Using ideas from other woodworking shops, while avoiding their mistakes is an excellent way to design and set-up your own shop.

Electricity in the Wood Shop

Day in and day out we all deal with electricity, but it seems to be some illusive concept that few woodworkers really understand. Electricity drives our tools, and drives our everyday life. Electricity has the versatility to replace many older forms of energy. Without it we would still be using lanterns for light, fires for heat, and oxen for work.

Shop Layout

The shop you see in the layout is my current setup and has evolved over many years to accommodate most importantly the acquisition of newer equipment but also better work flow.  It is a free standing 2 story gambrel style barn with office and storage space on the second level. Lumber and supplies are moved in and out of the shop through the front overhead door. To the left of the door are the lumber and plywood storage racks. Across from the lumber rack and to the right of the overhead door is the radial arm saw, miter saw and mortiser utilizing a single fence system for all operations. Below and above these are cabinets and storage for misc. power hand tools.

All About Workshop Design

Typically a woodworking shop starts in a corner of the garage or basement. Then over time you add tools, develop new skills, expand the shop and change the layout. And at some point over this evolution you may be lucky enough to design a new shop from scratch or to completely rethink and revamp the existing space you have.

Idea Shop 2000

Our Idea Shop 2000 occupies a 12'x20' building connected to the garage by a covered portico. The shop's 9' ceiling has three powered, venting skylights, each operated electronically. Those, plus four windows, French doors, and a pastel color scheme add natural light and a sense of spaciousness in what otherwise might feel like tight quarters.