Taking Back The Shop

[Renegade1LI]

I’m sure more than a few of us have gotten to the point where you fill up your shop and have no room to work. My home shop is about 650sq ft with a small loft storage area, but it’s full, no room to work. What’s worse is it’s all good stuff, no garbage or junk, nothing i want to get rid of. It’s heated and cooled so it’s a comfortable space, and I’m still working out in the cold, for the most part.

I do have most equipment on wheels and the bikes are going to another shop soon so it will be time to reorganize and open up some work space. I already have two 40’ hi cube containers for overflow and material storage, might add a third? They are quick and easy and we plan on moving within a couple years.

Right now i use a portable garage for all the messy stuff so that helps, but can be inconvenient and have to use temporary a heater . I’m sure I’m not alone in the quest for more space, anyone have good short term solutions? I thought of adding on to the garage but just doesn’t make $$$ sense. I thought about a lift but it will go up and never come down, plus with the loft the ceiling is too low. I guess at this point i really have to get super organized.

 

[CombatNinja]

When your space becomes a place for everything, it ceases to be a place for anything.

 

[firebirdparts]

I know how you feel. I suppose the quick cure is to make up your mind to throw it away.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I thought I had a lot of tools until I saw your pics. You have some seriously nice equipment. It also appears you are like me in that you pursue woodworking and mechanical work. The only thing I see in the pic that might be out of place (from my perspective) is the gun safe.

 

[loganb]

First off, congrats on what looks to be a pretty extensive and well rounded collection of quality equipment and with very good organization. I spent 5 minutes just looking at all the stuff in the background and shelves etc, your efforts to maximize space are impressive and nicely done!

Those same efforts to maximize space may be part of the problem...you can't pass up a good deal on a good piece of equipment and so a space is found for it as "eventually" it'll be really useful but for now it makes the surrounding equipment rather cumbersome to use

If you're thinking of moving in the near-ish future and have the space for that much storage, one of 2 path's seem to exist:

• Take a hard look at how much stuff you're keeping and be honest with how much of it you can really use and start selling or gifting some things
• Add another storage container and move anything not extensively used in the last year to it

I definitely understand the desire for having the "right" tool, but space is a tool too so maybe consider some of the duplicates or lesser used items find a new home outside of the primary workspace. Couple immediate ideas....

• There is an edge sander and a belt disc sander....could 1 of them go to storage?
• Looks like a jointer back in there under the blanket...guessing a bigger 8" Powermatic...when was the last time it was used...is it possible for it to join in storage? Could you sell some things and put the funds towards a Euro Style multifunction like a Hammer Jointer/Planer combo and save space?
• 2 large lathes...could one move along a wall or into storage?
• Why is the safe there? From a pure security standpoint it's a horrible location for it with access to all sides and easy to knock over by those with bad intentions. Move it to storage if not being used or if being used get it somewhere out of eyesight and with less access
• Appears to be a full sized tablesaw, possibly with a router lift in a wing? If not can you put a lift in the wing and stow that shaper in storage?

Just initial thoughts, but you've done a drool worthy job of acquiring and organizing, so it's either time to make that move to someplace where a 80 x 120 shop won't cost a medium fortune or time to consider a temporary or permanent reduction in things in the primary workspace.

 

[chad215]

no advise here- but how happy are you with your grizzly tools? After I finish my build out I've been planning on making a few large purchases from them.

 

[drmarkr]

Some great stuff there, and for the space, it's really not that disorganized. But I gotta say it...you need a bigger shop.

 

[Rocket3004]

As a person who REALLY needs to organize their shop - I wills ay that it is tight, but definitely organized! I will follow along for some inspiration

 

[jmiller_2308]

The number 1 thing that helped me was to separate wood from mechanical and if lucky like I was put each of them in their own appropriately sized space.

Consider which tools you use the most and optimize the space for them. If you do mostly wood working get the shop so that the saws and such are useful without having to move a ton of stuff around. If you are mostly mechanical than get all the wood working equipment out of the way with rollers and roll them out to the driveway to work on big stuff that may not fit in the shop for the limited times you do wood work.

You may not have room to do this at the current house but I urge you to consider it in your next house.

 

[RoninB4]

Definitely feel for your situation. I've got a lot more room than you but still have a problem with crowding. I've come to the conclusion that no matter how much work space is available it will be filled with something. If it's not more machinery a project will occupy any available space not spoken for. I've had to make a hard decision NOT to purchase any more items regardless of how much I'd like to have it. If it isn't going to be used in the next month on an already planned project I just don't buy it.

Wish I had some advice to help but it looks like you're already fairly organized. Much like you I'm doing mechanical, woodworking, and machining. Big items on wheels/casters helps, I try to work on ONE project at a time and wheel everything not needed out of the way. Easier said than done, I have at least 3-4 concurrent projects occupying the garage and basement. I can barely navigate a pathway around them to get anything done. Good luck, nice shop you have.

 

[CraigStu]

Jeff mentioned the gun safe. I will mention the motorcycles. For me, they need to go as they are not tools. But other than those, I am admiring a really nice collection of good tools that I'd like to have.

