Optimal workbench length - Reworking shop layout - Help!

[scoutkid]

In my 30'x30' shop, the PO put in 2+ full walls of workbench - about 70' of it!!

It is all around 24" deep, and a good working height. I immediately had to pull out around 15', just to fit in toolboxes, drill press, welding table, etc.. but i have always left as much of the bench as possible.

Why? Because apparently I love to leave plenty of room to leave **** laying around and look messy

I am really thinking about pulling everything out and starting fresh. I used my super accurate (to the 3rd, maybe 4th decimal place) CAD program to draw my current and potential future state.

I'd love to see your ideas of how I could better make use of the space - currently I don't have much going on for upper cabinets and my workbenches are just open underneath (with a bunch of random, dirty, unorganized stuff under them). I'd like to enclose my new bench underneath with say, shelves and doors (fancy!).

I typically have one project Scout (of the International Harvester variety) living in the right hand side of the shop, and a few dirt bikes on the other half.

I like the future state because i can bring in long materials through the man door and cut them right on the bench, the drill press can be used for wood or metal and my 220V plug is right behind the welder.

The large Kennedy box in the future state currently resides under part of the existing workbench on the right hand side, but is much deeper than the counter top.

Love to hear your thoughts!


Tom

 

[BMW Rider]

Seems like one can never have too benchtop real-estate. Like you, I seem to end up with lots of clutter covering the benches up until I reach the boil over point of frustration and clear them off.

I have a few work surfaces in my shop; a 5'6" woodworking bench with front vise, a 6' all steel welding bench which is home to my bench grinder and an old blacksmiths leg viseand, an L shaped set of base cabinets with a countertop thats about 6' in total. The counter is currently a catch all space, but once I get my shop reorganised it'll be used for metalworking and machining layouts as its next to the lathe (and soon to come milling machine). I'm also working on a new workbench to replace the one I demolished to make space for my garage addition access door. It's being welded up from 1 1/2" box tubing and will house two small roller cabinets under it. It'll be 5' long, will hold my 6" Record vise and will be primarily used for mechanical repairs jobs.

 

[Outlawmws]

I had originally put in a 12 ft workbench on one side of my garage (20 X 24) , and a six footer on the other and just a few years later, ripped out the 12 footer, as the wall space was more valuable than the bench space.

Wall space was so valuable I put in a small 6-1/2 X 11 ft work room, and my lathe, 2X3 surface plate, loading bench and some cabinets are inside that. it leave a small "Laundry space" facing the washer and dryer, and my boxes start at the corner of the outside of the work room (38" wide stationary box full of hardware mostly, 27" wide main husky box, a foot wide wood "chest of drawer, with misc, stuff, the door to the work room then a Kennedy stack on the other side of the door...)

Past the work room is my welding bench/box, and in the space behind the welding bench is my double table saw, and my small 8" Dewalt/AFM RAS.

I left enough space for my old sprint car sized race car to be parked and worked on between the work room and the opposite wall. After I got out of racing and got rid of the car, the space rapidly filled...

Planning and setting priorities are the keys, and deciding on what's important; I'm working towards a largish storage shed to alleviate the crowding so I can get some working space in the garage again...

 

[jeepjunky]

My work bench is 9ft long and 34" deep. I went with the 9ft so I can put a chop saw anywhere on it and cut a 8' piece of whatever. as for the 34" deep, I keep a set of 33x12-15.50s under it out of the way for the jeep

 

[Falcon67]

I have 15' across a corner. The left "return" is 30" wide for 8' and the right return is 24" for 7'. If I put stuff up once in a while - or scrape it off in the trash LOL, I usually have room to work. The 30" deep side has cabinets over it and small parts organizers on the back of the space, designed to leave a real 24" wide work area. I also have a 48" x 22" surface and a 5' x 30" steel table to work on. And planning a mobile something, 24 x 36 ish maybe.

The work corner:

So far I like the layout. I just finished up the air system and I did all the assembly at the big vice, with pipe lengths up to 14 feet. The tool box is to the left in the pic and the 30" depth allows long things to pass in front of the box when clamped parallel to the wall.

 

[ddawg16]

I think I have the same problem most do....the more work bench space you have, the more **** you have laying on it.

