Do you have an unused garage in your home and have the idea of turning it into a woodworking shop? If so, read on as we are going to give some very important pointers as to how you can turn that idea into reality.
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Why Do You Want to Build It?
Setting up a woodworking shop in your garage is a project in itself, and if you intend to undertake it, you need to plan it through. The first thing to establish is exactly what you will you be using your woodworking shop for? Is it for small, simple projects, or larger scale ones such as building furniture?
Is it for professional work or just a hobby? Think about the main purpose of building your garage shop, and plan accordingly. You might also want to make it diverse enough to work on a lot of different kinds of projects so that will need be part of your plans too.
What Equipment Will You Need?
After having thought about the purpose, you now want to come up with a list of equipment for your workshop. The list of requirements should consist of all the major and minor tools you will need in your shop. The large tools depend quite a lot on what you are going to do in your shop and the amount of space you have available.
The smaller tools, which aren’t as space critical follow pretty much the same prescription for most woodshops. They compose mainly of sets of hand tools like saws, chisels, files, scrapers, planes, and so on. Investing in a sturdy bench vice for your workbench is also a practical idea.
If you are very limited by space, then you should check out ‘The Ultimate Small Shop Guide‘ which is an excellent resource for those who are planning a workshop where there is not much room. It has layout and floor plan examples plus lots of tips on how to maximize the storage space you have.
Your Workbench
The workbench is going to occupy a reasonably big space in your shop and should be at least large enough for you to place lengths of lumber on it. Since it is a garage shop and you are going to be the primary person using it, you should choose a workbench that suits your height. Ideally, it is recommended to have it a little lower than your waist height. However, you should experiment and adjust it according to your own comfort and preference.
If your garage is extremely small, you might want your workbench to be portable so that you are able to park your car inside during the winter. For such a possibility, consider building a workbench that is mounted to the wall on hinges which can be folded out of the way when not in use.
Start With a Paper Layout
Once you know everything that you need for your shop, it is time to get it down on paper. Start with drawing the boundary of your shop as the limits of your garage. Try placing your workbench in the middle of the space. If there is not enough room to walk around your workbench when it is in the middle, you can choose to have it attached to a wall.
Next, choose locations for all the large tools you have chosen to include. Place the most frequently used tools close to the workbench but keep them at a safe distance. Always keep in mind the extremities of use or the biggest chunk of wood you would be working on. This will ensure that the distances between tools are large enough to not cause any accidents or damage.
Remember to mark a space for pegboards to hang your hand tools on a wall behind the workbench at an approachable distance.
Light It Up
The usual lights you have in your garage will not be sufficient for working in a woodshop. Lighting is crucial for safely working with sharp tools and for good quality work when working with detailed pieces. Make sure that you have enough light connections and if not, get these installed before you set up your benches and tools. Alternatively, you could opt to create a window in your garage if one does not already exist.
Ventilation and Circulation
Ventilation is an often forgotten factor when it comes to building a garage workshop. The truth is that it is even more important than in full-sized workshops as space is small and enclosed. While working with wood, sawdust accumulates quickly on the floor and in the air. If not vented out, it becomes a part of the air you breathe and can cause severe health problems if exposed to it for long periods.
You might not always want to work with the garage door open, so installing a couple of garage exhaust fans is strongly advised. If you want to go further, consider installing a ventilation system that can get rid of all the unwanted items in the air as you work.
Safety Is Paramount
Even though it is a small garage shop, safety is every bit as important as it would be in a large workshop. Some items you might want to have available include safety glasses, gloves, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
As you plan the layout you also want to ensure there are no cables trailing on the floor, that any chemical and solvents have safe storage, and that you have sufficient space to walk around without banging your head, arms or legs.
For more advice on the safety of your woodworking shop, take a look at ‘The Ultimate Small Shop Guide,’ where you find lots of very useful information on making your woodshop a safe place to work. It includes tips on fire safety, safe layouts for small workshops, and how to organize your workshop so that hazards and dangers are minimized.