 

[Prospecter]

I found I could take back my shop by becoming more strategic about supplies. I keep supplies in one area, and tools in my work area. I keep some supplies on hand because I am 20 miles from big box stores and 7 miles from the hardware store, but I've cut way back to just what I reliably need. I don't keep many project leftovers. I store many supplies at the box stores until I need them. I would think this approach might work even better on Long Island, depending on where you are on the island.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Thanks for all the great replies! I've managed to get things pretty well organized but just too many things. The bikes are only temporary, not sure what we plan to do, I think my wife is done riding so we may sell them. The gun safe is moving to our place upstate, soon, but my wife got it for a great price at bjs, she couldn't pass it up, love her.

Next I plan to remove anything I can and store it in one of my containers, although they are kinda full, but organized. Unfortunately I can't or won't part with anything, still use everything, I would hate to get rid of something and then go buy it again, I'm sure you guys know the feeling, lol. I was thinking of making a portable steel pipe framed building as opposed to a tarp style, which i have and hate. Thinking of a 20 x 20 similar to the tarp one only using schedule 40 1 1/2" pipe and fittings. Use metal panels for the roof and sides, this way i can knock it down and take it with me. I did a quick estimate and can probably do it for about 2k.

Not sure about a floor but thinking maybe modular plywood units with Styrofoam insulation and heat ducts for a temp furnace. I think this could be a weekend project and it will be temporary and totally reusable. Paint to match the house with a soft seal connection to the back of the garage, a man door and a double door. Build one big assembly table in the middle with 4 side access, this might just work. And I can store the tractor in the tarp one.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Take a hard look at what you're calling good stuff, to make sure it's not.
If there are tools or other things you haven't used in a year, it may be time to move them on to someone else.

 

[Renegade1LI]

no advise here- but how happy are you with your grizzly tools? After I finish my build out I've been planning on making a few large purchases from them.

I really have had no problems with anything from grizzly, a few minor issues which they took care of right away. In general I think they do a pretty good job with quality control, fit and finish is good. I've bought equipment for work that has held up good and for a home shop should last a long time.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything from them, plus it comes with a warranty. I bought my metal lathe from them so I didn't lose time rebuilding an old one. Their mitering bandsaw is a must have, so nice not to have to move the pieces being cut for an angle cut. I think you can buy with confidencefrom them.

 

[no704]

Maybe a conex box next to the garage, put all the wood tools in there.

 

[DBS5Window]

I purged a lot of “I may use this someday” stuff. Broken tools for parts, car parts for vehicles I no longer owned, my large lumber stash, etc.

 

[karoc]

This is one of those good problems to have. It’s so crowded that you have go outside just to change your mind.
If you’re moving in two years adding value to your present place by building say another bldg may be win win for you. That way you can enjoy your shop for two years if you spend lot time out there.
Either way nice problem have, I’m also PM fan

 

[Garcky]

I see the problem, but have no good solution for it. Clearly, you don't have space to work or for projects, so those tools probably aren't getting much use. That's a pity. I guess the only answers are to create more space or shed some stuff.

 

[niget2002]

This is a place where big nice tools are almost too big and nice.

I have smaller tools mostly because they take up less floor space. I'd love a larger cabinet table saw and an 8" jointer, but I just don't have the room. If I had the larger tools, I'd have less space to work too.

Getting the bikes and safe out will free up some space.

Having somewhere else to put materials would be a good start too.

 

[dougf]

Not a short term solution like you asked for by any means, but have you considered a bump out? If property easement allows you could kick out 6 foot for floor to ceiling storage or dedicate to certain tools.

 

[ATC]

I already have two 40’ hi cube containers for overflow and material storage, might add a third?

Take 2 containers, weld them together, and cut out the joining walls. Now you have a 16x40 woodshop. Put all the woodworking tools in there

 

[Renegade1LI]

Take 2 containers, weld them together, and cut out the joining walls. Now you have a 16x40 woodshop. Put all the woodworking tools in there

I've been thinking about this, it is a quick and easy solution plus i have access to get boxes cheap. I just have to sell my wife on getting two more, the architectural committee can be tough, lol.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I see the problem, but have no good solution for it. Clearly, you don't have space to work or for projects, so those tools probably aren't getting much use. That's a pity. I guess the only answers are to create more space or shed some stuff.

Sometimes it's the only answer, I'm not getting rid of anything so I have to add space.

 

[Garcky]

Sometimes it's the only answer, I'm not getting rid of anything so I have to add space.

Got it! Makes sense, but that's going to take time. Best wishes to you.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Got it! Makes sense, but that's going to take time. Best wishes to you.

Thanks, the best way isn't always the fastest or cheapest. As my son once told me, " fast, cheap and good, pick one. Want it fast, won't be cheap or good. Want it cheap, it won't be good or fast. Want it good, it won't be cheap or fast".

 

[ATC]

Thanks, the best way isn't always the fastest or cheapest. As my son once told me, " fast, cheap and good, pick one. Want it fast, won't be cheap or good. Want it cheap, it won't be good or fast. Want it good, it won't be cheap or fast".

It's pick two. Fast and good won't be cheap. Fast and cheap won't be good. Good and cheap won't be fast.

