As you may know, owning a workshop is very exciting. You’re buying the space to learn new things and produce your own projects. From the moment you start your search for a workshop space, there are so many things to think about. A lot of it will depend on how big your workshop is, what you’re planning on making there, and where it will be. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while owning a workshop.
1. Floor Plan
The floor plan is an extremely important aspect of owning a workshop. Planning out your space will help you decide what machines and equipment to buy. It will also determine how much room your materials have, where your work table is, and where doors should be placed so that you can maximize the accessibility of your workshop.
Most people imagine a really big table saw when they think about what to put in their workshop. However, you should keep in mind that, although your table will get a lot of use, it’s also important to leave space for you to move around. It might be a good idea to look for a table saw for small shop in order to save on space. That way, you’ll be able to switch between your table saw and other machines much more efficiently.
Always remember to include outlets when you plan out your space. Some tools take up a significant amount of energy, which means that they will need their own circuit in order for you to work safely.
2. Storage
Storage is another crucial part of owning a workshop. You’ll want a place to put your expensive equipment, materials, and work in progress. Make sure that you have enough room for all of these things without constantly banging into them when you walk around the shop.
You should also try to include some storage space on top of machines if they don’t already come with it. Make sure that you organize your equipment in an intuitive way. This will ensure that you can always find what you’re looking for in a matter of seconds.
Additionally, think about how often you use certain items. For example, your dowel jig or biscuit joiner might not be used every day. Storing this equipment above the work table will make it easier to find when you need to use it.
3. Lighting
Lighting is one ingredient that separates a nice workshop from an amazing workshop. Lights will help you stay productive and safe when working late into the night or early in the morning.
They will also allow you to work more efficiently and safely with your equipment by preventing accidents caused by poor visibility. Make sure that you have adequate lighting above your work table, especially if you need to use machines that require a lot of dexterity. Also, keep in mind that it isn’t just the quality of light that matters. You also have to consider how much you should turn off the lights when they are not being used.
Turning your workshop into a maze of darkness will defeat the purpose of having so many work lights. Make sure that you have enough lighting fixtures to provide all-day lighting without having to worry about being wasteful.
4. Ventilation
To keep your workshop clean, ventilated, and odorless, you should create an exhaust system above your table saw or other similar equipment with heavy woodworking dust.
A ceiling-mounted ventilation fan will help you quickly change the air in your shop to prevent dangerous particles from settling on your work. You should also get a window fan to help you circulate the air inside of your shop, especially if it’s hot outside or if you have an extremely dusty area. Investing in an HVAC system is also a good idea. You can control the temperature of your workshop so that it isn’t too hot or cold, which will give you more freedom to work without interruptions.
Regardless of how good your ventilation is, it might still be a good idea to use a face mask and earplugs. Even the cleanest, most ventilated workshops can contain hazardous materials like sawdust and wood particles that you should stay away from as much as possible.
5. Flooring
The floor of your workshop is another important aspect to examine closely before moving in. The best floors are usually made from plywood, concrete, or robust linoleum.
These types of materials are easy for you to clean, withstand repeated abuse from heavy equipment, are slip-resistant with good traction, and are relatively affordable. An easy way to check if the flooring is durable enough is to bring a wheeled dolly into your workshop and roll it around on the floor. If you hear a lot of unpleasant sounds when you’re in a confined space, then it probably means that you need to replace the current flooring in your shop.
Installing these types of floors is a challenge for most DIYers. However, if this is something you know how to do, then you should definitely consider doing it before you move into your workshop.
6. Safety
Safety should always be on top of your priority list when owning a workshop. A workshop will allow you to complete dangerous tasks that would be impossible in any other type of space, which means that you need to be especially careful when working there.
You should always wear appropriate safety gear when in your workshop. This includes protective eyewear, ear protection, dust masks or respirators, steel-toe boots or shoes with slip-resistant soles, and anything else that might protect you from unnecessary accidents. You should also buy multiple fire extinguishers and post all potential hazards around your shop, such as dangerous electrical cords or leaking gas pipes.
The key to having an enjoyable experience in your workshop is ensuring that you have the right equipment and staying safe at all times. Whether you’re planning on building furniture or creating something else, make sure to keep your workspace clean, ventilated, and well-lit at all times.
Read More: Best Table Saw Under $1000 Reviews
Also, follow all safety precautions that you can to avoid any accidents before they happen. Don’t forget to stay inspired, while working on your next piece. A good way to ensure this is to have a designated area for your goals. Make sure that you have a place where you can hang your art or craft-related items, or even some inspiring quotes! And always remember to enjoy yourself.
