12 EASY organization tips for any workspace

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This video is a deep dive into workshop organization with tips for organizing drawers, organizing tools and the basic rule of efficient shop organization!
#workshop #diy #organization

[@mrmicro22]

Tip: sandpaper is paper. I keep mine in hanging folders, either in a file cabinet or a file crate. File cabinets are the poor mans tool cabinet.

[@ghostface1737]

I don’t make my bed but I get your point. Great video brother.

[@MWAWoodworks]

👍

[@RedcarWW]

As I sat on a stool in my shop today, I was thinking about my next steps. One piece that has plagued me is a space for everything. I spend a significant amount of time in each project moving stuff from one flat surface to another. In some cases it's scrap wood others it's tools. My wife is keen on me starting to push product out the door. This happened last year, and I didn't get a chance to dig out of the mess until after the New Year. I told myself at the time this has to stop. Yet here we are back in April, and I should already have a great deal of inventory built up to meet demand. The end result of my time sitting on the stool is the following: product for this year will be put on hold. There are about 5 shop builds I need to complete in order to get organized. Everything from a brand new miter saw station with lower cabinets with drawers and pull out trays to upper cabinets with of the same. While this is going to hurt my bottomline this year, it will only help me next year. As a tech geek (I work full time in IT), the advent of a 3-D printer holds limitless opportunities to feed the shop. As I'm sure you know, it's yet another item to find a place in the shop. This vid couldn't have dropped at a better time for me. While I am not mister neat, I do so much better when I use a tool and then put it back. The more I can do that, the more efficient I'll become in producing product.

[@SleeperHoundDesign]

Blades grinding on each other like kids at a high-school dance. 😂

[@MWAWoodworks]

😂😂😂

[@howevisual7099]

It was so perfect

[@Chuck.S.]

Chuck again. 30+ Year cabinet / custom furniture maker (Retired). I am glad you take the time and explain some safety tips you have learned the hard way. We talked a long bit ago about tools. Getting better tools and blades / hardware / etc to get a better outcome. I 100% agree with your organization and, of coarse, everyone's space is going to be different. Your concepts are great and explanations are clear. When you are trying to maximize your time, especially now that you made it your job, it makes a difference. Great video as usual and good luck going forward.

[@LateNightHomework]

First off, congrats on making the leap from corp America. You're going to do great. Your videos are easy to watch and garner great tips. I'm actually building my first miter station and I'm going to incorporate some of your suggestions. Keep them coming!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@chrisrichardson8315]

Remember my router table a few months ago, getting ready to build out my miter station. If you remember, I got the whole enchilada plans from your website. Best videos on KZbin.

[@MWAWoodworks]

🙌🙌🙌

[@guybowers9094]

I currently have those cluttered drawers that need to be organized. These are some great ideas of how to organize them.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome 💯

[@jlivewell]

This is one of the best, simple, and clear messages I’ve watched. I appreciate your sharing with the world.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@foos.998]

This video helps my OCD. I love organizing my shop. Helps to know what is where.

[@To-Lo77]

I've been a subscriber for as long as I can go back mentally. You've always done a fantastic job with your content, videos & editing. Congrats on your leap of full-time creation in which we can only expect to see more of greatness! Keep up the great work. You, by far, are one of the VERY few here on YT that I can literally count on possibly 2 hands, (if not one) that has a way of not only creating great projects but explaining what you're doing without us wondering "wth did he mean" lol. All that to say Thank You for all of your hard work you've put into your channel over the years & may you continue to grow even more & faster now that you've dedicated the time to do so! Congratulations once again on your leap, trust & faith. As you said, you have a background IF this doesn't work out for you. However, I don't see that ever being the case! Cheers 🍻 to a new beginning 👊 🤜 🤛

[@MWAWoodworks]

🙏❤️

[@howevisual7099]

As so As someone who used to be suuuper into the concept of kaizen foam I’d definitely say it’s typically such overkill and becomes trash the moment you decide to rearrange a bit. However I do really like your use of it and like that you call out the general overkill factor. Its great for custom pelican cases and transport related stuff!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah it's not the most adaptive way to go unless you have an endless supply of cheap foam.

[@geemail369]

Great video, i'mma use some of your suggestions! 🙏🏻 My few guidelines for shop organization: 1. "mise en place" - everything has a designated place/space to go, 2. first order retrievability - immediate access to everything, no reaching past/behind other things or moving stuff out of the way first, 3. clean as you go - putting back tools not needed anymore, disposing offcuts right away, a few strokes with a broom in between just to keep moving around safe and not have a days worth of clutter to be dealt with at the end. Makes life _so_ much easier. Thanks for your ideas! ✨

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome thanks!

[@andrewbieger5004]

Good stuff. I like the slide out saw blade storage, but might add some 1/8" hardboard discs (about 8") to act as separators between the blades to protect the teeth.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Great advice!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Thanks for the organizing tips! I love an organized work area/shop. I plan to build a new workbench this year and will incorporate your suggestions into organizing the drawers.

