If you’re building things at home, then having a space dedicated to your chosen craft can be a difference-maker. You’ll be much more productive if your working environment is specialized. This applies to makers of every kind, from woodworkers to sculptors to engineers.
But what exactly goes into a good home workshop? There are a number of factors to consider. Let’s take a look at a few of the more important ones.
Choosing the Right Space for Your Workshop
The space you choose for your shop matters. It should provide electricity where required and come with the right level of ventilation. If you’re going to be producing a lot of noise, then the level of soundproofing might be worth considering, too.
Outbuildings like sheds and garages might be suitable locations, as might spare rooms and basements. Think about how you’ll make it easy to get into your chosen workspace and how quickly you can start being productive. If the barriers to entry are too high, then the chances are that you won’t end up getting the best from the space.
Investing in the Right Workbench and Storage Solutions
The furniture you choose will matter when you’re trying to make things. If you’re woodworking, the stability of your bench and the availability of vices and dog holes will matter.
Storage furniture is what will help you to keep the area tidy in the long run. Set aside storage spaces for every item you own, and make sure that you can easily reach for it when required. Modular and vertical storage might allow you to take advantage of every square inch of wall space.
Essential Tools Every Workshop Needs
Your workspace should be built around a handful of essential tools. What these look like will depend on what you’re looking to achieve. Hand saws, clamps, tape measures, screwdrivers, and drills will typically have a home in every workshop. If you often find yourself working with sheet timber, then a good table saw will make a good investment, too.
There are other tools that are less glamorous, but still essential. Safety equipment, like goggles, dust masks, and ear defenders, can’t be reasonably dispensed with.
Monitoring and Maintenance Tools That Add Value
Getting the best from your equipment means being able to take care of it. If you’re using a lot of power tools or work with electronics, then having an analog voltmeter handy might save you considerable trouble.
Lighting and Electrical Setup
Having the right power supplied to your workshop might make a big difference, especially if you’re running power tools constantly. Note that some larger tools, like jointers, might require thicker cables. Don’t make compromises with safety; get an electrician in to look at your setup.
Lighting can also play a big role in driving down safety risks. Make sure that you have clear lighting on walkways and around key work areas.
Think about your workflow
It’s worth considering how you’re going to split the space up. When each area of your workspace serves a particular purpose, you might find it easier to adopt a productive mindset and to focus on the task at hand. Think about how you’ll progress through the shop over the course of a given session, too. You might naturally move from a jointer to a table saw to a sander, for example, over the course of a given session. Having access to your main workbench from anywhere in the shop might allow you to quickly set down items that you’re in the middle of working on.
Safety Considerations for Your Workshop
There are a number of steps you might take to improve the safety of your workshop. For example, you might stash fire extinguishers in accessible places. If your work produces a lot of dust, then you’ll also want to invest in quality extraction systems. Finally, eliminating trailing cables and tidying them can help you avoid trips.
