Set Up Your Own Work Shop
By Ernie Sharpe

There are certain precautions and steps you need to take to properly set up your woodworking shop. The four main subjects to discuss are Safety, Essential Equipment, Layout Plan and Shop Tools.

*Shop Safety- Install at least two fire extinguishers in your work area. Make sure they are approved for a woodworking shop. Put them at either end of your shop and if you have a finishing room put a fire extinguisher in that room also. Place large rubber mats in areas where you will be standing for long periods. Make sure you have a first aid kit in an acceptable spot. You should have 1 or 2 dedicated electrical circuits for your shop and use 20 amp lines. Have plenty of florescent lights throughout your work area especially directly above your equipment. Finally keep the floor swept clean. Sawdust on the floor can become slippery and dangerous.

*Essential Safety Equipment- Two very essential pieces of equipment in a woodworking shop is a dust collector and air ventilation system. Tiny particles of dust floating in the air are the worst things that you can breathe. If you inhale too much of the wood dust you could contract some serious breathing diseases. Focus on a 2 pronged attach to filter out the dust. The primary filter should be a good dust collector. The collector should be a least 1 HP with two bags. One bag to collect the larger particles and a second bag to collect finer dust down to 1 micron. The second piece of equipment, air ventilation system, is used to scrub the air. Get two units and place them approximately 10 feet apart set diagonally from each other. Make sure all your equipment have dust collection attachments to ensure the maximum volume of dust is collected at the point of origin.

* Plan Your Shop Layout- Now is the time to plan, plan and plan some more. Give some thought of how you want your shop layout. Reference some guides and books on what to consider when setting up the equipment and tools. Make sure you allow plenty of work space around your major equipment and work bench. Don't buy more equipment that the size of your shop with accommodate. The garage is a great place for a wood shop because you have a large opening for moving large items in and out of your work area. If your space is restricted you can consider purchasing mobile equipment that can be folded down and stored easily.

*Selecting Shop Tools- The table saw is no doubt the one tool that every woodworker needs in his shop. Depending on your situation you can purchase a larger stationary saw or a smaller portable saw. Both have the power needed to do a good job. A radial arm saw or cross cut sliding miter saw is handy for all your cross cuts. This type of cutting can be done with the table saw also if necessary. Planers and Joiners are very useful tools to prepare rough wood for assembly. You can opt out of these tools by buying your lumber with finished sides and faces. Routers and router tables are tools you should include in your must have list. The router will enable you too put finishing edges on your projects. Also with the addition of templates you will be able to do carving with your router.

So there your have it, you're on your way to being a woodworker. You will also need some small hand-held tools for drilling, sanding and assembling. Last but not least make sure you purchase a comprehensive package of project plans.

About the Author:

My name is Ernie Sharpe and I invite you to join me on my lens: http://www.squidoo.com/set-up-your-own-woodworking-shop for more information of woodworking shops. Also if you are interested in woodworking plans please visit my site: http://www.woodworkinginretirement.info.