Save-A-Boat - The Forum for Plastic Classic Rebuilds!

Well this nothing like the Boat Barns (V1.0 and V2.0), but it is a model of efficiency in a tiny space. As well as a testament to what can be done with maple and a little creativity.
Visit my Workshop
I am soon to be beginning some major workshop projects, so for those of you who follow my progress, I wanted to offer a view of where all this will be taking place.

WOW!

That's really somthing, good job!

I was going to post pics of my shop, but now I think I'll have to do a lot more work on it first! LOL

Impressive and beautiful, Doug--a markedly efficient use of a small space! I look forward to seeing what you turn out next.

Want to come to Maine this winter and fit out my new shop (if I ever get a roof)? I'm afraid my benches and storage will never look as pretty as yours, alas.

This is a potentially interesting thread, I'd love to see more. I encourage others to post photos of their workspace, however humble, small, or otherwise. Everyone has good ideas and their own ways of dealing with storage and working issues, and it would be educational to see what those are!

I'm in the midst of construction of my new shop, here at the house. I had plans for one about the size of Tim's, but my wife asked me "how long after you are 65 do you want to keep working to PAY for the building?"

So I reduced it to 24 x 24 with an 8 x 24 roofed but open sided lean to along one side. I can still work furniture and still build small boats- I'm just limited to about 22 feet which is as big as I want to build anymore anyway.

I posted a series of pics on the Trailersailor board. Here's a couple of links to those pics-

http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/tra ... ead/467086

and here's where we are at the moment-

http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/tra ... ead/467294

STILL too windy to safely handle the roofing, so I'm gonna be framing windows, doors, etc during the day today. TOMORROW I have to go back to work so the wind will probably stop.

Doug- on your Miter saw/Planer. It looks like they occupy the same space when in use. Is the miter saw mounted on a slide that you remove and then insert the planer in it's place. Like a pair of drawers? That's what it looks like to me. Great idea by the way.

I like your shop clock- that's the only sports team I pay any attention to at all

heartofgold wrote:Visit my Workshop

Showoff!

*wink*

Charlie,
What you see there is my multi-purpose tool well, and yes, it holds either my miter saw or my planer. But it is much more than just that.

Behold:

It's primarily filled with my router table insert:


This is held in place by a block along the front edge of the bench with a 60 degee bevel...


...and a cooresponding bevel on the router table as seen here:


Also seen in these last 2 pics is the red T-track which I use extensively on the tool bench. It is this track with which I can lock my tools in place, as seen here with the router table. Look at the black knobs on either end of the insert:


When I use my planer or my miter saw, both of which are mounted on plywood with a 60 degree block along the front edge...


...I use the regular T-track hold down clamps on the back:


My router table, planer, and miter saw are all mounted so that the work surface is flush with either side of the workbench, which is essentially composed of 3 2'x2' squares (only the center one is removable). I also made a 6' wide stop fence to accompany my miter saw, which easily attaches with only 2 machine screws:


And for accurate repeat cuts, I have this handy-dandy little stop. Notice the T-track along the top edge:


And of course, if I remove all my tools from this center station, I have cut off well for the circular saw, which provides excellent support of the board being cut. I can also use the T-track on either side to clamp the board, if necessary.


Furthermore, I have 2 bench vises on either corner...


...which holds my bench sander firmly:


The entire table is made to be the same height as my table saw, and it is mounted on wheels, so that it can be moved around, which would be easier if it didn't weigh about 400 pounds.


The eyes on the ends can be used to level the bench on an uneven surface, like my shop floor.


I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Doug's tool bench. Donations may be placed in the red bucket by the garage door. Come again soon, and thank you for your support.

And, Nathan, thanks for the tip on the code.

Now THAT is kewl. Next time we get to PSMC we'll have to get together to see the shop in person.

Where do you get that from? I used to use regular shelf track all the time, but lately it's been getting hard to find the lipped aluminum style I use, all anyone carries around anymore here is the stamped type without a lip on the edges

I have a portable saw table I made up for jobsite use that is pretty similar in concept to your bench, but designed to break down to 5 sections, main table, two arms, and the legs, so I can easily carry it in the truck, looking at yours I think I may build a stationary version in the garage, looks like it would be perfect instead of the 4 dedicated benches I have now!


great ideas on that bench.

Thanks for sharing
ken.

I got my T-track from Hartville Tool, out of Ohio. Any of the online woodworking suppliers should carry it. In fact, I just looked up some stuff, and found that Rockler has some new stuff which wasn't available when I last ordered accessories. I may need to expand what I have...

(Thanks again, Nathan)

I'll check them out, one of the reasons I started using the shelf track is that it was super cheap and you could pick them up anywhere, maybe $4. for an 8ft length, and when used as a track would last a year or better in commercial trim carpentry use.

Thanks again
ken.

heartofgold wrote:(Thanks again, Nathan)

Your welcome. What for?