 

[Renegade1LI]

It's pick two. Fast and good won't be cheap. Fast and cheap won't be good. Good and cheap won't be fast.

Thanks! I was half asleep typing, lol.

 

[brooktre]

If you are definitely moving in a couple of years I’d say that any new construction (permanent) would be out. You would probably lose money on the deal and it would take a portion of the “couple of years” to plan and build it.

If you’re not adverse to the cube containers, I would get another or two and use those for extra storage, sorting, prep for moving.

Your shelves along the wall are nice, but they take up room and it doesn’t appear that they are movable. My neighbor has all of his shelves like that on wheels (in fact most things in his shop are on wheels) and this really gives him flexibility. You might consider moving those into a cube.

 

[Renegade1LI]

If you are definitely moving in a couple of years I’d say that any new construction (permanent) would be out. You would probably lose money on the deal and it would take a portion of the “couple of years” to plan and build it.

If you’re not adverse to the cube containers, I would get another or two and use those for extra storage, sorting, prep for moving.

Your shelves along the wall are nice, but they take up room and it doesn’t appear that they are movable. My neighbor has all of his shelves like that on wheels (in fact most things in his shop are on wheels) and this really gives him flexibility. You might consider moving those into a cube.

Starting to think two boxes may be the short term solution and can take them with us. Two 20s may work with the interior walls removed, just trying to connect them to the garage. I’m thinking if i set them up behind the garage they’re out of site, leaving maybe a 10’ space and build a temporary breeze way.

Unfortunately i keep adding, just got the new compressor, great more to find a home for, lol. I’m thinking of building a portable shed for it, i have a dryer so conditioning the air should be fine, plus i hate hearing it. Hopefully the bikes and safe will be gone soon and can start working on a good layout.

 

[RoninB4]

I like what ATC posted but if you're moving in a few years you need to consider how to move those boxes now welded together. If you intend to leave them with the sale consider what impact those will have on property values. I would also like more working space (who here wouldn't?) but I may move in a couple of years and feel a prospective buyer will consider the boxes an eyesore. As such I've halted all large purchases I don't have room for. Hope you find a solution.

 

[ATC]

I like what ATC posted but if you're moving in a few years you need to consider how to move those boxes now welded together. If you intend to leave them with the sale consider what impact those will have on property values. I would also like more working space (who here wouldn't?) but I may move in a couple of years and feel a prospective buyer will consider the boxes an eyesore. As such I've halted all large purchases I don't have room for. Hope you find a solution.

Chances are, that if he already has a couple containers, and has room for a couple more...he probably doesn't have to worry about them being an 'eyesore'...LoL

 

[RoninB4]

Chances are, that if he already has a couple containers, and has room for a couple more...he probably doesn't have to worry about them being an 'eyesore'...LoL

-Did you ever make a thread on making yours? Looked neat-n-tidy from the photos you posed.

 

[ATC]

-Did you ever make a thread on making yours? Looked neat-n-tidy from the photos you posed.

Not mine. That's just a picture grabbed from Google. I couldn't get 40' containers on my property without cutting down a lot of trees...

 

[Renegade1LI]

Chances are, that if he already has a couple containers, and has room for a couple more...he probably doesn't have to worry about them being an 'eyesore'...LoL

Luckily I do have room to bring in more containers and am giving it some thought. Now that the holidays are over I can put some time into getting this organized. First thing is to remove anything I can and reassess the space I have, maybe I can make it work. The compressor is going into a shed, bikes are going to another garage and than I can move things around. It's a work in progress, like most shops.

 

[bluedog225]

Seems like a disaster cutting out the wall. What holds the roof up? Those things become noodles without the web.

and nice shop. I’m in the same boat. 625 sq ft. But messier. My 40’ high cube didn’t help.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Seems like a disaster cutting out the wall. What holds the roof up? Those things become noodles without the web.

and nice shop. I’m in the same boat. 625 sq ft. But messier. My 40’ high cube didn’t help.

What we've done when removing the walls is to place a few I beams across the two boxes. This also adds rigidity to the new structure, if you want to move them, cut off beams and a few temp supports.

 

[LeonardY]

I wish I could add on. I simply don't have the land. I have a few sheds that get the yard stuff out of the garage.

We have a similar mix of tools. Although my dump truck is much smaller.
I have a very workable two car garage. Which includes parking the car in there. I do pull it out when working on larger projects.

I would re-arrange your tools. I left room under my cabinets to shove the tools underneath. Everything is off to the sides.
You can have a look at my space, if you want to. It might give you some ideas.

Uncle Lenny's house of toys and tools

New member. Great information and inspiration here. Posted a few times, Haven't properly introduced myself. I bought my house new in 1996. This is my first home and I did my best to setup the garage. Now, fifteen years later and lessons learned. I've redesigned and started rebuilding the...

www.garagejournal.com

Good luck

 

[solo machinist]

The wife and I bought 3 truck boxes. 1-26 ft and 2-22ft
Each one cost 1500.00 I have a 20ft trailer and moved them myself. Sealed before moving anything into them. Going on three years. No leaks.