Workshop Work

In order to figure out how to make the new workshop work, my wife asked me to lay it out on paper. The key to shop layout is 1) having enough room around the table saw and 2) having simple work triangles (e.g. table saw to chop saw to workbench). Being a geek, I pulled out a copy of Visio and started to think. After about five seconds I realized that thinking was causing me physical pain, so I decided to steal ideas. I went to the top: Norm Abram. I looked at the picture of the New Yankee Workshop on the Web and basically just stole from that.

Here's his shop:	Here's the layout for mine:

My shop layout looks different for a couple of reasons. First, I need a separate area for finishing (stains, paints, etc.). Norm has one that's separate from his shop entirely. Second, my wife and I are talking about renting out the back of the shop to artists who want studio space. Third, Norm already has all the neat tools (who else do you know who has a 48" belt sander and three lathes?). Fourth, Norm has talent and I'm going to have to make do with speed instead -- any job worth doing is worth doing quickly is my motto.