[@Peter_Enis]

I always keep the barcode (tear it of the container it came in) of my supplies with them. That way it's easy if you have to order them again...

[@MWAWoodworks]

Nice!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

It's so funny... I have seen that Shaper Trace before. But for some reason... I just realized how helpful that thing would be with my laser. I often find thrifted finds of shapes I like and take them home and draw them out and use my laser to try and trace. Its great for handwriting... but not had the best of luck for shapes. I could totally see that being super useful.

[@David-hm9ic]

The Kaizen foam is also a great way to store files and rasps. Just cut or route slots to store them on edge so they don't touch one another in the drawer. While you're organizing, verify the accuracy of your measuring tools. I started by checking small scales and rulers against a dial caliper and used a 12" ruler that I found to be accurate to check my metal yardsticks and tape measures. Results: Two "identical" brand name tape measures didn't match each other. Fortunately, one was accurate. Several other tape measures were good enough for carpentry but not close enough for cabinet making and other better woodworking. The scale on the table saw was off by about 1/16" per foot so it was replaced. Everything that wasn't dead on by my measuring techniques was moved out of the workshop.

[@sergiofilosofo3355]

2:20 that's one of the reason I like the Version where the parallel fence can be moved forward and backwards. With that you move the fence back, so that the End of the fence is about there when the Material is cutt.

[@FabricaBenedicta]

Great ideas! I'm in the process of doing my own series of Garage/Workshop organization videos. You have some great ideas and you do a great job of explaining everything!!

[@silverbackag9790]

I’ve been buying the bins from Schaller in conjunction with HF US General Tool Boxes for fasteners and also bigger items (they make some bins that are quite large). I have up to 5/8 bolts and metric on hand (been buying ex-hardware store collections from marketplace).

[@mjf1036]

nice list of items and great tips! for my new shop I am sitting here paralyzed because of all the work and unsure in what order to tackle them. Best to make a list and start there.

[@Gazman299]

I just built a slide out storage like yours (that you made for saw blade storage) this morning, but for storage for something else. I thought that I had invented something new 🙂. The blade storage is a brilliant idea, and I'll be copying you on that. Thank you. Enjoyable video. You have a really nice set up. Happy to subscribe.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tips, dude! Thanks a bunch! 😃 I definitely need to organize my workshop a bit. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@marksellman6619]

I always enjoy your content. Thanks!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks Mark!

[@GyWO10]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@meperson]

Congratulations on your new adventure and best of luck. This video is excellent with many unique ideas and great delivery. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertkerby2581]

Absolutely Amazing and cool organization! Well done, Sir!

[@rtanderson2]

I love the look the Kaizen foam. But I hate that you can’t just swap a tool out if you get something new or different.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Very true!

[@rtanderson2]

@@MWAWoodworks I guess it’s worth considering the frequency of new tools in the shop. It’s not THAT often 🙃

[@bobmartin6055]

Great job!

[@wolfman75]

Awesome Tips!!! Thanks!!! Much Appreciated!!! 👏👍🙏😎

[@jimrosson6702]

Great tips thanks for sharing

[@maxblockwoodshop1979]

Great video as always. Not sure if you have one already or not but would love to see a video about what you do with plywood scraps big sheets and small pieces and also wood scraps, big and small. Where do you put them and what you get rid off. I found myself keeping too many scraps and clutter my workshop. Thanks.

[@cyberjohn44]

Excellent video. More great tips and got the old brain firing again with some ideas for my shop.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Really good - by the way your workshop looks pretty organised already! Thank you

[@scottandsher]

Great and informative video. I'm always looking for ways to better organize my space and found this helpful.

[@keithosterkamp6207]

Kaizen is great if you need the depth but kits expensive. For my automotive tools I use the foam rubber floor mats from Harbor Freight. I cut them to drawer size and flip them upside down. I lay out all the tools in the reverse order I want them to appear and use a long nose kaizen marker to trace each tool. Once done I take my Dremel with a small up cut router bit and hand route inside the lines while laying on a couple layers of cardboard. When done I back them with some thin color foam rubber sheets from the hobby store using spray adhesive from 3M. 4 tool drawers for less than $25 including buying the adhesive. If you need it thicker adhere two foam mats together on the smooth side before routing. Lay the color foam underneath without gluing.

[@IOSALive]

MWA Woodworks, Your videos always brighten my day, so I subscribed!

[@c.harris7823]

Outstanding and useful content as usual!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks and appreciate you 😊

[@fdort3971]

@MWAWoodworks thanks for the tips. Do you have a video showing the making of your sliding cabinet in the background with red tools?

[@agcons]

I've been using "first order of retrievability" in my kitchen for close to 30 years without ever knowing it had a name. It just came from getting pissed off at how awkward it was to find something I needed when I wanted it. As I start to plan getting into woodworking next year after I'm retired, I knew already that commonly used items should be close at hand. I just don't know yet what those items will be, but I'll find out very quickly once I start.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Love the organisation, some workshops are the pits and I’ve seen a few

[@alpaca6920]

You don't have too many drills. I have 5 cordless drills and 3 impact drivers. It's great to not have to change bits so often. Where I work we sell tools and I have bought most of them as deleted items at really good prices. I have a workshop at the back with bigger tools and the garage workshop where I do most of my assembly so some tools are in each workshop to save me from going back and forwards.