There is a 'reasonable' amount...the trade off is working space vs storage space.

 

[Outlawmws]

Looking at your layout, I like that you moved the parts washer well away from the welders, but I'd reconsider the refer next to it.

I'd think putting the Refer in the upper right corner and an old fashioned concrete sink in the corner (plumbing right next door?), as even with a parts washer you often need a sink that you don't care much about for cleaning stuff that you deal with.

 

[buzz4041]

Looks good on paper and so did mine until reality set in. I have around 19' of workbench and any more would be overkill for me. It is just to easy to throw **** on and then spend time cleaning it up later. Good luck with it.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Workbench space along the perimeter is fine, as long as you are also using the areas above and below. For the footprint the bench has, make sure you have some storage under it. That's valuable real estate. Also, consider cabinets a few feet above....that'll help keep the clutter on the bench down. If you have a place for everything, then there will be no excuse for it to be left on the bench unless you are in the middle of a project.

 

[scoutkid]

I had originally put in a 12 ft workbench on one side of my garage (20 X 24) , and a six footer on the other and just a few years later, ripped out the 12 footer, as the wall space was more valuable than the bench space.

I'm with you here - i have all sorts of bolt bins and tall storage cabs that i have in storage (ironic) because I don't have the wall space for them!

My work bench is 9ft long and 34" deep. I went with the 9ft so I can put a chop saw anywhere on it and cut a 8' piece of whatever.

I'm with you here - in my old garage I had this setup and liked it very much. Also, sorry about your J**p problem.

Looking at your layout, I like that you moved the parts washer well away from the welders, but I'd reconsider the refer next to it.

I'd think putting the Refer in the upper right corner and an old fashioned concrete sink in the corner (plumbing right next door?), as even with a parts washer you often need a sink that you don't care much about for cleaning stuff that you deal with.

You read my mind - I moved the washer next to the W/C which does indeed house a large wash basin/laundry sized sink. I could swap the position of the fridge and washer?


Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[Old Moparz]

Your proposed layout seems to be good, but I'll also say that wall cabinets over the bench will be a big plus.

I had always thought that having a long work bench would be best, but over the years I find that the 7' long one in my garage is fine as long as I keep clutter off of it. My basement wood shop could use a longer bench, but mostly for cutting & working on long pieces of lumber. Both bench tops are used solid core doors so that's the reason for the odd 7' length. I may end up moving the bench in the garage to the basement to double the size & then rework the garage layout to make better use of the space.

 

[hh76]

For me, I really only use two benches. One is pretty big, about 9ft long, the other is about 6ft. One is for ongoing "clean" projects, like engine work, the other is for odds and ends. I think any more than that would end up being storage space, and would lead to clutter.

My advise is:
-get the welding table out of the corner, or at least move the grinder out of the way. If you are working on a large welding project, you'll want to be able to get to every side of the table, rather than turning the work piece.
-have at least one "clean" bench far away from the grinding and welding. It's nice to not have to worry about metal shavings ending up on a project that is out on a bench

 

[Steevo]

It is getting better, but the fridge is still too close to the door. You want it as far from the doors as possible to minimize temperature swings that might affect your optimum beer temperature.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Maybe consider moving the welding closer to the garage door? I know my welder is wired along the back wall and it's kind of a pain because I have to clear enough room in that back corner every time I weld something. Plus it makes it more difficult for larger things like repairing a trailer and such. If it was closer to the door then it would be so much more convenient (at least for me). Plus you have better ventilation, which is always a good thing.

For me I can never have enough counter space. When I disassemble things I like to layout all the nuts & bolts in the same pattern as they were when assembled. And as I break down each layer I move over some and start a new layout. Then I have to wait a few days for parts so all that counter space is unavailable, I dare not move anything. When I run out of counter space sometimes I end up using the floor, but that's not good because it's so easy for someone to step on something or kick something by accident.

Deep counters also are a plus. That way you can have a toolbox or parts bin along the back part of the wall but still have plenty of counter space to work.

Mop sink's are also the best! Better to make a mess in them out in the shop then in a small bathroom sink... Also great for cleaning large parts when it's too hot or cold outside.

 

[scoutkid]

For me, I really only use two benches. One is pretty big, about 9ft long, the other is about 6ft. One is for ongoing "clean" projects, like engine work, the other is for odds and ends. I think any more than that would end up being storage space, and would lead to clutter.

