Page 81 - Wood Review Dec 202 Full issue

WORKSHOPS
different iterations. Take your time here and don’t rush into the heavy lifting.
If you have woodworking friends, send them some of your layouts to get their thoughts. Be prepared to have your ideas challenged and have an open mind, but also remember that the space is yours and it needs to serve you well.
Centralised dust collection
I did something different in my latest shop that I hadn’t considered before. I grouped the bandsaw, combo machine, and Inca saw in a cluster around the dust collector. These are my biggest chip creators and this layout allowed me to have short runs of hose to my dust collector. These short runs ensure excellent suction with little loss of efficiency due to long, bendy runs. At first glance it was a bit odd looking but this layout has proven to be extremely efficient in many ways. Moving from machine to machine is quick and the cluster gives me the in- and out-feed areas that I was looking for.
Power and light
As you study your drawing, perhaps you are noticing that you need to make some additions to your space. Maybe
5 you need more electrical outlets to satisfy your layout. I always assume I
will need one outlet for the tool and another for a task light. I find the overhead lights in most shops are good for lighting the space but are often inadequate for performing close-focus tasks. I have many task lights (at almost every work station) because there is nothing more stressful than not being able to see what you are doing, not to mention unsafe.
Call a friend
The last step is to make your ideas
and drawings a reality. Invite your woodworking friends over for some extra muscle, and move things around to see how it looks in the actual space. Be prepared for some let-downs as what works well on paper does not always translate to the real space. Once you’ve set things up, work in the space and be critical of the layout. Is it functional and efficient? Does your work flow well or do you find your self criss-crossing the
4. Measure the perimeter of your space and cut and paste pieces that are a scale version of what you have. Move these around to suit and test your equipment and workflow.
5. Keep clamps close at hand and easy to access – you don’t want to waste time searching during a glue-up.
6. Lack of storage
space is a problem
all woodworkers
seem to struggle
with. Dedicated
cabinets and
shopmade wall 6 fixtures can help.
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