organization in a small shop.

[Gurp]

This is a common issue among members here That i see with a small shop.
My mini shop is 11x12 its a lean to build off a 7x12 shed. the 7x12 is full of stuff im using the remodel of my home.
ideas for my shop are welcome

What kinda space saving things are you doing in your shop?

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[dewalt378g]

Re: organization in a smll shop.

I have the same problem. Your pics show that the walls and ceiling are pretty bare. I jammed everything I could on the walls and ceiling joists. I built 2' deep shelf hanging from the cj's and it goes around most of the perimeter of the room. Under those are work bench, cabinets, and stationary tools. The point is, try to get as much off the floor and out of the center area as possible.

 

[didit]

Re: organization in a smll shop.

I agree, make use of all wall and overhead space whenever possible.
"A place for everything and everything in its place" are words that I live by. After every days work session I have to regroup and put everything I used that day where it belongs, having no spare floor space for clutter. Sometimes its hard to keep a clear bench and work area but over the years have learned to make use of the space I do have to my advantage.
A small organized garage or shop is very efficient with whatever you need at an easy reach.

 

[nadogail]

Re: organization in a smll shop.

I have seen a picture of a fitted tool box put together either by or for a Piano Builder. I'm sure that it might be an idea of what can be done with a lot of tools and a tiny space.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Re: organization in a smll shop.

A place for everything and everything in its place. I'm not always perfect at this, but I try. After every project I return my workspace to, at least, it's pre-project condition.
And storage. Every bit of space that I or my projects are not occupying gets turned into storage. Under every bench, storage. On the walls above the bench, storage. Under every machine, storage. And by storage, I don't mean a dumpster hell, but stuff thinned and organized, and labeled, if necessary.

 

[matt_i]

Re: organization in a smll shop.

A reasonable way to pickup some easy fast storage is either lateral or regular file cabinets. The standard ones seem to go fairly cheap. They are pretty heavy duty for what they are. The lateral files are more of a luxury but are built to hold large chunks of paper that's reasonably heavy. Cheapest way if you want full metal jacket.

Another GJ member [forgot who, sorry!] did a great build of a tube-steel cantilevered rack that held plastic tote bins in a "stack" but the individual arms held them so any one of them could be lifted out one at a time without disturbing any others. So while maximizing space vertically it took away the PITA of having to relocate a bunch of others to access a lower tote. I see a welder in there and that is a welding project.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You need to go vertical to gain floor space. Maybe some shelving like a "residential" style of pallet racking.

If you can't find it, build some shelving and carefully take measurements of what you have now. Make sure the first shelf is tall enough for that engine (or whatever it is in the second picture. Put the tombstone on the first shelf and I bet the compressor would fit on a second shelf above it.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I agree with the posts above, all good ideas.

I do just want to point one thing out for you:
"This is a common issue among members here That i see with a small shop."

Large shops are not immune. Look at a few pictures around GJ. I can manage to "unorganize" my medium sized shop as well as any one car garage owner.

And nobody better try to bet me on that!

 

[sixfootfive]

Agree with going vertical if you can. If you haven't seen it, here's a thread that may offer some ideas:

What's on your walls? Neat storage ideas!
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39367

Also check out the show your garage and show your workbench threads. Sometimes you see a good idea in something totally different from your own situation.

 

[Gurp]

cleaned up today alot. made places for stuff I'll check out the show your garage thread hopwfully some inspiration willl be found

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[ARFLY]

My shop is 10x12. First thing is what you're doing now. Sort through everything. Get rid of what you don't need. Organization is everything. I almost have my shop set up. I will be redoing one wall and making some storage for the door. Definitely utilize every inch of wall space. Decide what the majority of work will be done in there and tailor it to that. You would be surprised what you can do in those little shops and what you can fit in them. I have 4 44" HF tool boxes with 2 top boxes, 3 26" tool boxes, a 4 drawer HF cart, a full size table saw. I also have a 10" band saw, an 8" and 10" drill press, a 6" grinder, 16" scroll saw, bench top jointer, 12" planer and a 6x9 belt/disc sander. I have a bunch of other stuff in there also including room to work. You can checked out my shop in the link below

 

[wayne55]

I have covered practically all wall space with shelves or pegboard.