Ep1 - Workshop Set Up
In this first episode, Dale visits the Carbatec team to discuss a few of the small projects he is working on, but also he discusses his need to set up a small and more permanent project workshop space for his future builds. We have a walk around a Carbatec shop and look at the variety of products available, from small hand tools to large machinery. We touch on the importance of a clean workspace and a suitable dust control solution, and we also discuss the importance of selecting the right tool (or tools) for the job at hand. Thinking ahead about your future project needs can save you time, money and frustration.
The overall footprint of the workspace used is approximately 3m x 5m (around a single garage size), which is ample for most projects we undertook this season. While setting up, Dale took the opportunity to add a few additional storage solutions, such as low-cost shelving to store some benchtop machinery and a small peg board with hooks, so that small frequently used tools were easy to find. Keeping sense and order in a small space is very important, even more so with ample space where you can spend hours looking for that hammer or glue bottle you just put down. You may have some old shelving destined for the tip or wish to build your own (with your newfound woodworking skills). Dale went to the store and bought a flat pack variety for speed and simplicity.
While Dale's handheld power tool collection is pretty comprehensive, and knowing what projects were planned, we realised that he lacked some of the fixed or portable machinery solutions that make sense when starting woodwork. Of course, working within a budget is all important, and we started with a fairly substantial selection of machinery, workshop jigs etc. We can slowly add as the projects develop and tool requirements grow. Dale has some fantastic projects on the cards, so that this initial setup tool kit will see plenty of use in all or most of this season's projects and more.
While your requirements and budget may be smaller or larger, essential items will make life more enjoyable and efficient. Cutting a board can be done by hand (and we have jigs to help with this), or you could select pre-sized boards to reduce the need for cutting. The same can be said for the thickness and width of boards. Buying new materials (and having your hardware store cut them to size for you) may save the need for table saws, thicknessers and jointers. Put your money into great joinery systems and stable work surfaces, and maybe utilise the power tools you already have. Talk to your local Carbatec team and with their great advice, start creating a workspace that grows as your skills develop.
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