tool cabinet for all your hand tools which likely will not want to move much...having either a modular shelving system (HD metal...I use the Stirling product available from Lee Valley and Woodcraft) or based on French cleats and shop made...will make it easier to adapt as your needs change. Even that tool cabinet can be mounted with French cleats and that make moving it if necessary very quick and easy.

1/2" ply is fine for French cleats as long as it's secured to the wall well along each stud, etc. It takes up less space, too. 3/4" might be better for truly heavy storage, but don't underestimate how strong 1/2" can be with the interlocking nature of this method. You can also do a double cleat on the back of a cabinet that locks things in top and bottom for twice the support. It requires careful measurement of course to get both cleats fully engaged.

[Al Launier]

In addition to the above suggestions I would strongly recommend setting your equipment up on casters, of which 2 of the 4 would be locking. With the deep joint creases in the concrete floor I would further suggest the casters be large enough to easily pass over the creases. This would allow you to park & place the equipment to suit your needs.

Oops! I now see you already have one this. Once again I'm a day late & a dollar short.

[Jim Becker]

Casters...always double locking (roll AND swivel) and even better that all four lock whenever possible. IMHO, of course.

[Matt Lau]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Any idea how heavy a 1/2" cleat will hold? I'll have them 48" in length to engage about 3 studs at any given area.
I'm thinking of finally making a nice wall hung tool cabinet for my hand tools...feel like my tools are being insulted by being stuck in a salvaged chest that I bought years ago.

The nice thing about french cleats, is that I won't have to worry about ripping out a huge hole from the side of the wall on accident! I'm also thinking of having a dust collection "tentacle" dangle from the ceiling (or a boom arm) to keep the Fein shopvac out of the way.

I'll post pics as i get stuff done.
Currently, selling my lathe. Some guy is coming in tomorrow afternoon to look at it.

[Matt Lau]

btw, for lumber, would you recommend:

1. Stick it on a wall rack.
2. Have rolling racks on the floor
3. Keep the bare minimum and get rid of stuff you don't use.

[Jim Becker]

Lumber is something you can use wall racks and store up high. Rolling racks make no sense for a small shop scenario, IMHO. And I'm a poor one to ask about option number three...I don't throw any wood out it seems. Even small off-cuts. LOL And it's surprising how much of that stuff I actually do use for small parts and convenience items/general utility.

[Matt Lau]

Any idea how to store small off-cuts?

Lots of my friends are having kids.
Also, I find it really useful for making tool handles and presents for people.