2024 Shop Tour - How to set up an inexpensive, efficient woodworking shop in a small space

Set up your own woodworking shop this weekend! ► www.theweekendworkshop.com/
Woodworking project plans ►shopwwmm.com/
My workshop has come a long way since I first started filming shop tours 14 years ago. It's now a much more minimalist and intentional space. It's been fun to see how my shop has evolved, and I'm always looking for new ways to improve it. If you're setting up your own workshop, I hope you'll find some inspiration from my tips and tricks!
Learn how to get started woodworking and set up shop for less than $1000. Download my FREE GUIDE ► mytoollist.com
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MAILING ADDRESS:
WWMM
448 Ignacio Blvd. # 237
Novato CA 94949
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#woodworking

[@dougprentice1363]

The best thing about this channel that it didn't turn into a mega-shop with all the tools .most people can't afford.

[@riotgear6891]

The trap most successful YT shop channels fall into.

[@user-ow7fq8bo1q]

Thanks for keeping it real Steve.

[@targas1008]

Some channels are spammed with freebies tools, in exchange for making advertisements for them. Real world for most people isn‘t like that. So I appreciate not falling into the marketing trap, being honest, and considering only essential tools needed most wood workers would have. My wood working space is 12 by 8 feet…

[@echo1er]

I have been noticing that lately.

[@wirriwarri]

i agree, the only practical woodworking channel i watch

[@arbuilds]

Its been 3 yrs since I started my woodworking journey, ever since 50% of my you tube viewing is wood working stuff. I have seen 99% of the big names in wood working content creators and Steve is by far the best for newbies and amateurs. I love ur channel because it is not intimidating not expensive and relatable in every level. I live in Bangladesh and and have built/evolved my workshop and this shop tour 2024 was absolutely refreshing. For some reason I enjoy workshop projects more than actual home projects :)

[@ReverendTed]

The nice thing about workshop projects is that the stakes are a little lower. You're often not as concerned about finish and trim, but functionality.

[@stphilmp1]

Completely forgot about your microjig ads. Always appreciated how clever you were with your sponsorships

[@markcoren2842]

OMG that saw is 12 years old?! I started watching you before that surprise happened, and started paying closer attention after you posted about that bc I figured anyone who attracted that kind of support back then must know what they're doing. You definitely are. Thanks for such excellent content Steve! (and for getting me into horror films... found footage is my guilty pleasure 😜)

[@SteveRamsey]

No guilt lol! I LOVE found footage films! Here's one of my favorites recently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYixfqaQaZmipcUsi=yfHY4YF6JfoAhpwb

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I started watching shortly after that as well.

[@jcoxtitan]

I have the exact same Table Saw except my motor belt broke. I have a new one, just no time to take it completely apart to replace. @@SteveRamsey

[@julibugable]

@@Thomas-dw1nb 4:13 table saw gift.

[@wncwaterfalls]

Yeah I knew I started watching in 2012, but it must have been 2011, as I remember that surprise too.

[@deborahlopez7147]

I started watching your channel about 5 or 6 years ago. Your were my first woodworking channel and my inspiration. Since then I have built a patio pond, patio sofa, garage cabinet, work bench that I love, beautiful cabinet for the house. Dog steps and most of all I designed and built my own kitchen Thanks so much for your videos

[@gaylewilliams7353]

I love shop tour videos. I get lots of ideas from them. I've been watching Steve for many years and I always feel good when he shows his sink because it actually looks worse than mine! Thanks, Steve, for all you do!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you for watching!

[@KryssCom1]

YES!! It's ALWAYS a good day when Steve posts a shop tour video!

[@davidfoster3838]

Shouldn't that be Alvvays!

[@harrydoherty8299]

i have a one car garage. i do have storage cabinets with counter space and a peg board across the walls. for table saws, chop saw, etc i keep these on a powertec stand and ridged rolling stand . great for upright storage . i don’t need a dust collector system because i only do wood working in good weather and roll the saws to the outside of the garage . it’s just a hobby for be and i enjoy making things from time to time . fireplace mantle, coat rack with shelves etc. this i enjoy .

