First, I'm expecting great things from the woodworking shed. You crushed this one. I haven't had time to get caught up on the rest, yet. So far, I love what you've done to the place.
Second, depending on how you feel about what kind of life your bikes should live, maybe a car, errrr, bike port out to the side of the shed would be sufficient, maybe something as simple as Makerpipe and canvas. My first house only had a carport. It kept the weather out. Just a thought.
Finally, what's your plan for power tools? One of the reasons I'm focused on hand tools is to keep the shop small, on the other hand, I just bought a small, but not tiny bandsaw, because it was recommended by a few other prominent hand tool woodworkers.
Since I now have 2 subscribers, I'll try to get some content out soon with more details.
Glad you liked the post and I'll be sure to live up to your expectations! I have big plans for the future of The Woodworking Shed!
Unfortunately I have to keep the bikes secure hence the storage shed. Otherwise I'd be more than happy to just leave them outside... Or on the driveway with a "free to a good home" label... I hate the things can you tell? 😂
So The Woodworking Shed is a power tool free zone. At least that's the goal. But it's early days, something like a band saw that doesn't take much away from the hand tool experience but does make life easier isn't completely out of the question for the future. For now though you won't see anything like that!
I went through the same sort of process a couple years ago. We bought our current home when I decided to finally retire in late 2022. The only thing I didn’t like was there was no garage or basement space for a workshop…only a one-car carport…and even though the yard is huge, no real place suitable for building a shop. So, after some number crunching I decided the most cost effective solution was to frame in and insulate the existing carport structure. I wound up with a 15’x20’ shop area, and it’s working well so far…as long as I control the clutter.
Glad to know it isn't just me! Though I am envious of the much larger workshop you have!
I think I am making the right decision for the long run, and I am really excited to make The Woodworking Shed an exclusive space for woodworking and content making. I'm definitely going to have to put a sign up!
Daniel, shop size is a factor of what you want to do with it. If you’re building miniature/model boats, a 4’ bench is probably expansive. If you’re building full size boats, you might build an outdoor bench under a tarp extension roof, and use the shed for secure storage. My sense is you’re somewhere between the two extremes and figuring it out, though the option of a permanent outdoor bench (or dragging a portable bench out the door) gives you a lot of flexibility while you figure out what more you need to build.
I like how you explain your thought process in detail.
One thing to consider would be if you would temporarily work in the smaller space, you would have a better idea of how much space you need and how you would like to set it up. Your first workbench will probably have things wrong with it, you would have learned a lot by the time you do a second one.
We keep a tub of beeswax in our shop, and constantly wax our tools with it to reduce friction and to keep them from rusting. Also storing tools in a chest should keep them safer from rust.
What you are saying is logical, and it is why I set out the way I did originally, but the fact that I am already struggling with the space is compounding these issues for me, which is ultimately why I have made this decision!
I just want to give myself the best foundation possible in getting started.
Beeswax is one I've not heard of before for rust prevention! Thanks for that. I'll look into it.
First, I'm expecting great things from the woodworking shed. You crushed this one. I haven't had time to get caught up on the rest, yet. So far, I love what you've done to the place.
Second, depending on how you feel about what kind of life your bikes should live, maybe a car, errrr, bike port out to the side of the shed would be sufficient, maybe something as simple as Makerpipe and canvas. My first house only had a carport. It kept the weather out. Just a thought.
Finally, what's your plan for power tools? One of the reasons I'm focused on hand tools is to keep the shop small, on the other hand, I just bought a small, but not tiny bandsaw, because it was recommended by a few other prominent hand tool woodworkers.
Since I now have 2 subscribers, I'll try to get some content out soon with more details.
Off to work for now.
Hi Kurt, thanks for the comment!
Glad you liked the post and I'll be sure to live up to your expectations! I have big plans for the future of The Woodworking Shed!
Unfortunately I have to keep the bikes secure hence the storage shed. Otherwise I'd be more than happy to just leave them outside... Or on the driveway with a "free to a good home" label... I hate the things can you tell? 😂
So The Woodworking Shed is a power tool free zone. At least that's the goal. But it's early days, something like a band saw that doesn't take much away from the hand tool experience but does make life easier isn't completely out of the question for the future. For now though you won't see anything like that!
I'm looking forward to seeing your content!
I went through the same sort of process a couple years ago. We bought our current home when I decided to finally retire in late 2022. The only thing I didn’t like was there was no garage or basement space for a workshop…only a one-car carport…and even though the yard is huge, no real place suitable for building a shop. So, after some number crunching I decided the most cost effective solution was to frame in and insulate the existing carport structure. I wound up with a 15’x20’ shop area, and it’s working well so far…as long as I control the clutter.
Glad to know it isn't just me! Though I am envious of the much larger workshop you have!
I think I am making the right decision for the long run, and I am really excited to make The Woodworking Shed an exclusive space for woodworking and content making. I'm definitely going to have to put a sign up!
Daniel, shop size is a factor of what you want to do with it. If you’re building miniature/model boats, a 4’ bench is probably expansive. If you’re building full size boats, you might build an outdoor bench under a tarp extension roof, and use the shed for secure storage. My sense is you’re somewhere between the two extremes and figuring it out, though the option of a permanent outdoor bench (or dragging a portable bench out the door) gives you a lot of flexibility while you figure out what more you need to build.
I like how you explain your thought process in detail.
One thing to consider would be if you would temporarily work in the smaller space, you would have a better idea of how much space you need and how you would like to set it up. Your first workbench will probably have things wrong with it, you would have learned a lot by the time you do a second one.
We keep a tub of beeswax in our shop, and constantly wax our tools with it to reduce friction and to keep them from rusting. Also storing tools in a chest should keep them safer from rust.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the feedback!
What you are saying is logical, and it is why I set out the way I did originally, but the fact that I am already struggling with the space is compounding these issues for me, which is ultimately why I have made this decision!
I just want to give myself the best foundation possible in getting started.
Beeswax is one I've not heard of before for rust prevention! Thanks for that. I'll look into it.
Cheers,
Daniel