Down Sizing (Required Work Area) aka Floor Space

[dusty]

I reported here earlier that we (my wife and I) were making a decision to down size. This is being done primarily to reduce the maintenance effort that is required. We have (and definitely do occupy) a 4 bedroom home on acreage. We don't need that. Not the effort required to maintain it nor the space.

We do not want to build.

Therefore we are looking for a home with an attached garage (aka shop). I am not real excited about giving up tools. I will likely sort through the tools and sort out those that are no longer useful or usable. I may redistribute a few of the duplicates to the kids.

Beyond that I am remaining possessive and protective.

I just sat in the shop today looking around and thinking about this. I have sort of developed a plan. The plan being to utilize all available space in area like under the power station, under the jointer, under the Shorty, etc. Furthermore, eliminate all of the tools cases that house items like the power drills, routers.

I am thinking about going one giant stop further and eliminating my work bench. It takes up a lot of floor space. A metal tool cabinet with a work surface is the thought.

Has anyone done anything like this and are you satisfied with what you have done to better utilize your space. Are my thoughts on this completely off track.

Toward this objective, I have already hauled two loads to Habitat for Humanity and a third load to Good Will.

HELP I need ideas.

[swampgator]

Dusty, I really feel your pain. I am downsizing my lumber stock and what a chore. But, I have real pains with your idea of disposing of your work table. Is it possible that you can make the legs folding so when it is not in use, that you can fold up the legs and store it against a wall or rack? Maybe, remove the legs and put saw horses underneath when needed. You will find that you really need that table for so many things. I hope you find a comfortable solution.

Steve, the old swampgator

[thunderbirdbat]

How about replacing the work bench base with a cabinet? This would give you the storage area and still allow you the bench space needed for projects. Or a large cabinet that the bench top can pull out of with swing/fold out legs so it is out of the way when not in use.

[dusty]

Dusty, I really feel your pain. I am downsizing my lumber stock and what a chore. But, I have real pains with your idea of disposing of your work table. Is it possible that you can make the legs folding so when it is not in use, that you can fold up the legs and store it against a wall or rack? Maybe, remove the legs and put saw horses underneath when needed. You will find that you really need that table for so many things. I hope you find a comfortable solution.

Steve, the old swampgator

Making a work table that is transportable or store against a wall might work. It can not be done, however, with the one I am using now. That puppy is just plain too heavy.

Yes, I may be pipe dreaming there. I use my bench for everything. Long story, not to be told here but I have even slept there.

[Gene Howe]

WANTED
FOUR CAR GARAGE WITH ONE BEDROOM HOUSE

[dusty]

The downsizing effort will resume. My surgeon and my cardiologist have given me the green light. It is not without some limitations but at least I can get out in the shop and move a few things around.

I had created a real mess just prior to being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Being scheduled for surgery the next day left me with a mess that I have had to negotiate every time I went in the shop. It was a real hazard area and still is but now I'll be working a little each day to resolve that.

To smell sawdust again soon I'll probably have to stick my head in the DC but at least I am in the shop and not in front of a TV.

[jsburger]

That is great news Dusty.

[beeg]

GREAT news Dusty. Don't over do it.

[dusty]

GREAT news Dusty. Don't over do it.

Thanks Beeg and John but I cannot over do it. Not with my better half watching over me like a hawk.

[ChrisNeilan]

God bless your better half!