Got a picture of the electrical box. I've been busy doing research on what/how to start redoing the wiring situation. From what I can tell only 5 breakers in the box are being used the rest are spares.
As of now I think I'm gonna go with 20 amp outlets with 12ga wiring and a 20 amp breaker. I'm guessing the wiring should be run up the middle of the 2x4 studs and across the ceiling. I'm clueless as to what boxes to use. metal, plastic, old work, new work...
Is there a good book out there for this stuff?
Yep as stated previously make sure you have the main grounded and connected properly.
20a circuits and 12 ga is great for a shop. Yes always try to stay near the center of the stud or other structural member so nails and screws are least likely to puncture. I recommend using nail plates anywhere a wire or pipe is drilled through a structural member. But that is above code.
Since your doing all the rough, you can use blue new work plastic nail on boxes. Some like the stronger brownish plastic boxes cuz they are sturdier, which is true. But it's your choice.
Another idea is to use a two gange box and have 2 circuits in there or just alternate circuits every other outlet.
Make sure to have a GFCI on the first outlet in the string and wire the rest on the load side of it so they are all protected. You can use a 2 gang box for the GFCI with a single mud ring. That will give you much more room for the wiring. Some recommend that method with all outlet the boxes...
Don't forget adding more outside outlets for convenience or lights. I also recommend adding extra runs of Cat5e or Cat 6 for??? It's a very versatile wire used for data networks, telephone, alarms\sensors, or CCTV. Don't forget coax for tv. For terminating the low voltage you can just use a mud ring nailed to the stud face in the location you want it. Or leave the wires hanging and after drywall etc put in a low voltage trim ring.
I just recently finished installing 8 CCTV cameras around my house and shop. I originally ran 2 extra Cat cables in shop and was able to run one into an eve of shop and the other is used inside so I have a camera inside my shop and the other is outside hanging from the eve viewing the main entrance and yard to my shop. The Cat cables run from shop through conduit to inside my house to location of the DVR. Video baluns are used along with the Cat cable for CCTV. I can now view my CCTV DVR from my phone or anywhere with internet access and see if I have lights on, doors open or if there is an intruder. Run extra wire, it's cheap now. I wish I would have added larger low voltage conduit and more Cat cable runs.
Who has a land line these days anyway.. 
