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Where to start organizing shop

AA7483

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I just built a 24 x 40 shop and am in the process of getting set up. It's kind of overwhelming starting with a blank canvas. I feel like I'm going to try to rush and get everything up and I'll wind up haphazardly hanging things on the wall. Any advice to get things laid out properly or is this just going to take time ?
 
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jimreed2160

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My, oh, my. That is a big shop but I am sure you will find a way to cram loads of stuff into it. Over in the Gallery section there are many illustrated stories of shop builds and organization threads. I have one of my own.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391603

Mine started a little different from yours in that my garage was stuffed full and I have been sorting it out and making work areas. Maybe it will give you some ideas.

Some people start with a master plan but I did not have that kind of vision. I just started with a single area, fixed it up, and moved on to the next. So that is my recommendation. Try to think of a generalized master plan and then pick a small project--like setting up a tool. Get that one done and move on to another. Start a thread and post pictures. We will be happy to tell you what you did wrong. :bounce::bounce::bounce:

Good luck.
 

Kaizen

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Resolve with yourself it’s a three step process. You will move all items at least three times. I am still working on the first step which is get everything in and with like stuff. Auto stuff in auto area. Welding in that area. Etc. The second is organizing each area. Third is making it more refined and pretty


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Deanomyte

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Im just starting to plan the interior layout of my garage. It’s about the same size 24’x44’. I haven’t even gotten approval for the permits but I’ve been taking inventory of my tools and planning the layout. I started with all of the big stuff like compressor, lift, table saw, miter saw table, welding table, work bench etc. My .02 is get a sharp pencil and some graph paper, or if so inclined download sketch up and play around with a few options. Since yours is built already try some painters tape on the floors and walls. Toy with that for a weekend and it will do wonders..... I did this with my last single car garage and it made a world of difference.
 
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raferguson

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Kaizen's advice of putting like with like is sound, and realizing that you will move things more than once. You may need to buy some more rolling toolboxes or shelving units, to really organize things. I only hang very large items on the wall, for the most part.

As others have said here many times, put everything on wheels.

This may offend some folks, but my cabinetmaker friend claims that only amateurs use pegboards, that the pros have their tools and parts in drawers.
 

LeeG

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The first rule for me when organizing my shop is that everything should have a place. Don't worry at first about whether or not each item is in the best, most convenient spot, just have a place for everything.

As you use your shop for different projects, you will develop work flows. Move things you use most often to be near where you use them. Don't try to get it all perfect the first shot. Get moved in, put stuff where you can find it, and get to work doing whatever you have built the shop to do.

You might start out with a bunch of kitchen cabinets purchased from a ReStore or Goodwill. Later you may want to buy or build custom cabinets or toolboxes. Expect quite a lot of movement of stuff in the first year or two.
 

eyeball

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This may offend some folks, but my cabinetmaker friend claims that only amateurs use pegboards, that the pros have their tools and parts in drawers.


Well that settles it then... if the guy that makes his living selling drawers says everything should be kept in drawers it must be true.
 

Stuart in MN

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First thing in my opinion is to go through all your existing stuff before you move in, and toss anything that's junk (you know, the busted things that you've been saving because you thought you'd get around to fixing them someday, or the scrap wood pieces that are too short. :) ) Chances are good that once they're gone you won't miss them, and you won't have them cluttering up the new garage.
 

MrElectric03

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Your opinions will differ from others of course. I'm just jealous of your shop, mine is quite a ways out. Personally I like things in cabinets. I absolutely detest pegboards. So if I were you I would be looking for some nice cabinets and maybe some parts shelves.
 

Jazz1

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Work bench and tools all on the same side rest of floor clear for work space. High shelves around the perimeter. That was my original plan. I’ve strayed somewhat. I think it’s all about keeping as much floor space clear as possible.
 

Ray-CA

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French cleats can be your best friend. Very easy to rearrange cabinets, tool hangers etc. until you find a layout that works for you.

Just remember that this is all fun stuff.

Ray
 

OccupantRJ

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My shop is designed as “point of use” as much as possible. If a car is being worked on, everything for that is within reach or a few steps. If at the welding fab table, same there. I can stand at the fab table vise and taking no more than two steps, mark, cut, deburr, mark holes, centerpunch, etc.

