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Home & Garden Articles
How to Set Up a Home Workshop?
Mon 20 Jul 2009 - 09:56
How to Set Up a Home Workshop?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessi_Moyle]Jessi Moyle
A home workshop can be along one wall in the basement or it can occupy an entire three-car garage. The only requirements are a large work surface, adequate lighting, sufficient electrical outlets, enough space for your tools, and proper ventilation. The operative rule for setting up a workshop for optimum efficiency is ''a place for everything and everything in its place.''
WORK AREA
You'll need a surface at least 6 feet wide by 2 feet deep against a wall. You can purchase a workbench, or you can be creative and make one using 2'' by 4'' boards for legs and a sheet of 3/4'' plywood for the top. Attach diagonal bracing between the legs for sturdiness, or fasten the back legs to a wall. Every workbench needs a vise to hold items while sawing, drilling or sanding, and while sharpening tools.
A good workbench is not complete without a good stool for sitting comfortably while doing detail work. For safety, opt for a stationary stool that doesn't swivel; it's important to remain steady while working with sharp tools.
If you use table-top tools, it's a good idea to provide a separate table for these where they'll be ready accessible and functional when needed.
LIGHTING
There's no such thing as excessive light in a workshop. Inexpensive, overhead fluorescent lighting is the best illumination for a workshop. Install several fixtures from different angles to eliminate shadows over the work area. Full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs are ideal for color accuracy and clarity. It's worth nothing that 'sunlight' or 'natural light' bulbs are not ''full spectrum'' bulbs, but the three are often confused. The only true-color bulbs are those labeled 'full-spectrum.'
An adjustable lamp on the workbench can be positioned as needed to shine on the work at hand.
Electrical outlets, and plenty of them, are essential to a well functioning workshop. Outlets should be placed every four feet on the wall behind the workbench.
STORAGE
After lighting, storage is perhaps the next most important aspect of an efficient workshop. There's a vast array of storage solutions, including hooks, boxes, bins, and drawers of every size for every tool available at home centers and hardware stores. You can spend a small fortune on storage, or you can be frugal and inventive. There are several simple storage options which save time and money.
Hand tools can be stored on pegboard with hooks. Accessories for pegboard include baskets and drawers for organizing items such as pliers, wrenches and wire clippers. Or, hand tools can be kept in a tool box, bucket or canvas bag. Nails can be used to hang things such as squares, rulers and levels. Keep a tool belt handy for use while working.
Power tools can be kept in their original carrying cases on open shelves, or hung from hooks on walls or pegboard.
Nails, screws, brads and other fasteners can be stored on shelves in their original packaging, plastic containers, jars or cans. Narrow shelves work best and provide room for several labeled containers in a row. Placing fasteners in alphabetical order helps to find things quickly. Keep a supply of adhesive mailing labels and marker nearby for new additions to every workshop's ever expanding fastener collection.
* Clamps are kept handy on pegboard above the workbench.
* Extension cords can be stored on nails or hooks, either on pegboard or the wall itself.
* Safety masks and respirators should be stored in a box with a tight lid.
* Instruction manuals require their own portable file or box for easy reference.
VENTILATION
Proper ventilation is essential for removing harmful fumes and dust associated with paint, stripper, solvent and other chemicals used in the workshop. It's easy for the work area to fill with noxious fumes that are deadly when inhaled. Some airborne contaminants are highly combustible. Install a reversible fan which can exhaust the interior air and also bring in fresh air.
It's essential to wear protective respirators or filters whenever working with products and equipment that produce chemical fumes or dust. A properly ventilated work environment is not enough to protect against health hazards associated with chemical pollutants.
Basically, setting up a home workshop need not be a colossal undertaking. Whether you're a skilled craftsman, ''Weekend Warrior,'' or hobbyist, a workshop is a realm of creativity. Keeping it well organized and efficient will enhance your productivity, and satisfaction with your work. A workshop is your home away from home. Well maintained, it will be a welcome haven where you'll spend many meaningful and rewarding hours.
RESOURCES:
1. ''Bob Vila's Workshop Planner,'' Bob Vila, 115 Kingston Street, Boston, MA 02111 (877) 848-8452: http://www.bobvila.com
2. The Ultimate Workshop: Lighting and Electrical Layout . Retrieved July 17, 2009, from DIY Network Web site: http://www.diynetwork.com/electrical/the-ultimate-workshop-lighting-and-electrical-layout/index.html
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessi_Moyle http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Set-Up-a-Home-Workshop?&id=2626412
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