[@wildbill23c]

Being able to roll the tools outside is such a great option to have. With my shop I don't have that option, however I do have a portable table saw, and quite frequently set it up on my carport when I'm working on a project....keeps the dust down, and the concrete floor of the carport makes a great assembly area. My shop right now is a mess and cluttered disaster because everything got pushing into a small section of the shop that has a floor. So, until I get the floor finished hopefully within the next month or so, I really can't get so a lot of my tools anyhow LOL.

[@SothpawDesigns]

Thank you Steve. You were probably the first channel that I started watching when I started woodworking, and I appreciate you "keeping it real", as the kids say! I've probably watched all of your videos at least twice.

[@jeffreytull5767]

I subscribed to this channel years ago but kinda fell away from woodworking. As I wander back into it, this channel is a bigger inspiration than ever. Thank you for keeping it real! And I'm gonna make an X. 😁

[@cabman86]

I bought a 8x12 wooden shed a few years ago. I added a bench and a miter saw station on the other side. I built carts for my table saw, jointer, planer and band saw. I built a ramp for the 6'wide doors. I roll these outside so I have room to work. It's been a good little shop for me.

[@SteveRamsey]

This sounds perfect!

[@Dukefazon]

I remember the Porter Cable table saw video, the nail in the wood thingy was the very first video a friend of mine showed in the group and after that I just started to watch your videos. Boy, that was a long time ago.

[@SteveRamsey]

14 years ago. No idea where the time has gone

[@joshbolton4916]

Thanks for the content Steve. Ive been watching yours for a few years now and your still one of the few real ones not pushing tools

[@terryrogers1025]

Thanks, my shop is always evolving, always fun to see what others are doing to their shops. Walls and ceilings and under bench areas are a premium in my humble little space called “ dads shop, fix anything, build anything, restore everything, love my tinker time.

[@raymitchell9736]

Happy New Year Steve! Good to see a video from you, it's been a while. I'm working on my shop, it's always a work in progress... I've gotten around to making a dust collection system, on a cart with casters... of course! Adam Savage just did a shop tour of his "cave" recently, if you hadn't already check that out... 2024 is the year of amazing shop transformations. Cheers!

[@ErictheHalf_bee]

Just before COVID, we moved and I went from a 3-car to a 2-car garage. Seeing your folding workstation solved my problem of what to do with a fairly large work table. Now that, and everything else fits along the perimeter of the space, and two cars still fit!

[@Ham68229]

Steve in addition to your statement of how a shop grows, so do we as woodworkers. I've always truly enjoyed all your videos. You're an inspiration to all of us woodworkers. Cheers :)

[@MarceloFreitas70]

Hi Steve. I'm very happy to hear from you. I remember the changes you made to your workshop over the years. A lot has changed and you have always been kind enough to recommend and teach people how to improve their own workshops. You are an incredible professional and human being! I also remember funny things over the years. A series of videos with terrible and funny background music, haha. I also remember when we viewers asked you when you were going to make a guitar for your son Wyatt and a sewing station for your wife. Not to mention the pieces for the chessboard you made. In this one, some friends of yours made the pieces on their wood lathes and got you off the hook. Haha, very funny. Anyway, I can say that the more than ten years that I have been following your channel and your projects, it has been a wonderful time in my life. You inspire people as well as entertain them. We all have a lot to thank you for your time and care sharing your knowledge of woodworking and life wisdom with us. I wish you and your family a new year with peace, health and great achievements. Big hug from your Brazilian friend. Marcelo.

[@MegaStarr10]

Literally obsessed with your organisation

[@riuphane]

Working on moving into my first house and want to start off right, so this will be very very helpful. Thank you!!

[@ConnorHolland]

I'm currently improving my workshop, so its nice to get some revision from my first KZbin woodworking teacher!

[@jamesp2127]

Loved this. I have the Weekend Workshop course and I love love love seeing those projects getting so much work in your shop.