I have had shops for more than 60 years, and this is what I have found to be the real key to easy usage. Things like compressors and non-approachable items go into dead areas of flow. I have had friends come over to work in the shop, and they all have commented on how nice it is once I point out to them that for most of what they are doing, they can just stand still and look around right where they are, and they will find what they need to work with. This works.
 
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Strouty

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RJ is dead on, I have not set up my machining area and it is crazy, I have to walk all over the place to get what I need for tools. Don’t be afraid to buy duplicates to leave in that area either, I have some specific tools for specific machines that live with the machine.

I also have a dedicated stock room, but even with that, I still want some basic things stored in the area of use, it will take a while to figure out what you need and where you want to store it.

Casters are great, a pallet jack or forklift can be an asset too. I have about 50% of my stuff on casters, the rest is setup to easily be moved with a pallet jack. I move things around a lot, my fabrication area doubles as my automotive area, in a matter of minutes, I can get two vehicles inside or I can be setup to fabricate a big project.

Post up some pictures, we like pictures.
 

gunguy

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First thing in my opinion is to go through all your existing stuff before you move in, and toss anything that's junk (you know, the busted things that you've been saving because you thought you'd get around to fixing them someday, or the scrap wood pieces that are too short. :) ) Chances are good that once they're gone you won't miss them, and you won't have them cluttering up the new garage.

This! Most everyone else is starting you at step 2.

Good luck,

Jim
 

wornoutoldman

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How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

First thing I would do is get everything off the floor. Things that can't be put up/away such as benches/equipment install casters or use furniture dollies to try out best placement. (moving target)

It's a never-ending process.
 

Jazz1

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Start by buying lots of casters. Keep everything that can be mobile, mobile. Only a few items need to be static.

Salvage casters off wrecked shopping carts. Thanks to snow ploughs and poor drivers:). Those casters are excellent quality
 

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Strouty

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I don’t mind paying for decent casters, look for auctions and on Craigslist. I bought all these for just under $200 last week. There are a couple sets that are worth more than that, the rest is a bonus. Also don’t buy cheap casters, you will hate them and it will make moving stuff annoying.

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ScottsGT

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I'll second or third about putting everything on casters. My small garage is so much more usable for different projects now that I have gone that way.

Make nothing perminant now. Ideas change.

Think about sliding walls and cabinets.

Pegboard creates a look of clutter. Clutter plays mind games leading to more clutter. Think about cabinets and drawers on roll around benches. I'm about to rip out my pegboard when I start redoing my work space.

Make it simple, quick and easy to clean out.
 

jimreed2160

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As others have said here many times, put everything on wheels.

This may offend some folks, but my cabinetmaker friend claims that only amateurs use pegboards, that the pros have their tools and parts in drawers.

Ditto on the wheels--they make life much easier. As for pegboard, consider the source. Pegboard is not very helpful for my woodworking tools. And woodworking can spew dust all over exposed tools. So a cabinetmaker might look at pegboard with disdain.

But I do other things besides woodworking in my shop and each work area bench has a small area of pegboard to hold frequently used tools. Screwdrivers and pliers hidden in a drawer are not very efficient on a repair bench.
 

Augus7us

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It is overwhelming. What I did was this:

Spend a lot of time on here looking at the nice shops managed by guys with OCD. Get some ideas and a general floor plan on how you would like to lay stuff out and how you plan on organizing it. Lots of slick ideas on organizing stuff, storing things and work flow on here. Some guys go to the nth degree on this, you don't need to mill tool holder inserts for every drawer, but a little time upfront on organization can pay big dividends down the road.

Use a tool like Grizzly's shop layout app on their website. You can also use Visio or something similar or get real creative and use something like Sketchup. Though sketchup has a steep learning curve if you've never done anything 3d.

Use masking tape to give you an idea of where your stuff will go and see if it will workout for you (if you have room for this, I know its tuff if you have all your **** in there).

Start collecting what you need for benches, cabinets, storage, etc.

Put plan into action.

Its not the quickest way to do it but it will be right in the end. With tools we say buy once cry once, get the best and don't fight junk tools, right? I looked at planning out my shop the same way. Get it right through vigorous planning and don't have to reorganize everything in a year because the layout isn't working for you.

