Organizing the Workshop

By Monte Burch

Proper organization of a workshop is important for productivity and safety as well as ease of use and enjoyment.

Regardless of whether you have a workshop in a closet, basement, garage or a full-fledged woodworking, mechanics or metalworking shop, organization is the key to productive, safe and enjoyable work. Organization consists of three factors: having the proper tools needed for the specific chores; safe, sturdy work surfaces and areas; and proper tool placement and storage. The amount and types of these three depend on your work needs and habits.

Miter saws are also a "compact" but efficient tool for the small shop, and can be used for framing and trim work.

Tools of Your Trade

Basic homeowner repair tools consist of a few hand tools; a hammer, tape measure, hand saw, level, screwdrivers, pliers and a cordless drill/driver. A circular saw and carpenter’s square add to the mix for basic carpentry chores. These can be stored in a garage cabinet or better yet, a portable tool box.

The advanced do-it-yourselfer and contractor will require more tools. For the DIY’er this usually means other cordless tools, such as reciprocating saws, corded tools such as sanders and either a benchtop or contractor’s table saw. The latter folds up, making it easy to store in a garage, or tote to the job site. Any number of manufacturers offers these tools. One of the top models is the Bosch 4000 series. It features a very smooth folding stand and has a soft-start feature that cuts down on circuit breaker trips—important in new construction where full power may not yet be available.