My advise is:
-get the welding table out of the corner, or at least move the grinder out of the way. If you are working on a large welding project, you'll want to be able to get to every side of the table, rather than turning the work piece.
-have at least one "clean" bench far away from the grinding and welding. It's nice to not have to worry about metal shavings ending up on a project that is out on a bench

I like both of these comments - i can't afford to let anything 'live' out in the middle of the shop, like the welding table, but it could be put on casters to move it about when needed, and I do have a 30' extension cord for my welder/plasma.

It is getting better, but the fridge is still too close to the door. You want it as far from the doors as possible to minimize temperature swings that might affect your optimum beer temperature.

NOW i see what you are saying! I think I can figure that in...

 

[bullfrog123]

My suggestion.... get that welding table, grinder, etc away from the wood working stuff. The wood dust so close to the welding station spooks me, (think flash fire.
I have my wrenching, welding, etc on one side of the shop and all woodworking on the other side. Helps keep grease and oil off the wood and vise versa with the dust away from the greasy side.

 

[Falcon67]

That is another good suggestion - put things on casters. I put my metal saw and will soon put the hydraulic press on wheels. The lathe bench rolls and the mill has casters so it can be moved if needed. I also put the parts washer on wheels. The press and saw can be parked in a corner until needed, then moved out into clear for working room. The parts washer can park anywhere, then be moved to a window or a door to control fumes. When I get a welding bench built, it'll be on wheels too. Even my 55 gallon VP fuel drum,now trash can is on casters.

 

[wnstwolf]

As most have siad the bench is just the start. Using upper and lower cabints really hels keep stuff close but out of the way when not in use. Big thing I found in the layout below, which is a lot like yours, is the first time I started the Milling machine I had chips all over the place. 2X on Bullfrog's comments as well seems I would always need to put that nasty greasy item down it never fails to end up on a wood working piece of equipment...

[/IMG]

 

[Steevo]

I did a corner workbench in the back of my shop, 10' long from the back corner on each side.

 

[Outlawmws]

That is another good suggestion - put things on casters. I put my metal saw and will soon put the hydraulic press on wheels. The lathe bench rolls and the mill has casters so it can be moved if needed. I also put the parts washer on wheels. The press and saw can be parked in a corner until needed, then moved out into clear for working room. The parts washer can park anywhere, then be moved to a window or a door to control fumes. When I get a welding bench built, it'll be on wheels too. Even my 55 gallon VP fuel drum,now trash can is on casters.

While I'm a fan of casters on most things (with then exception of my bench vise bench, I want that one ANCHORED), Big machine tools and in particular lathes are not on the list. a Lathe in particular can have its ways slightly twisted and cause it to cut tapers instead of cylinders... Mils (other than possibly light bench top models should also be placed carefully and for stability.

 

[kald]

I agree with the idea that to much work bench space becomes a **** collector, as do desks. I lease my shop and have come to like the idea of everything on casters since I can take advantage of different shop layouts when/if I move. I have 2 4'x8' benches in my shop right now, one for electrical and one for everything else. Both are catchalls. I think I could get by with on 3'x6'.

I would also move the welding area up towards the front of the shop for ventilation purposes if you don't have a significant exhaust fan by the welding area.

 

[sberry]

I agree with the idea that to much work bench space becomes a **** collector, as do desks. I lease my shop and have come to like the idea of everything on casters since I can take advantage of different shop layouts when/if I move. I have 2 4'x8' benches in my shop right now, one for electrical and one for everything else. Both are catchalls. I think I could get by with on 3'x6'.

I would also move the welding area up towards the front of the shop for ventilation purposes if you don't have a significant exhaust fan by the welding area.

I am kind of with this, things never seem to work out exactly as they did in the mind while planning. You need the wall space in this small shop and I try to work around things till I figure out what really happens, what the traffic flow ends up being, make do with portable/makeshift a bit to see what comes up. I am all portable except for 2 benches where I know they have to be, not scared to move something although as time goes on it gets less. Some shelves in place of some of the bench makes up for a lot. This spring I moves some saws and other clutter/catch alls out and put in a shelf where we really need it for day to day. It has loaded up since I installed it, clear un used items off on occasion.

