Workshop
Welcome To My Workshop / Woodshop / Tool Testing Cave!
Growing up the son of a carpenter it didn’t take me long to start dreaming of a day when I could have a woodshop similar to the famous shop of Norm Abrams. In high school I was always super happy on days we had wood shop class. So it’s only natural that I’m over joyed to finally have my own special space that serves as my workshop, woodshop and tool testing facility.
Over the coming months I’m going to be documenting all of the major components and machinery for my new shop. As I add more equipment and machinery I’ll add more sections to this page. This page will serve as an “index” of sorts which summarizes all the shop articles and components.
Each section below will eventually have a sub-page filled with information and articles on that subject. So please bear with me as this new section of the website develops over time. I certainly welcome and encourage comments.
Shop Design
My new workshop is fairly unique in the sense that it’s on the 2nd floor above my garage. While I’d much rather have an entire building dedicated to the workshop/woodshop this is the only space I have available at least for the time being. Obviously this poses some interesting constraints but I think you’ll find the shop is pretty sweet considering!
Above is a 3D rendering of the new shop built in Google’s Sketchup. This program helped me not only visually plan the space but also helped me check clearances and interferences with such a crazy shop design. While this rendering doesn’t show many of the walls they are in the model. This view is the best to show the extent of the shops design.
Most of the equipment shown above are symbolic. For example, the dust collector is actually a much larger, 2 bag system from Delta and the Air compressor is a fixed base unit that is also larger. Below are some photos showing the current state of the shop. There’s still lots of work to be finished before the shop is 100% complete.
As you can see I’ve utilized both the space in the garage below and the shop above to maximize the space. The decision to place the dust collector and air compressor down below in the garage made a huge difference. It also allowed me to place them the furthest distance from both the shop and the house cutting down on noise.
The shop design also includes quite a bit of built-in cabinetry along the sidewalls. This will also help me maximize both the open working areas and my storage needs. The space above my garage was framed using pre-engineered attic trusses. This allowed us to have a completely open garage below with no columns and a nice large space above for the shop.
Over time I’ll continue to update this section with current photos until the shop is 100% complete.
Shop Mechanicals Including Insulation
The following sections will be coming later as the shop takes shape.
Dust Collection
The new shop is set up with Delta’s Model 50-763, 3 HP Motor Dust Collector running at 2700 CFM. I’ll be updating this section in the next few weeks.
I’ll be writing several articles on this setup and topic. For my shop I’ve used plastic piping for all the dust collection. While plastic offers a cheaper solution compared to metal ducting there are many people that consider it a shock hazard. I’ll be sharing my take on that subject along with some design tips.
Visit the Dust Collection page.
Compressed Air
I’m using a 60 gallon upright, oil lubricated compressor from Campbell Hausfeld. The compressor supplies air for both the shop and garage. Piping for the compressed air is copper which I’ll explain as I develop this chapter for the workshop.
Miter Saw Station
Lots more information will follow in this section. For now why not check out my reviews for Rockler’s Universal T-Track Kits and the Kreg Precision Trak & Stop System.
I’m using the Bosch 12″ Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (Model GCM12SD) in the shop. It’s probably one of the most innovative power tools I’ve had the pleasure of using in the last 5-10 years! If you’re working on similar shop projects I highly recommend you head on over to Rockler where you’ll find almost everything think you need for your shop.
Table Saw
The heart and soul of the new shop is my new Delta Unisaw! I had the pleasure of traveling to the new headquarters of Delta Machinery last fall to actually watch this saw built. I’m sure this amazing piece of machinery will be the focus of many more articles, tips and advice as the shop takes shape.
Outfeed/Router/Assembly Table
Not Built Yet
Drill Press
I’m using the Delta 18″ Laser Drill Press in the shop. I’ve been using this drill press for over a year now and it’s fantastic. This thing is a serious piece of equipment and it’s been getting a great workout while I build the new shop. From drilling large holes for the dust collection ports to small holes in custom aluminum fence materials it’s been awesome. You can read more about it in my product review:
Band Saw
Not Acquired Yet
Planer
Not Acquired Yet
Jointer
Not Acquired Yet
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