General Woodworking

[My Old Tools]

I'm going to get the chance to design and build a new shop space in a few months.  I'm currently crowded in 1260 SF of metal building.  I already know I want to go from 10 foot to 12 foot sidewalls, and create more loft spaces.  What are your lessons learned for great shops?

[Marlen at WOOD]

I hope this doesn't come off as a promotion, but we've created several newsstand specials the past few years that deal with top shops around the US and Canada. America's Best Home Workshops 2009 and America's Best Home Workshops 2008 are still available. The 2007 issue is sold out. Page for page, I think you'd have a hard time finding more great ideas and illustrated projects.

   In addition, take a look at the WOOD Shop Showcase section of WOOD Online. You've find numerous ideas there as well.

Marlen @ WOOD

[handyman john]

And if I could have I would have ... built ONE end with a two level storage area in mind. An upper mezzanine for light weight stuff and tools and the lower area as a lumber rack, limiting THAT area to 6' tall (no reason to LIFT boards over my head).

For the most part 10' walls are great but the last 8' or 10' can be used for a lumber rack the full width of the shop with exterior walls at 16'. Add plenty of electric UP so you can have battery chargers, lighting, and even a small "office".  10' allows "normal" 8' stock and a behind the rack area for long stock 16' or more AND sheet stock on edge.

Add one end you could use the lumber storage area with a RAISED ceiling (an upper deck area ?) for a small dust controlled "clean room".

IF my shop were to be built without the city's height restriction I WOULD HAVE built it with that idea in mind - it was in "the plan" but I was told 16' walls made the roof TOO TALL (we have a height restriction that was mis-interpreted).

As you might be able to tell I thought about this for a long time and wish I could have a "do over".