[@94233psu399154112333]

Nice 😮 shop tour. I like how so much of what’s in it has been made by you and that you’ve created plans so we can all make everything in it too. I’ve made a lot of your stuff Steve. I’ve gotten tons of satisfaction out this hobby that I wound have never begun without your channel. I look at other channels and man, just not the same. I appreciate all you do.

[@sfan2767]

I watched this video right before Adam Savage's shop overhaul. Given the completely different workshop philosophies between the two of you, only 30 miles apart it would be amazing to see you each do a project in the other persons space.

[@tedtolentino4955]

thank you for sharing this video. This shop is more likely what I can afford, so truly it is an example of what I might be able to accomplish for my own needs. And, I like the idea that all his equipment and tables are on casters so that he can move these around as needed.

[@JC-mn8kb]

I have been watching you for long time and I have to say, you get cooler with each year. Thanks for always sharing your ideas, techniques, and philosophies, Steve. You are a perfect example of showing us what a Mere Mortal is truly capable of. Stay awesome 🤙!

[@MRrwmac]

Steve, That was a trip down memory lane for me! Every time I get reminded of how long you have been doing videos and I have been wiatching them, I’m astounded by how fast the years have gone by. When you did the Memo rooftop meetup in NC, it was great to meet all the creators! Anyway, nice video that brought back great memories. Thanks!

[@laurco]

Thanks Steve! Mobility is a great idea - I like your finishing cart especially!

[@rodneybosco7376]

OMG! I don’t think I saw any 3/4” Baltic Birch plywood. How have you been taken seriously all these years? 😂 Love that you’re keeping it real.

[@Dennissells05]

I’ve watched you and enrolled in many classes and many videos. Taught me a lot that I still use today.

[@paulsylvester1394]

I learn something every time I see what you’ve done. My favorite is your wood cart in the back. I built that for my shop and it is great! I have one tool I need to drop. Years ago I got a hollow chisel mortising machine. I have yet to use it!

[@jonesey1981]

Just commenting because I’m so grateful for your amazing down to earth content. I love watching some others, but I see a lot more tools of the quality I have laying around in your shop instead of the festools I see in every other video. I know they’ve earned it, but I like to see techniques performed with my tools sometimes. Thanks for all you do Steve!

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

This is where I’m at! I have too much stuff in my shop. While I have a great size space…. I FILL it up with EVERYTHING! I’m also so very bad about keeping everything. LOL> Working on it. Thanks for saying what I needed to hear. I started in June of 2012. And my first things I did were from watching videos you made. All I had was a used miter saw, used sander, a folding table and some pallet wood.

[@marppp28]

This video open my eyes wider to see that you don’t need much to start wood shop thank you 👌👌👍👍

[@garymiller5937]

Thanks for the tour Steve. I'm in desperate need of organization and you've given me some fine ideas. I love all of your cabinets! I probably need to move everything out like you do and then come up with a plan that works. I appreciate all of your content! I hope you have a fabulous 2024. 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you!

[@Mat0s0]

Shop tours are always inspiring and to be completely honest, the foldable workbench on the wall is so inspiring I'll make one for my future workshop when I get to owning one! So neat! Long time fan now, will always be excited for new videos

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you!

[@anthonyga]

I’ve watched you and your shop evolve over the years! Well done!

[@victormoonsamy5338]

Hi Steve. Happy New Year to you. Thanks for the shop tour. I am presently using a section of my garage for my work. Mobility is key for me. Victor in South Africa 🇿🇦

[@richragan4810]

I've learned so much from youover the years starting with "The Gripper"!! Thank you Steve!

[@SteveRamsey]

Microjig, maker of th

[@TacoMaster3211]

Man, time flies. I started watching this channel when I was looking for a project for my high school woodshop class back in 11th or 12th grade. I had come across the folding step stool video and thought it would have been a great project for the class, so I had asked if you had printable plans for them, so I could share it with my shop teacher.

[@TreasureFiend]

Man-o-man I can't believe its been so many years. I remember the new tablesaw, I also remember way back when I guess you got flack because you "weren't vetted" as a wood worker or something like that LOL. And in the very beginning of the pandemic, I remember I was looking forward to your daily vids as everybody was going crazy, you were a calm voice. I made your "stock" years ago and still put it out at halloween. Thanks for always being here Steve.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Great workshop tour and plenty of ideas, great video Steve

[@Erth]

Thanks 🙏🏼 for all of the inspiring videos! You are very creative!

