Where should I set up my workshop? As real estate agents say, “Location, location, location”. The ideal workshop setup depends on one primary factor: what works best for you and your house. Each home is different and each craftsman is different. The best solution is to take an inventory of your needs and your space. That way you can assess what the best solution is for your workshop.
Where should I set up my workshop? Let’s start with assessing the woodworker’s basic requirements. There needs to be enough room for your workbench, tools, material storage, assembly, and storage for other items. You will need more floor space if you have stand alone tools like a table saw, router table, and band saw. The space needs to have good lighting, electrical hookups and climate control. When working with chemicals such as paint or stain, adequate ventilation is vital.
The basement can be an ideal place for woodworking. Many woodworkers prefer the basement since it is somewhat isolated from the house. Dust and debris can be contained. Smells are also kept away from the rest of the house. With most of the walls below grade, climate control is easier in the winter and summer. With adequate connections, air conditioning and heating can be routed from the house if not already in place. One large concern is that basements can be dampness. This can cause problems with tools rusting and materials wicking moisture. However, with proper insulation and a dehumidifier, this can be avoided. Ventilation can be a problem in some basements. A fan that can pull air to the outside would deal with this issue.
Where should I set up my workshop? The garage can also be a great place for woodworking. Garages are almost completely isolated from the house. If there is a detached garage, isolation is complete. This will make dirt and noise no problem for people in the house. But garages are homes for many other things. Cars, lawn tools, and sporting goods compete for the same space. Garages are usually not connected to heating or air conditioning. This can make working in the winter and summer difficult. Dampness also lives in the garage. With a larger garage, one car space can be set aside for a workshop area. No matter where you decide to set up your workshop, have fun.
– Professional Power Tool Guide
