The garage is not just a place where you can store tools and equipment. It could also be a great place to set up your woodworking workshop. Here’s a general outline of what you need to do to convert your garage into a safe workspace for your woodworking projects.
- Choose your layout design.
You can find layout designs from online woodworking hubs. Some are at Pinterest. From the images, you could get ideas on what to do with your own garage space.
- Prep your garage
You’ll have to clean out your garage. Many people use the garage as extra storage space for unnecessary household items. You can consider decluttering but if you don’t want to throw stuff away, there are other options. You can build a shed for added storage or rent off-site storage. If you absolutely have to, you can just set a line of demarcation so that your storage space and workspace space are kept separate.
Safety should be your top concern so you need to get things out of the way to make it easier for you to access tools and equipment when working on a project.
- Design the workbench.
You can build your own workbench or buy one, but whatever you choose to do, it must be designed to fit your existing space. It should also be able to withstand rigorous usage. The base and legs should be solidly built and installed so the workbench won’t get knocked over easily. The top should not get easily dented.
- Organize your garage
Tools are the lifeblood of woodworking. Keep them organized in a tool chest or build a customized wall tool holder. Install drawer mats in tool chests to keep tools from sliding around. Use various storage boxes to keep everything organized. You can use garage tubes to store long tools and materials such as poles, lumber, and mops.
- Set up enough power outlets
A workshop has to have enough power outlets for various tools and machines as well as for and for charging batteries. Usage of extension cords should be kept to a minimum especially because having so many cables across the floor is a safety hazard.
- Make sure lighting is adequate
Garage spaces are not exactly known to have good natural lighting so you’ll have to make up for that. You can use track lighting for directional overhead lighting and other lighting sources to minimize effects of shadow. A trusty work lamp would help a lot.
- Set up HVAC and Dust collection systems
Garage spaces usually lack in insulation so if you want to be comfortable while working on a project, you’ll need to take some steps to insulate the area. Depending on the climate in your location, you may need to install air conditioning or heating.
Ventilation is also important especially since you’re going to end up with sawdust. You’ll need plenty of fresh air coming in to remain comfortable. However, you don’t want wind blowing in and spreading dust around so you’ll need a dust collection system as well. Fresh air could just come in through an exhaust. You could then choose between a one-stage and a two stage dust-collector. A vacuum cleaner could also come in handy.
- Install low maintenance flooring
Finally, you need to choose durable and low maintenance flooring. Concrete flooring is usually found in garage spaces but it stains and is difficult to keep clean. An epoxy floor finish is ideal because it makes for a non-slip surface and is easier to clean. You can also place rubber floor mats for more grip.
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