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Shop setup help needed

525 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Grandpa Grumpy
I have a 10×16 building and want to turn it into a workshop. I've always done all of my work by hand and used my lap as a work bench, but my hands are getting really bad, so I have to start using power tools.

My wife bought me a belt/disk sander and an oscillating spindle sander...and I've collected a bunch of other power tools as well, like an old drill press, a band saw (that wont cut straight lines), a scroll saw...even some construction tools like a table saw and a reciprocating miter saw....
I just ordered a vise as well...and a dust collector separation system...
I know I need a solid work bench to bolt my vise down...but should I make separate little stands on wheels for the other tools or would one long bench be a better idea...I'm trying to make.the most out of the little area that I have to work with...

I really just want to get back to making Slingshots regularly...am I leaving out tools that I should have?

Any advice would be appreciated...

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Back when I had a home work shop I mounted every thing that I could use on top of the bench on plywood cut slightly bigger than the foot print of the tool. I drilled holes in the plywood so I could hang the tool on the wall. When I needed a miter saw I would take it from the wall and clamp it to the bench. When I was done with the miter saw I'd hang it back up and take the tool for the next operation and clamp it to the bench leaving most of the bench free most of the time. I also had a 6' X 2 1/2' folding table that folded flat against the wall when not in use. This gave me an extra flat surface to work with.
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I don't know what type of vise you ordered. but a quality woodworking vise is one of the most important tools you can have. Mine has a quick release and has served me well for 40 years.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-10-Woodworking-Vise-391-5195-Heavy-Duty/293608596818?hash=item445c6fa552:g:mlYAAOSw6JJe4EeN

If you can find one like this .
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This is awesome, glad you are getting into making some slingshots. In fact I’m excited you are back in the Forum period Looks like you have some great advice, so Im just wishing you the best. Looking forward to your future post
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The big problems with small shops i think is flat surfaces. Every thing heads right to those flat benches. Any tool you don't need, leave it out. Overcrowding is a big problem. (Cleaning off one tool to use it then putting it all back to use another drives me crazy. Setting up shop specifically for slingshots don't require a lot of stuff. Sounds like you have plenty. My vices and stationery sanders see the most action cause my hands are in such bad shape. Try not to crowd your bench tops. Shelves instead of drawers imho. Congratulations on the shop my friend! Looking forward to seeing what comes out of it.
Oh yeah, you'll need a Mr. Heater. They work great.
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I have a small work bench and vice that i do most of my work on. Im not the one to ask about power tools, but id say narrow your work space down to the three of four things that you'll be needing on day basis, and let everything else find its place. Good luck on your sling shop, and post pics once you're set up. We love it!!
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Back when I had a home work shop I mounted every thing that I could use on top of the bench on plywood cut slightly bigger than the foot print of the tool. I drilled holes in the plywood so I could hang the tool on the wall. When I needed a miter saw I would take it from the wall and clamp it to the bench. When I was done with the miter saw I'd hang it back up and take the tool for the next operation and clamp it to the bench leaving most of the bench free most of the time. I also had a 6' X 2 1/2' folding table that folded flat against the wall when not in use. This gave me an extra flat surface to work with.
you mean all of the tools were bolted to a base that could be held to the bench top with clamps?

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I also recommend getting one of those craftsman workmate benches. Great as a vice or bench top surface
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Flat workspace is invaluable, so another option if you have good walls, is to build hinged work tables, fastened to the studs, with fold down legs.

I do like the idea of mounting tools to oversized pieces of plywood, that can be clamped to the table.....great hack

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I also recommend getting one of those craftsman workmate benches. Great as a vice or bench top surface
Totally agree picked one up for $20 at a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. Best buy to date.
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The big problems with small shops i think is flat surfaces. Every thing heads right to those flat benches. Any tool you don't need, leave it out. Overcrowding is a big problem. (Cleaning off one tool to use it then putting it all back to use another drives me crazy. Setting up shop specifically for slingshots don't require a lot of stuff. Sounds like you have plenty. My vices and stationery sanders see the most action cause my hands are in such bad shape. Try not to crowd your bench tops. Shelves instead of drawers imho. Congratulations on the shop my friend! Looking forward to seeing what comes out of it.
Oh yeah, you'll need a Mr. Heater. They work great.
We seem to suffer the same hand afflictions...so, I am paying attention my friend...
I want to get by with as little as possible...my wife keeps bringing home tools...most I don't even know what they are used for. I know her heart is in the right place, but I only have a small space to work with.
You'll be getting an inbox from me soon, to talk "shop" lol

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Back when I had a home work shop I mounted every thing that I could use on top of the bench on plywood cut slightly bigger than the foot print of the tool. I drilled holes in the plywood so I could hang the tool on the wall. When I needed a miter saw I would take it from the wall and clamp it to the bench. When I was done with the miter saw I'd hang it back up and take the tool for the next operation and clamp it to the bench leaving most of the bench free most of the time. I also had a 6' X 2 1/2' folding table that folded flat against the wall when not in use. This gave me an extra flat surface to work with.
you mean all of the tools were bolted to a base that could be held to the bench top with clamps?

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Yes. Plus the extra table can be used for power tools too and stored away when not in use.

I no longer have a shop but I kept the folding table and a grinder, table saw and small miter saw so I can set up a small shop outdoors if I need too. I have no vise and I really miss it. I don't think bolting a vise to a light weight portable table would work.
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