I have a new building and I'm insulating it, building rooms and building a large steevo type bench. Took me a year to plan and buy all the cabinets and boxes and what not, but I saved a ton of money getting deals on them and I'm very happy with how things are coming along. All my past problems now have a predetermined solution in the ready. I just need more time to get it all done...

-Clint
 

Jazz1

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I keep all my tools in drawers because I spray paint in garage. My wallspace is cupboards, no room for pegboard.
Pegboard has its merits, usually each tool has a line drawn around perimeter on board, you know which tool is not accounted for...
 

Augus7us

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I didn't read the entire thread but I keep seeing pegboard references. I had it in my old shop and it just didn't perform. Stuff to big for the hooks and the damn things kept coming out even with the retention clips.

I've read enough on here to conclude that I will be using french cleats in this shop. I have one sheet of pegboard that will go up in my mezzanine storage, but it will be enclosed and you wont see it. On the main floor, everything will go in cabinets or drawers. That is a lofty goal for me but I bought a lot gladiator cabinets and chests to help make it happen.

-Clint
 

Dutch01

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I actually read the OP's thread to his garage build. I envy the size of his garage/shop:bowdown:

4 Activities are mentioned: general welding; sheet metal work; working on his Jeep and WOODWORKING. Noting against woodworking but unless he has a good dust extracion system, the 1st three activities in my opinion does not go well in the same shop with woodworking. The unknowns in this thread is 1st of all what machines and tools the OP have. All is well with cabinets and shelving but machinery has either be fixed to the floor (lathe, milling machine) or be movable as some said especially welding machines. Oh and yes I also make use of pegboard.

As a 930Dreamer mentioned I also move equipment in my garage around as the need arises (more/new tool arrivals). So my advice to the OP is to take stock of what you have, what your main intention is to do in the shop and what further tooling/equipment you will need to do what ever makes you tick.

Good luck on your progress
 
OP
A

AA7483

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Wow thanks for all the great advice guys. I spent all day out there putting all my craigslist cabinets up and moving all my stuff in from my other garage. Luckily it's only 40 ft away. I'll get some pics up tomorrow. I spent the last 8 years working out of my 3 car detached garage. Parking cars' storing all my tools and supplies for my HVAC business doing hobby woodworking welding etc. It was very tight to say the least. I'm using my old garage to park cars of course. I'll be storing all my left over wood, pipe lengths duct material on the old garage. Basically stuff I don't want to look at in the new shop. The primary scope of my shop will obviously be my business. Storing all my tools and supplies. I have a table saw a band saw. Both on casters and stored against the wall. I have a 3 x 8 work bench/ cart that will stay in the middle completely clear on top at all times to give me a place to work at all times without shoving stuff out of the way. I have a 12 ft work bench that I just took put of my parents garage. All my dad ever did was pile stuff on top so I cleaned it up. My chop saw will stay on top at all times. Not sure what else. I have a metal table I got on Craigslist. I set this up today as a welding/grinding area. I framed up a small office in there as well. This frees up a room in my house to use as a playroom for the kids. I had everything sitting out all over the place on shelves in my old space so it's already such an amazing feeling putting boxes of screws and nails caulk tubes sand paper etc into cabinets.

Sent from my Pixel XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
 

kazlx

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For those interested in pegboard, I just bought a bunch of stuff from a company called Wall Control. It's basically metal pegboard with their own slot system as well. I'm really happy with it as it's helping me get more organized and get some bulky stuff on the walls to free up space in my small garage. The panels are 16x32 so they can be screwed straight into studs, but you can also hang them with wall anchors.
 

crewchief888

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I move stuff around the shop all the time, its just the way it is.

me too.

as i get more "stuff" i have to rearrange to make room for it.
right now, i'm done buying "stuff"

we've been here 12 years, and ive moved stuff around at least that many times.


:beer:
 

jimreed2160

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I like your innovative use of the Gladiator Geartrack. Hope to borrow some of those ideas for my Gladiator garage. Now I just need to find some wallspace...
 

dr_clyde

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I've set up 3 or 4 commercial welding and fab shops now, and have gotten pretty familiar with the process of making the most of space available. Here's my advice.