 

[The J]

I like the future state because i can bring in long materials through the man door and cut them right on the bench, the drill press can be used for wood or metal and my 220V plug is right behind the welder.

Tom

I second this point. Our layouts are very similar, though my garage is smaller.

My workbench is currently in the back of my garage (20' wide, 16' deep) and I've learned that it's not in a good spot for workflow. I will be moving my bench along the left wall, just inside the man door. My toolbox, which is tucked into the corner now, will also be moving closer to the man door since most project end up being done in the driveway or tools are needed in the house.

A recent wood working project proved that a flexible workspace really helps.

I've been using a 'portable workbench' with a 20" wide x 8' long piece of 3/4" plywood between sawhorses in the middle of the space to extend the work surface when needed.

 

[sberry]

I'm working towards a largish storage shed to alleviate the crowding so I can get some working space in the garage again...

This helps, my old storage buildings had just ran their cycle and had some things in shop I really wasn't using daily, forklift and a service truck were 2 big items, not the shop layout is as sposed to be, don't have to work around the stuff, don't have to move just to move. I keep the storage picked up and rotate some things seasonal, not so full of clutter that it cant be the parking lot its designed to be. I have to walk a minute to get another car or pickup or my work trucks but they are not covered in snow and ice.

I want to build one more, a simple can in my junk yard, store a few implements, some stuff I demo I want to save and lumber storage. This one is 80x100, 60 building 20 lean to. If I was doing it again might fo to 75 wire with 25 lean to. Would have allowed for some more packing along the walls and as it is need to be a bit fussy about angled parking wich takes up a couple spots in its own right, a pinch more on lean to would have reduced a little blowing snow but this works.

 

[scoutkid]

My suggestion.... get that welding table, grinder, etc away from the wood working stuff. The wood dust so close to the welding station spooks me, (think flash fire.
I have my wrenching, welding, etc on one side of the shop and all woodworking on the other side. Helps keep grease and oil off the wood and vise versa with the dust away from the greasy side.

I like the idea, although i don't really weld THAT much, and when i do, most times i can pull that table to the middle, or am welding out in the parking area. Also, based on my 220V plug location, i'd have to put all the 'wood' stuff on the right, which is almost the setup I have now, and makes for difficult workflow since the Scout a is on the right (and mostly immobile).

That is another good suggestion - put things on casters.

Aside from my welding table (currently) about everything i have is on wheels

As most have siad the bench is just the start. Using upper and lower cabints really hels keep stuff close but out of the way when not in use.

Currently the 'unders' are just open and seemingly collect pounds of dirt and debris, that will be take care of. The 'uppers' that do exist are all office cubical sized and only tall enough for about one gallon sized jug, they are just a very awkward size and i'd like to move toward a different style altogether.

My workbench is currently in the back of my garage (20' wide, 16' deep) and I've learned that it's not in a good spot for workflow.

For me this hits it. It's all about workflow. It seems like more often than not, i need to cut a 2x4, or piece of trim. Just popping open the man-door and having a wide open shot to the workbench/chopsaw is ideal.


Also, someone mentioned having the big tool box close to the door - that is exactly why I had it set up the way i did before, because a lot of work gets done outside. yet - a lot of work gets done inside, too.. I think the 'middle-back' placement is idea because I won't have to walk around project vehicles just to get to a 1/4" ratchet, it sort of splits the difference. Seems like I see a lot of pro shops set up that way.

 

[FarmWrench]

1. Casters are nice but you will never buy another set after you figure out how to use a pallet jack and build stuff to work with it.
2. You make no mention of how the rest of the property is laid out. My vice and tool box are situated so I don't have to move my feet and I am never more than a head turn from looking out the window to see who is headed up the driveway.
3. Benches collect stuff but so do closets the difference is the same in that if you have enough closet you forget what is in there. Small work bench covered in **** will get a hard restart from time to time because you cant get anything done.
4. I saw one shop with cabnet doors on the wall so that it looked like the guy had lots of hidden storage. Looked real cool but he just drank beer and wanted a cool looking place to do it in.

 

[sberry]

1. Casters are nice but you will never buy another set after you figure out how to use a pallet jack and build stuff to work with it

Yes, I have several things on pallet, either that or wheels. Moved the shelf on my parts washer up an inch so jack would fit. I have dozens of things moveable with jack.

