Carpentry workshop

AHarvey

AHarvey

AHarvey

Soldato
Joined
6 Mar 2008
Posts
10,084
Location
Stoke area
Hi all,

Over the last week I've had a massive clean out, a van of boxes and rubbish have gone and I've pulled my 3 cars out from under my carport/garage and I am looking at moving them on.

I am in the process of popping some old gates onto the front of the car port and securing them (stage 1)

Some pics:
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20140917_195223.jpg


So, I'm gong to have some space eventually, but just the garage for now.

Part of my plans include building a raised border, decking, clay oven/bbq area, log cabin for my office at the other end of the garage. Remove the roof from the garage, build and fit a new one with wooden walls, then convert the carport + build a porch.

Its all woodwork and I'm new to it all.

Anyone any recommendations on how to use the garage space for the best effect and what kinds of investments in tools would be wise? :)
 
Decent hammer drill + cordless drill are the most important, you can make do with a hand saw and tools for the rest . Most other power tools are a luxury really, they save you time and physical effort. A decent four foot level would be handy in you hand kit
 
I've got a 1200w hammer drill + masonry bits, although it needs cleaning as its leaked oil everywhere, and 2 cordless drills of different brands but currently can't find the chargers :(

Think I've got the level too, some basic chisels (which I really need to learn to use properly). I inherited some things but either have no idea how to use them or they need some work.

hand held circular saw, very basic old model with a thick blade, does variable angles and cuts to about 3cm.

Couple of hand held jigsaws, manual saws of different types.

Think there's a hand held power stapler of some sort too, various hammers etc.

I really need to get storage sorted, do an inventory etc but was looking for some inspiration on how to lay it out :D Plus, need some good experience in getting the most of what I do have :D
 
Good quality Screwdriver bits!

Sounds silly, but some good quality bits can make life much easier when screwing in, especially if you normally use the bits that came in a set/with the drill etc.

I quite like the "gold bits" from Screwfix (they're about a fiver for 3), as they don't cam out anything like as much as most others I've tried (and they seem to last well).
On a related note, good quality screws, Screwfix do some decent ones at a reasonable price (I love their gold and turbo screws for wood).
That combination worked great when we were outfitting our garage.

Some good handsaws, cheap/old/blunt ones are pretty much useless, we tend to use some of the Stanley ones (ripmax?) as they cut really nicely and aren't too badly priced.

Some form of work bench, depending on how much you're looking to do, it can be a fun project to make one (we made three for our garage and are about to make four smaller ones*) and good practice.
Otherwise some trestles and a workmate would probably do short term, but if you want long term a proper bench/work surface at a good work height is pretty much essential imo.

Some form of hoover or extractor if you're going to do a lot of woodworking to keep the dust level down, a second hand henry or similar (you can hook it up to many of the tools for extraction during use, then use it to clean the floor without wrecking the normal hoover).

And of course safety gear, glasses, ear defenders and if you're cutting mdf a decent mask (I tend to use one I bought for spraying, but it's rated for dust as well and much more comfortable and effective than the cheap disposable ones). I tend to be a bit overly cautious in regards to safety gear, but I prefer to play it safe :)

A fire extinguisher may be a little bit of overkill, but you can get them cheaply from Ikea (usually with a discount if you've got a family card), and it's sort of reassuring to have one by the exit so you at least have an option if there is a problem and it seemed sensible to me when we were setting up our garage/work area given how much sawdust can accumulate (especially if you also sharpen tools/do anything that might create sparks in the same area).


*We're going to make 4x 4 by 2 foot units that will sit under our gaming table most of the time, but be able to move them around to assist in project/clear space in the garage.
 
Werewolf's suggestions are good.

I'd also recommend:
* these clamps: http://www.axminster.co.uk/quick-grip-irwin-original-one-hand-bar-clamp-300mm-12in-twin-pack
* along with these: http://www.axminster.co.uk/box-of-10-assorted-axminster-spring-clamps
* possibly corner clamps too

* set of chisels - these can plane, cut and hole as needed. You'll need to keep them sharp so a sharpening stone + oil + chisel aid would be a good addition. I got these: http://www.axminster.co.uk/kirschen-1181-bevel-edge-chisel-set

I've made MDF panels for the walls - these hold the tools on screws and there's also some wood with holes for the chisels, planes (both power and non power), etc.

The handsaws I have - one mitre and one one standard - cut the wood almost as fast as the setup time + cutting with a circular saw.
 
Most of the little tools you'll pick up as and when you need them - Screwfix is about the best chain for that sort of stuff, but you may find you have local places that are better.

In terms of big workshop machinery, the single best thing you can have in my opinion is a second hand decent Radial Arm Saw. Incredibly versatile, but treat with respect, they're lethal bits of kit!

For hand power tools, a decent mains hammer drill, a cordless driver, and a jigsaw. There are plenty more things you can add that are useful, but if you've got that lot in terms of machinery then you're set for pretty much everything you'll do.
 
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