Draw everything big to scale, then rearrange the pieces until you find something you think will work. I used CAD for this, but you can use an old school architects scale and paper if you're not familiar with CAD. I did this for all my machinery, tables and benches, toolboxes, bins and cabinets, right on down. This is a rough and quick way of getting everything in the building somewhere close to where you want it. Don't forget to consider doorways and isle-ways.

Group machines and tools by use. My mechanics tools are by the overhead door, because that's where I wrench on stuff. My welders are near the welding bench, as are the grinders and clamps. The less you have to walk to get the tools you need, the more productive you are.

Keep seldom used things or things that don't need attention out of the main areas. My air compressor is above the bathroom. I have the drain plumbed into the wash sink so I can drain it easy, and it doesn't take up floor space. Things like pallet racking and shelving can make it both easy to store seldom used things and easy to store ****. Be careful with them.

Think about what machines require what power, and if they need air. I have lots of machines that are setup for high and low voltage 3 phase, as well as 240 and 120 single phase. I was able to set up the high voltage machines such that they can take advantage of the wiring and disconnects, so I was able to save a few bucks on circuits.

You will move things around a bit until you get settled. Being able to move things with a pallet jack or forklift is a very handy thing.

To start, just get a rough idea of where you want the big stuff, and then move everything in. Then, just start putting stuff away, even if away moves a few times. It'll all fall into place.
 
OP
A

AA7483

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South Jersey
I like your innovative use of the Gladiator Geartrack. Hope to borrow some of those ideas for my Gladiator garage. Now I just need to find some wallspace...
This is actually some Husky track I got from home Depot a few years back. I took it out of my other garage. Doesn't look like they sell it anymore so I need to find out what other brand's hooks will fit.
I've set up 3 or 4 commercial welding and fab shops now, and have gotten pretty familiar with the process of making the most of space available. Here's my advice.

Draw everything big to scale, then rearrange the pieces until you find something you think will work. I used CAD for this, but you can use an old school architects scale and paper if you're not familiar with CAD. I did this for all my machinery, tables and benches, toolboxes, bins and cabinets, right on down. This is a rough and quick way of getting everything in the building somewhere close to where you want it. Don't forget to consider doorways and isle-ways.

Group machines and tools by use. My mechanics tools are by the overhead door, because that's where I wrench on stuff. My welders are near the welding bench, as are the grinders and clamps. The less you have to walk to get the tools you need, the more productive you are.

Keep seldom used things or things that don't need attention out of the main areas. My air compressor is above the bathroom. I have the drain plumbed into the wash sink so I can drain it easy, and it doesn't take up floor space. Things like pallet racking and shelving can make it both easy to store seldom used things and easy to store ****. Be careful with them.

Think about what machines require what power, and if they need air. I have lots of machines that are setup for high and low voltage 3 phase, as well as 240 and 120 single phase. I was able to set up the high voltage machines such that they can take advantage of the wiring and disconnects, so I was able to save a few bucks on circuits.

You will move things around a bit until you get settled. Being able to move things with a pallet jack or forklift is a very handy thing.

To start, just get a rough idea of where you want the big stuff, and then move everything in. Then, just start putting stuff away, even if away moves a few times. It'll all fall into place.
Thanks for all the info!
 

Crazyjake8493

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I'll second or third about putting everything on casters. My small garage is so much more usable for different projects now that I have gone that way.

Make nothing perminant now. Ideas change.

Think about sliding walls and cabinets.

Pegboard creates a look of clutter. Clutter plays mind games leading to more clutter. Think about cabinets and drawers on roll around benches. I'm about to rip out my pegboard when I start redoing my work space.

Make it simple, quick and easy to clean out.

Portability is key in a small shop. And it's another reason I prefer surface-mounted electrical in conduit. If I decided the table saw or welder suits me better somewhere else, it can be easily changed without running extension cords.
 

Augus7us

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I did conduit in my first shop. In this one I ran some 220 circuits @ 30amp for most of those tools. No conduit on the walls and plenty of 220 outlets. I do have a few tools that require more amps that get dedicated circuits and they can't move but Im ok with those.

If I was building from scratch, I would look at in wall wiremold. The best of both worlds in my eyes.
 

NUTTSGT

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I guess I'm a little late and you are already getting started and have the place looking nice. I did however make a post in your thread as a word of caution.
 
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