The "UP" side of having a small workshop

[David Niebeling]

My workshop is small. 12'x12' to be exact.  I have been working out there a lot lately, and I found myself wishing I had more space.  I see pics of people who have space to actually USE a table saw INSIDE their shop (I use mine outside in the yard) and pics of guys who have room for a flat assembly table (I try and find a flat spot on the floor) and I get a little envious.

Then I got to thinking; I like having a small shop.

1. I know where all my tools are. (a place for everything and everything in its place) I love being organized and having a neat shop.

2. It doesn't take too long to clean up. I can clean and vacuum the entire shop in about 15 minutes.

3. It feels more like a "man cave".  It's my space.  It's my retreat.  I can put up a deer head on the wall and my wife doesn't care.  My little guy (he's 7 years old) loves to hang out with dad in the man cave and I put together his own tool kit.  He pounds nails into scrap wood mostly, but they all seem to end up being guns!  PERFECT!!!

So you see, life in a small shop DOES have its upside.  I just need to remember this come winter!!!

[michael evans]

Hi david been working in a 12x12 shed for 5years now here in the uk.My top tip is to make everything mobile, my tablesaw bandsaw, and kreg router table on wheels . When done shove it out of the way. I thought all you guys in the states had double garages to work in.Have a good day .mick .

[David Lazenby]

Mick, dont believe everything you hear about the two car garages, many of us are lucky to have two cars and a carport in our apartment complex.
David