The shop size poll

[8iowa]

This is one of the very few on-line polls that actually has some valuable information. It has now run for well over a year and has had 132 responses. While not a true scientific poll, it non-the-less has some interesting trends that probably have statistical significance - for those in the woodworking industry who would take the time to look and study.

I find it remarkable that over 11% responding have shops that are up to 100 sq.ft. in size. Just for the fun of it, chalk out a 10' x 10' space on the floor and visualize yourself working there and doing useful work. You guys - My hat's off to you! Tell us more about how you do it. Equally interesting is the fact that when you add merely another 100 sq. ft., you take in almost 30% of all the respondents,,,,,, and here I am, crying in my Diet Coke, because I only have 250 sq. ft. here in Gainesville.

Now, an interesting point to ponder is whether we Shopsmith users are "unique" in our shop sizes, or would the results of this poll be indicative of a broader range of home and hobbiest shops. In my opinion there would be a lot of consonance. This could have a lot of meaning to the marketing of tools and the publishment of books and magazines.

[jimthej]

I'm one of the 10x10ers. Began moving in last summer from the center 10x7 feet of a one car garage shared with food storage, washer & dryer and christmas decorations. This is an expansion. Still have about 1/3 of my stuff in the garage as I work through the problems as well as make a little sawdust. Storage and organization are priorities. Trial arrangement 1 is almost workable. Still haven't solved wood storage and SPT storage problems. Most of my SPTs are on a cart based on a 4 wheel dolly. Problem is, I really don't have room to rotate it properly. Also the jointer is a little higher than comfortable to lift. Had to be that high to clear the top of the bandsaw. I am looking at some old SS plans for a long shelf storage that fits the MK 5 beneath. Might work if I can fit the table storage underneath also. Stores everything but a planer in 10' of 2x10. Then I need a couple of cabinets for finish and small tools. Just writing about it has given me some ideas. Thanks.

[wlhayesmfs]

I have a 20 x 20 that I share with storage cabinets, freezer and extra refig on one side., What is great is when the weather is good and I open the garage door and have a 21 x 23 ft carport to pull out into. Works great with two MKV, a DC and one ER out there and get everything to work. I have a breakdown table that goes with me outside and that works great.
Some day if I can get it together I will turn what I have for a back yard into a stand along shop that is 20 x 25 and only wood tools in it. Then me the dogs and my Koi pond will have a great time outside.
Never can tell.

[tnerb]

My Son and I built a 30X30 shop on his property a few years ago when I retired. He has half and I have half. There's a 20X20 pad outside the main door so I usually roll out the Shopsmith and related tools (most of my tools are on wheels) to work outside. Less cleanup in the shop that way.

Brent

[horologist]

I suppose some might say that people with limited space would naturally gravitate towards the Shopsmith and that the results could be skewed.

In reality I expect most wood workers are sharing their shop with the lawn tools, laundry room, and other nuisances. I'm really quite surprised and a little envious of the number of people with free standing, dedicated shops.

In my laundry room shop I have a 14 x 5 foot space (70 sq ft) that I have to share with my Shopsmith, dust collector, and a workbench. SPT's are stored on and under the Shopsmith and packed on a shelving unit. With care and planning I can do most anything, with the exception of cutting larger stock. The dust collector does a great job at containing the mess. Not so good with the lathe though, my experiments with turning indoors have been less than impressive.

When the weather cooperates I can wheel the Shopsmith out into the carport. When mosquitoes aren't too bad I have a bright halogen light that will let me work at night. I did this a while back when I made a bookcase for my wife. I cut the stock to size and did the assembly in the laundry room using the space normally occupied by the Shopsmith and dust collector.

I did block the extra freezer for a couple days while painting the shelf but was able to remain out of the dog house since the shelf was for my wife.

Troy

[a1gutterman]

...I did block the extra freezer for a couple days while painting the shelf but was able to remain out of the dog house since the shelf was for my wife.

Troy

That always helps, doesn't it!?:D

[horologist]

That always helps, doesn't it!?:D

Tim.
More than you realize. After watching the process she was surprised at how much work was involved, but was very happy with the results.
Hopefully this means she will cut me some slack when I make something for my "kingdom".

Troy

[nllaeder]

I've got a one car garage that is my shop. I share it with bikes, and lawn equipment.

Someday, I'll pull everything out, and put it all back where I want it, but I haven't done that yet.

[cv3]

I have a 12 x 16 Shop I built in the back yard. It was a pre cut Storage building kit. It is storage / work shop. Of course now I wish it was 12 x 20. I would love to have room for a finishing booth. Most of my work is small to medium a 4’x 6’ booth would be would be great. I have thought about building small unit at to use to finish in. Maybe this year

[bobw1953]

I am in a 10 x 20 back yard utility building (shed) that I electrified and heated. its a bit cramped but not too bad. Biggest problem i have is lumber storage and lighting. I cant seem to get enough light.