Tools storage - open cubbies, or in their case???

[GaryA]

what do you guys think, or what have you learned? As I'm working on storage for the shop, I'm thinking having them all quick and easily accesible will be a big benefit vs. keeping them in their cases. I know they'll be more exposed and it'll be one more thing to clean/blow off/vacuum. I was thinking about somethink like on Vanguard's: http://www.just4fun.org/images/woodw...es/cubbies.jpg and what I know some of you guys have done as well. Thoughts?

[blame]

i really like that idea of the cubbie holes for each tool

i think i need to do something like that, my shop is in such a disorganized mess i cant find anything when i need it. i'm always losing something or putting where i cant see it

i would be scared to post any pictures of it

only thing i would add is doors to keep out the dust

anyway i would go for the cubbie holes

blame

[Uncle Cracker]

I'm a bit OCD, but I actually use both. I have enclosed cabinets hung in the shop, and keep most of my tools there, in their cases, if available. Those that I use most often around the shop are kept out of their cases, but I do still transport my tools in their respective cases when I go off-site. I also use a silver Sharpie to mark the cases with what's inside, as many of them otherwise look the same.

[Pappy]

Mine vary. Infrequently used tool are in their cases. Drills are in storage built into the drill press cabinet, routers are in drawers in the router station. Sanders, jig saw, circular saw are on a cabinet shelf.

If you go with the cubbies llike in the link, either put them behind doors or make sure the inlet to air tools are capped to keep sawdust out.

[LCHIEN]

Maybe you missed this post/poll a month or two ago?

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ght=tool+cases

[TheRic]

..If you go with the cubbies llike in the link, either put them behind doors or make sure the inlet to air tools are capped to keep sawdust out.

Have heard of people using a curtain instead of door. It's more out of the way when open, but will let more dust in than a door.

[ironhat]

Have heard of people using a curtain instead of door. It's more out of the way when open, but will let more dust in than a door.

We did this when we first move into this house and didn't have the cash for doors to cover the water softener and the storage area behind a small home-office. The curtains can e made of anything and held in place with spring loaded expansion rods. We got so used to them that they are still there 22 years later. Now, in a shop app they would be a dust catcher so I would also opt for some simple doors with mag catches.

[ExYankee]

I went with open cubbies becasue I sorta agree with King Solomon

"When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good [is there] to the owners thereof, saving the beholding [of them] with their eyes?"

Eccl 5:11

or translated to Nahmism.

When you get more tools, there are more projects that your spouse can be impressed by, and what good is there to the owners thereof but sitting in your shop chair and looking at them

[gwyneth]

Cubbies with sliding doors. Either simple (hardboard or plywood in routed grooves) or fancier--the WW magazines have featured some pretty elaborate "sliding tool storage systems.

Simple sliding doors give you the advantages of both open and closed storage. Plus if you paint the outer side white it will make your shop a lot brighter and more light-efficient.

[dlminehart]

I personally am not fond of sliding doors. They always cover up half the opening, get crud in the tracks, tend to balk, and look funky. I'd have doors, curtains, drawers, and open cubbies, in that order, before having sliders. YMMV.

[liftoff621@hotmail.com]

Another Option

I don't have much space. This option allows me to easily pull them from the holder. The chargers are on a shelf above the the drills, below a cabinet. Made from some scraps in my shop (garage). Pete

[Tom Clark]

what do you guys think, or what have you learned? As I'm working on storage for the shop, I'm thinking having them all quick and easily accesible will be a big benefit vs. keeping them in their cases. I know they'll be more exposed and it'll be one more thing to clean/blow off/vacuum. I was thinking about somethink like on Vanguard's: http://www.just4fun.org/images/woodw...es/cubbies.jpg and what I know some of you guys have done as well. Thoughts?

Gary,

I do things a little different than many other woodworkers. When I buy a tool I immediately throw out the case. The tools that I use most of the time sit under my bench, plugged in all the time, and are ready to use immediately whenever they are needed. Tools that are not used daily sit in a drawer in an adjacent workbench, where they can be grabbed and ready to use in a few seconds.

Tom

[ironhat]

Nothing wrong with that idea, liftoff!

[prlundberg]

I think I may just have to steal Pete's idea.