Age catching up with me

[fjimp]

Gentlemen,

Last year an injury helped me realize I can't lift those tools safely. As with others my space is limited. I did away with a workbench and storage cabinet. Now each of my SS tools; Bandsaw, Belt Sander, Jointer and a thickness planer all have their own Motorized Stands on wheels. They all live in a corner and along a wall in front of the dust collector. I have them stacked or arranged in the order of frequency of use. Most of the time this arrangement works fine.

I say this is timely due to a visit with a physical therapist this morning whom I paid to evaluate my progress after a rotator cuff surgery. He explained very clearly there are some things I will never again do. No overhead lifting or work. Never again to use a paint roller on a celing or above shoulder height. I am limited to 7 pounds lifitng with the right arm and even then not to lift above shoulder height. He was amazed that my other arem was quite comfortable lifting 75 pounds. Again he cautioned that is too much weight.

The roller stands take up too much space in the shop and when we move I will try to double the size of my shop. I hate wasting time moving tools around in order to complete simple tasks.

My bottom line is that I refuse to allow advancing age to cheat me from enjoying my shop. So will be careful to follow the rules and keep making sawdust as long as possible. Jim

[charlese]

Hi Ed,

I built a shelf along one wall of my shop where I store my SPTs. I'll post a picture so you can see what it looks like (as long as you don't look at the mess around it!). My shop is a shambles right now. I've just completed a major project and have "stuff" all over the place rather than where it's supposed to be.

Picture later today.
Edited to add pictures.

Wow Leonard! - - What a simple, but elegant solution!!:D We all may need this at some time and you have given all of us a good solution idea. Incidentally, I wish my shop looked that good:o

[a1gutterman]

Hi Ed,

After reading all of the helpful posts, I noticed one thing: All of the suggestions require floor or wall space. If that kind of space is available, you are in good shape.

If you do not have that kind of space available, I offer this suggestion: Use your ceiling! Somewhere I have seen a SS designed overhead pull down storage bin (OSB). Why couldn't you design and build similar OSB's that will accomodate your SPT's? You could make one for all your tools, one for each tool, or something in between.

Just a thought: If your shop is in a garage and there is adequate space between the door and the ceiling when the door is open, that may be a good place to put your OSB's (you would have to be very careful if you have an electric door opener).

[Bruce]

You could try to find a 16 year old young man to do your lifting in exchange for free lessons. Of course you won't be doing woodworking when he's dating, watching tv, playing Playstation, or in school. That leaves about 30 minutes a day to get your work done.

[paulmcohen]

I don't understand everyones resistance to a hoist, I have been doing a lot of research and the basic motor with remote can be had for between $75 and $200 and the rest of the track and mounting hardware at most add another $25. It allows the bandsaw or jointer to be lifted very slowly slid down a track about 4 feet though 8 is possible and slowly lowered on whatever stand you want to use.

I can still lift the SPT's but very soon I will have the same issues and I plan on having the hoist up by than.

I have thought of storing my SPT's on top of a X screwed to two or three Shopsmith storage cabinets, then I can roll the cabinets under the hoist to lower the SPT into its own slot.

[fixit]

I like your idea what is the shelves made of 2x10?
Ed

Hello Again Ed,

I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. The shelves are made from 2x10s. Just measured and cut to fit the SPTs and space I had available. I hope this helps.