...or at least as complete as any shop renovation ever gets!
Although I have some reorganization necessary in the lumber rack area, this summer's shop expansion/reconfiguration/renovation is now done. I have to say that it really was worth the effort. Anyone not familiar with the start of the saga can read about it at http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=11719.
Removing the short wall that formerly "supported" the stairway to the upper level has made a significant impact on the way I can use the space in the shop. Frankly, it's like having a whole new workshop...it's that much of a transformation. No longer will it be a pain to juggle sheet goods, in those odd occastions I choose to use them, nor will I have to choose between assembling something and finishing something. I also have the lathe back to where I really like having it where there is natural light.
The following pictures amount to a new "shop tour" starting with the south wall and revolving clockwise. For reference, the shop is 21' deep by 30' wide minus the stairwell and DC closet.
Pics:
- Miter station on the south wall. Clamp storage moved back to where it originally was to the left of the miter station on the wall behind where the main entry door is located
- Southwest wall where the lathe takes center stage. Sharpening station to the right at the base of the stairwell where it's convenient to get to quickly during "spinny" sessions. Tool storage on the wall. The DC hose is being replaced with a slightly longer one as soon as it arrives in the big brown truck
- Center west "wall" under the stairs where the Mini Max FS350 jointer/planer lives. I wanted it a little closer to the sloped wall, but when the jointer beds are swung up they need to actually clear the wall and become fully vertical. This location provides for that. The area behind the J/P can be used for additional turning stock storage once my old compressor moves on to its new owner
- North west/north "wall". The two metal storage cabinets have been stacked for space savings. They contain finishing materials and the small, hand-held electrics for easy access. Lumber storage stays where it is, although it needs a little "straightening up" now that everything else is cleaned up. The Performax 22-44 lives in front of that area where it has a convenient DC drop and electrics. Since it's on casters, it's easy to move elsewhere should an operation require more room or access to the lumber be required.
- Northeast corner. The DP has moved back to this location where it's been before. An old, relatively inefficent cabinet was removed from above the door and heavy duty shelving supports were installed for additional lumber and/or turning stock storage. My router table is mobile and I just move it around for whatever function it needs to hold for the day, including obviously routing, but also additional infeed-outfeed surface, assembly surface and as a convenient table surface when I'm turning. The air cleaner also moved to the "top shelf" just behind the table saw, where it's out of the way, yet easy to access for cleaning. It also now has its intake on the side that I generally spray water-based finishes which is the most common reason I run the filter
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