New Shop

[gbk]

This link will take you to my gallery of new shop photos:

http://www.pbase.com/gbk/shop

I'm a retired cabinetmaker who just couldn't get it out of my blood. After a couple years of that, I decided to turn a quarter of my manufactured home into a wood shop.
I had to replace all my machines, and I bought a used BT3000 because I always wanted a sliding table, and I knew there was a terrific support group here at this forum, and it wasn't much of a risk at $275. It's not my first Ryobi tool, having owned the "Wood Drilling System". I miss it. My feeling about Ryobi is: superior design manufactured for the budget-conscious cheap-skate. Nothing compares.

There's not much commentary with the photos, so feel free to ask questions if you want. In building the shop, I studied LOTS of pictures I found on this forum. Thanks for sharing, folks. I learned a lot.

Gordon

[wardprobst]

Welcome!
Nice work, that's what I'm talking about...
DP

[LCHIEN]

thanks, that was a fun little tour.
Like the wireless speaker, the assy table, dust collection for most stuff (probably good if you're sleeping in the same trailer, do you have an air cleaner?) Switch on the ceiling. I like the jointer tucked under the left side of the BT3 and the pencil sharpener.

Looks like a lot of years of experience went into the design of your shop.

[jabe]

That's literally working at home. Good job!

[Pappy]

I'm a retired cabinetmaker who just couldn't get it out of my blood. After a couple years of that, I decided to turn a quarter of my manufactured home into a wood shop.

Might I assume you live alone?

Some great ideas for space savings!

[chopnhack]

That's awesome GBK, nice work!

[pelligrini]

My feeling about Ryobi is: superior design manufactured for the budget-conscious cheap-skate. Nothing compares.

Love the description!

Pretty cool space, the short ceiling will probably make you cuss at times. I had a play room above a garage that was 7'-2" for a little while. It was always getting in the way. Nice assembly table, especially with the fold down top.

I had some serious plans for using a couple adjoining 12x14 bedrooms in our house once for a shop. That was back when my wife left the second time and when my daughter actually had a place of her own for a short while. Now they're wanting me to get my old computer stuff out of there... I really should have acquired the space when I had the opportunity.

[gbk]

Yes, you're right to assume I live alone. But don't tell that to my dog.

Gordon

[gbk]

Hey Erik,
For about 20 years I lived with a ceiling height of 8' in the shop, and I broke a bunch of florescent lights. Nothing like a shower of glass shards to make you aware of your limitations!
You just work within your limits. Not so bad.

Gordon

Gordon

[gbk]

Hi Loring,
I think your cabinet under your saw might have been the biggest reason for buying the BT3000. I figured if anyone can put that much care and skill into a box under a table saw, the machine must be inspirational.
Yes, it's a trailer/mobile home/double-wide/manufactured home. I knew from the start that it had to be independently heated and ventilated. I also knew that I didn't want to trip over wires, and that I had to cluster the Big Three together (table saw, joiner and planer) to make things work. My air filtration is lacking, but I don't work without a respirator (AO Safety, with expiration valves). And hopefully, I'll have those windows open to fresh air any day now.

Take Care
Gordon

[leehljp]

I LIKE that assembly table. I recently moved back from Japan and getting my shop set up here - and need to make an assembly table, among other things. I have been building several "in my mind" for several months now. I will probably make a close copy yours, if you don't mind.

[gbk]

Hello Hank,
I don't mind at all. You could probably make it better than I did. In my last shop, I had room for two separate units, and they both were used almost daily. With this one, the base is a torsion box with a three wheel setup. You have to learn how to "drive" it. The top is a little hard to lift off because of weight and little clearance under those upper cabinets, but it manages to stand up easily against the wall. I still haven't found a neat way to store the pad, but it's much better than the thin sanding mats that you can buy. Things really stay put!

Good luck

Gordon

[gbk]

To wardprobst, jabe, pappy, chopnhack, and anyone else,

I thought I'd be able to retire from cabinetmaking, with the idea that I'd find something else to fill my time and mind. After all, coming from the Adirondacks of N. New York to Idaho, there are lots of new adventures around every corner. But I was Wrong! I think the satisfaction of making something is what I need, and wood is my medium.

I'm an EMT and a forest fire lookout in season, so I'm not totally idle. The brand spanking new wood shop is my play room. And...I still have two bedrooms and two bathrooms left! I also have the kitchen, laundry, home theater and reading room. I'm a very fortunate man.

Best to all of you. You have helped me a great deal. I plan to return the favor.

Gordon

[LCHIEN]

ok, here's a Q:
Looks like a blue shopvac in the corner above the separator for the DC. Why didn't you connect a gated hose to the DC instead of plumbing the miter saw to the shp vac... extra vac?

I'm curious partly because The miter saw has to be one of the sloppier machines in the shop (throwing dust everywhere) and I'm wondering what constitutes effective dust collection from that tool. I've always thought about a big hood and a four-inch hose to the DC.

[vaking]

I did not see a workbench anywhere and I noticed a metal vise waiting to be mounted. I am presuming that workbench is a future project. Is that correct?