Scooter's Shop Re-design and Build Thread

[scooter99]

So I decided to start a new thread on this, since I didn't want to muck up my audio build thread.

I have a shop. It's about 10 x 14, or something like that I'll have to double check. I currently have it set up with some permanent workbenches and it's done me well, sort of.

Here are some pics from when we first moved in:

So basically it all got gutted and some workbenches got built, as well as a shelf unit. The problem, other than the water that comes in on a really hard rain as you can see on the bottom of the last picture, is that it's not all that big and for what I'm doing, its' not working for me. I don't have "dedicated places" for my tools and it's become a problem with keeping things clean. ESPECIALLY, after big projects like my truck motor rebuild I just got done with a short time ago. Yeah, it's still a mess.

SO, I'm redesigning everything!!

My goals:

Everything on a portable cart with a dedicated spot.

Ability to remove all carts and tools to clean with ease.

Better organization

Better work space

Soundboard the walls to keep the noise inside and not disturb neighbors when I have to work in the shop due to weather

Drywall the walls. For a softer feel, and a nicer finished feel.

Carts:

1 cart for my Scroll Saw, Band Saw, Drill Press, and Grinder with the ability to remove and store a tool off the table top with ease.

1 cart for my Table Saw, Router Table, and Plunge Router, with drawers, vacuum dust collection and home made fences. Will also have a fold up extension on the back side for cutting plywood on the table saw.

1 cart for my Chop Saw, with cabinetry for storage.

2 carts for a portable workbench as well as cabinetry to house my hand tools, power hand tools, and nail guns. Both cabinets would connect together to create a 48" wide by approx 55" long work table to build enclosures etc on.

All of these carts will have industrial heavy duty casters on them. Also, all of the cabinets will appear as though they have cabinet doors, when in fact they will all be slide out drawers.

I will also be putting in an external and internal hard line system for the air compressor. This will allow me to easily work inside the shop, as well as, outside of the shop which is the most desired place to work.

Redesign of the existing shop layout, walls, doors, etc. I currently have a door which is off center from the front of the shop, see pics above. It's not a very good set up. What I'd like to do is do a double door in the middle, or a big 48" door on the left side of the shop. I'll be removing both windows and filling them in. No natural light. Takes up too much space. I'll be putting in several shop lights so interior lighting will not be lacking.

Eventual plans:

1. Build an overhang outside, so that I have a covered place to work. I have two options which I will go over when the time comes.

2. HVAC. Not actual central heat and air, but a window unit maybe that I can put in the wall. Something relatively inexpensive and easy.

3. Panel Saw. I'd love to build a panel saw that I can use outside. I don't have the room in the current shop's layout to add that in. However, I'm trying to convince my wife that I need a 10' extension and if I can do that, I will make that work. If not I'll have to build it as a cabinet outside and weather proof it somehow.

So there's a lot going on here, I know it. But as soon as I get some designs drawn up which I'm currently working on, then I'll be getting started. I'll try and dig up some pics of the workbenches that I built, as well as the current dissaray in which my shop is in!

[boometro]

looks like a nice space.

[scooter99]

Ok so basically when I first got in, this is what I did with it. I gutted it, and put in a couple of steel racks. I used to be a contractor so I have a few power tools and hand tools. I had to put them somewhere.

Had to hang some stuff outside.

Also needed a spot for my ladders.

So that's what I started with. It didn't last very long!

[boometro]

i really need something like this in my back yard. i am sick of using half my garage for this shit.

[scooter99]

So then I went to Home Depot and bought some lumber! Remember this is all the old (current) layout. But this is just when I did it.

Bought a big compressor. I was tired of dealing with my little 5 gallon not keeping up with sanding and cutting etc. Love it!

Then got to work building some workbenches!

I ended up cutting the end back so I could put my compressor there. Seemed to be the best place to put it.

Top framed up and braces done. Even 45'd the corner next to the door. I KNEW, my ass would catch that!!

[scooter99]

So that's one side done.

Rounded off that corner!

And the edges.

Basically the second side is the same thing. I don't have any more pictures that I can find on photobucket or dropbox. I'll look on my computer at home and get the rest posted up tonight. Give you all a quick rundown on what it looks like now too. Maybe a video even! LOL

[scooter99]

looks like a nice space.

i really need something like this in my back yard. i am sick of using half my garage for this shit.

Yeah it really is not a bad spot. I don't want to sound greedy, because it does and has treated me well. Organization is not one of my strong suits so if I can make it so I have to be organized or at least easier to be organized, then that's what I'll be doing.

It's not that hard to build a nice shop on a budget, just depending on what your budget is, what skill set you have, and what kind of room you have. You can buy some pre-made jobbers too from Home Depot or Tuff Shed or places like that. But having someone do it for you will cost.

[diegoclass2010]

nice i can dig it ....i need my own personal work place

[n8ball2013]

I have all my tools saws etc up high above my window. My shop is similar just smaller. The high space is what you'll need to maximize if you want to use the bench in any form to work on. Mine is only a 12x8 and it's a mess since it's winter and I've just piled shut in it for now.

[boometro]

i think i am going to buy one of the e-z frame kits. all you buy is the kit, and the lumber to build it. no need to cut angles either. seems simple enough to me