Setting Up Your Workshop: Straight Talk for Today’s Woodworker

A quick workshop setup guide for the modern woodworker! Whether you're using your basement, garage, attic, or shed, this no-nonsense guide will help woodworkers of all levels create a shop that meets their needs and inspires great work. The plain-spoken advice on shop layout, workbenches, bench vises, shop accessories, and shop storage will save you time and money. With sharp, informative line drawings throughout, step-by-step instructions on projects, and even a chapter on first aid, this handbook covers all the areas needed to get a budding woodworker started on the path to artisanship. It includes: *Setting up your shop layout *Preparing the workbench *Workshop accessories you should have for efficiency *Storage for workshop materials and tools *Safety at the workshop. Learn that combining the textures and colors of brightly-hued veneers with rare woods brings out an attractive contrast in your workshop. But this is not just for aesthetics—it serves to guide your eyes so that you can locate tools and equipment around your workshop. Carefully plan your tool chest area. You will want space for screws and screwdrivers, another for portable equipment (such as the router, cordless drill, saws, and any pneumatic tools), and yet another might house wrenches and bits of different kinds. You'll need a workbench with a clear work surface and a decent clamping system. A well-conceived workbench conveniently increases your workspace to chisel surfaces, saw wood pieces, or assemble cut pieces without knocking over your cup of coffee. More importantly, a workbench will help you to use an inspection microscope properly to analyze your woodworking failures and successes (and you can also take power naps when you are not working on any project). Think about layout and location. A nice layout should provide ample elbow room, light, and power for your equipment. Your shop location is also an important consideration. You should locate your shop far from living spaces to minimize noise and dust pollution in the neighboring rooms. The path to a great workshop starts with getting the right advice. Here it is!