Hey everyone! I recently bought my first house, and it has a two-car garage that we mostly use for storage since we park in the driveway. I'm planning to transform it into a workshop. Right now, my power tool collection is pretty basic—just a drill, a jigsaw, and a circular saw I scored at a yard sale. I've made a few small projects, like an entertainment center, but I'm looking for tips on what tools or features to include as I set up my workshop. I already have plans for some shelving and storage along one wall. Any recommendations for things I should definitely have, especially when it comes to building a workbench or workspace?
5 Answers
Congrats on your first workshop! I'm super excited for you. A few must-haves from my experience: definitely work off a bench or table, never the ground. Clamps are crucial; you can never have too many. Invest in good lighting, get a fan, and consider a retractable extension cord. Good luck with everything!
I recommend a big, long, deep bench along one wall with storage underneath. Leave space for a shop vac. I've learned that a rolling toolbox is super handy for flexibility in your workspace. Also, don’t underestimate the need for good entertainment (like a fridge and stereo) while you're in there! Happy building!
You can't go wrong with pegboard for organization. I love mine! Also, a good table saw is essential; it's way more useful than a miter saw. Don't forget a strong shop vacuum and a Duststopper for dust collection. If you're considering a router, the Dewalt combo fixed base/plunge router is fantastic! One last tip: put your workbench on casters for easy maneuverability.
Pegboard is good, and I do plan on getting a table saw eventually!
A table saw can be one of the most useful tools you can add to your workshop! It's versatile and can help with a lot of your projects.
Definitely in the future plans!
I got a lot of tools from my dad and was thrilled to have a three-car garage for my workshop. However, I quickly learned that it's best to spend some time working in your shop before finalizing the layout. Some tools may not end up where you initially thought they would work best. I've had to change my setup a bunch, and I think of it as a continuous journey rather than a final destination. Enjoy setting up your new space!
Got clamps, but I think we all know there’s never 'too many' haha, and definitely want to have a space off the ground. I have a couple saw horses, but plan on making a workbench after shelving/storage.