 

[jon-r227]

From the earlier comments about bench space and clutter.. I used to be terrible about the benches and shop turning into a holy mess. Now with a simple rule it stays clean and I'm more motivated to work and actually save time. Every night before I wrap up I put everything away. For one day's work it only takes a minute and you never waste time and frustration looking for a tool or part because at least once every 24 hours it all goes back where it belongs.

 

[regguy1]

8' Long x 30" Deep

 

[regguy1]

From the earlier comments about bench space and clutter.. I used to be terrible about the benches and shop turning into a holy mess. Now with a simple rule it stays clean and I'm more motivated to work and actually save time. Every night before I wrap up I put everything away. For one day's work it only takes a minute and you never waste time and frustration looking for a tool or part because at least once every 24 hours it all goes back where it belongs.

I agree.....clutter isn't the benches fault!

 

[Falcon67]

1. Casters are nice but you will never buy another set after you figure out how to use a pallet jack and build stuff to work with it.

LOL - true, but then you have to have a place to park the jack. Which Is why I'm putting stuff on casters - more groovy tools than floor space.

 

[scoutkid]

Yes, I have several things on pallet, either that or wheels. Moved the shelf on my parts washer up an inch so jack would fit. I have dozens of things moveable with jack.

Love this idea guys - then i have to find a place to store the pallet jack! LOL. Another thing that isn't in my drawing is my engine hoist and multitude of floor jacks which just find their way into whatever area i'm not occupying..

From the earlier comments about bench space and clutter.. I used to be terrible about the benches and shop turning into a holy mess. Now with a simple rule it stays clean and I'm more motivated to work and actually save time. Every night before I wrap up I put everything away. For one day's work it only takes a minute and you never waste time and frustration looking for a tool or part because at least once every 24 hours it all goes back where it belongs.

I agree.....clutter isn't the benches fault!

I'm with you guys here for sure. I work in manufacturing so I am all about workflow, cleanliness, shadow boxing, etc. Easy to do at work, more difficult at home, but I am getting there! Hopefully this process helps. A place for everything and everything in its place is my goal!

8' Long x 30" Deep

Love it!

 

[rick carpenter]

Tom, what are you doing to get light on your bench and not on the back of your head? My bench is two 6'x16" sections along a wall with a 2' center section for router/chopsaw/etc. Thanks

 

[LSU]

Great comments. I'm learning a lot.

Couple of thoughts - I have three different benches in my small shop. One is 6' and is the "main" bench. It is were the overhead cabinets are and is lite up like an operating room. it is (I think 42" high). It has the vice on it, the shop radio is above it. I've never load tested it but I know it will hold at least 1000 lbs.

Other bench is 9' long. It is lower and much better suited to run the chop saw on and cut long pieces of wood. It is also well lite.

Thrid bench is on other side of garage and has a CM 3 drawer toobox on it. It is more of a "mechnanical" bench. I fool with the gasoline garden tools, etc. on it. It too is well lite.

I've got air line to everything and could plug in an electric chair at any bench because I've got that much juice. One thing I did was put in a bunch of power on differenct circuits. This is something I'm happy I did.

If I had my choice, I'd have a corner bench and a 9' foot bench to run the chop saw on.

No insult meant but I chuckled when I looked at your CAD drawing because I think I drew my shop out on a McDonald's napkin. Maybe if I'd used the CAD I would have had that corner bench, of course, when I drew it on the McDonald's napkin, Ray Kroc was still alive and if I'd thought up CAD, I'd be rich.

Nice thread, thanks for the posts and the comments.

 

[scoutkid]

Tom, what are you doing to get light on your bench and not on the back of your head? My bench is two 6'x16" sections along a wall with a 2' center section for router/chopsaw/etc. Thanks

Assuming you are talking to this Tom - I have a LOT of florescent ceiling lights, and over the current benches (and under the uppers) I have a whole lot of 4' florescent fixtures.

 

[sberry]

LOL - true, but then you have to have a place to park the jack. Which Is why I'm putting stuff on casters - more groovy tools than floor space.

Yes, I agree, these types of garages do not have room for everything, wheels are good.