[@willamateurusa]

I love your videos

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks William! 😁

[@sarinhighwind]

Cnc foam. Nice

[@MWAWoodworks]

👍

[@commentsonthetube14]

Where do you get that pretty plywood with no voids? I haven't had luck at big box stores and don't have a nearby lumber yard.

[@Stratigic_Cheese_Reserve]

Try googling plywood in your area. I had the same problem but found a few good suppliers that way.

[@danielturner4073]

What was the app used to convert pictures into vector files for the CNC? That was awesome.

[@MWAWoodworks]

It's the app that goes with the Shaper Trace that I talked about.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

You 100% need that many drills. There. It has been said.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks for validating my habit 😂😂😂

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@MWAWoodworks - I speak nothing but the truth lol. I’m in the middle of building my second of that Matthew Peech big ass garage storage thing shelf, which is getting everything into 66qt Sterlites to sort later. Best believe one of those would be mostly drills if I didn’t have all my Milwaukee M12 stuff in one, separate.

[@Chris-vc1dh]

good moring , what table saw is that please?

[@TheTrullGallery]

Nice job. Out of curiosity, where do you source your Mirka sandpaper? I have used it for years, but it's getting harder to find these days.

[@MWAWoodworks]

I bought all mine off Amazon a few years ago. I don't use it much anymore because I moved to 6" sanders and only have one sander left that it fits on

[@Ding_Bat]

In the words of Jordan Peterson: "Excess creates clutter." So while I'm not going to comment on the AMOUNT of drills you have (but jeez, man, you need help - I'm sure BetterHelp can help with that too!), but do you really need all of them available at all times? Unless you do that thing like with the bamboo cutlery organizer and show off with them. 😂😂😂 This is all lighthearted, of course. I really digged (dug?) the video!

[@howevisual7099]

Any particular bit you used for CNC’ing the foam?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah I linked to it in the description 👍

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I've been struggling to get an organization system going. My biggest problem is i dont have a workflow figured out, so i am having difficulty deciding where i want to put things.

[@alans1816]

The layers make Kaisan foam convenient and neat, but your CNC approach opens it up to other materials -- cheaper foam that makes rearranging tools less painful, or even something more protective like wood.

[@MWAWoodworks]

For sure. You could create custom storage on the CNC with plywood sheets easily

[@Chriskj21]

Where do you buy your nice plywood??

[@MWAWoodworks]

Nashville plywood co

[@davejensen5520]

Ok - where do you find Baltic birch plywood???

[@MWAWoodworks]

Mimms lumber in Nashville

[@54mgtf22]

Drill, baby, drill. Sorry. I hate that but it seemed appropriate and the algorithm doesn’t care what I say. Seriously, love your work. 👍

[@MWAWoodworks]

👍

[@johndoe6032]

Tools look nice in the foam but a PITA to get out again. Same for some of the stuff in the drawers like those 123 blocks.

[@MWAWoodworks]

You just have to make little finger holes to pull them out easy!

[@rexseven6907]

Drawers. Nothing should be in a drawer that is more than 1.5 times the height of that item. Good rule of thumb.

[@James-lo5ne]

how do you have so many tape measures. I buy them like candy and if i take my eyes off them they disappear.

[@skippylippy547]

You really do need more drills dude.

[@MWAWoodworks]

I'm thinking a drill wall? 🤔

[@billbrasky9629]

Gridfinity

[@darwinsmith4929]

No small shop woodworker has a CNC Router…😢

[@timothydarmstrong]

I HAVE BAMBOO. I AM BETTER THAN THEY ARE!!!!!!

[@MWAWoodworks]

😂😂😂

[@GageDrums]

First!

[@MWAWoodworks]

💰🤑

[@brantlers]

I know that everyone is an armchair critic, so please take this as coming from the best possible place. Longtime fan, but I have to say this had very little value compared to your previous videos. 17 minutes, and what were the takeaways? Kaizan foam should be so low on the list for most people. Shop organization should be about good cabinet layout, materials layout, where things should be stored. This is a couple of small hacks and a lot of talking.

[@MWAWoodworks]

you should watch my video on the basics of shop organization. This was a follow up to that video :-)

[@johnpeterdean1653]

What's with the "Better Help" ads on every channel....Is nobody using couch therapist and more and they need a new way to make money ????? Almost as bad as the AG1 adverts.....

[@MWAWoodworks]

Couch therapists aren't partnering with creators 🤷🤣

[@mongocrock]

Nothing against 3d printing, but you can also make a drawer from wood for your table saw fence instead 😊 I have had one in mine for almost 2 decades

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yep you definitely can! But I was able to download and print it in a couple hours for a few cents and build something else out of wood 😁

[@connahjones8178]

One thing i will say with the foam is to have a finger tab so you can get under the tool. I have pretty big hands so struggle without them