[@tarasov9794]

Amazing. I esp. like the idea for table-flip sander table and modular hook-on tool board, all tools require custom storage space indeed.

[@johnford7847]

I agree - seeing someone else's shop is interesting and a good source of ideas. Thank you for sharing.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigpereira6381]

love the update, how i remember all your projects, ... long time follower.

[@fatmanwookie5180]

Always great to watch still down to earth no expensive tools

[@monahantp3767]

Sooooo enjoy these shop tours-- thanks! I've been a member of the first & third courses from release, so my shop has much of the same infrastructure as yours :) Many of those shop benches, tables, cabinets and such from the course are in my shop, but with various modifications to fit my workflow, and preferences-- for example, no drawers! "Drawers are where things go to die" ~Adam Savage ::D LOL!! Thanks again Steve!

[@XDIY]

Just on time! I need to plan my new workshop... 🙏

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent shop tour Steve! My take away is that I have been watching your channel for way to long now! HNY & keep up the great work & making videos for us "Mere Mortals"! 👍👍😉😉

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you so much for watching

[@gizmagis]

Hi, Steve, I am absolutely obsessed with your videos! Can't wait for the spring to start some of your plans :) Thank you for all the explanations (down to earth as well), not using 10k expensive equipment, and helping us become young woodworkers :) I was wondering if you are planning to do some videos on circular/track saws? I can't decide whether to go with a plunge saw or a circular saw with a guided rail and a better blade? Thank you again for such an amazing channel :)

[@garynagle3093]

Love the shop tour. Always a nugget or four for my own shop

[@grady9752]

10 days ago, it finally happened. I walked into the shop, looked around and said to myself, "this has to change, you need to grow up now." Yesterday was spent and the local recycler dropping off old metal cabinets, a cast iron stove that was never actually used and assorted other metal junk. The day before I graced our Waste Management guys with four contractor bags and an entire toter stuffed full of God only knows what. There's no going back now! Today is about creating well considered, organized storage. Thank you for this video. (And all of your videos honestly) I don't think I would be able to actually make anything in there right now but that day will come. And the topper? I am finding things under other things that I have long forgotten I even have. This is kind of regrettable really because I am discovering how many duplicate tools and accessories I now own because instead of finding the thing I already have, I would just go buy another one. Like you though, I am enjoying this liberating revelation and I highly encourage everyone to start from the ground up and take back your work spaces.

[@scaboogee]

Happy New Year. I've enjoyed you videos for many years. Best wishes going forward.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you very much!

[@matthewjason5330]

Cool thanks I can use some of these ideas.

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks for the tour, Steve! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@rvboyett]

It's great to see how Steve's shop has evolved over the years. I remember when he was just getting started and asking for advice. It always makes me smile to see what he's become.

[@wildbill23c]

I guess I should make a video of my mess and post it here soon before I start on setting it up. Its an utterly cluttered disaster right now....to the point all the tools are useless because there's no room to even get to them.

[@gingerstrand6153]

Whoa..new ink! Nice

[@brodrick3164]

Thank you for the tour.

[@David.M.]

Thanks Steve!

[@fatehdebbah]

Thank you Steve

[@itaithedag7520]

good and well made videos, helps in every video and has FREE plans for all his videos even in metric , really kind and thank you.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Steve, really useful !

[@TheConstantWoodener]

Interesting points! I'll try to use the same approach for parts of my lab as well 🙂 well done

[@johnmusgrave3179]

Looking good! I like the way you have thought about the layout so that your workshop helps rather than hinders. I just have to find a way to do the same thing in about a quarter of the space (unless my motorcycle goes outside - then I have a little more). Once I do that maybe I can do that weekend woodworker course I paid for about 3 years ago!

[@SteveRamsey]

You got this!

[@obiwuncanoly]

Thank you Steve, for showing us your shop. I got lots of ideas from your video. Now I just have to convince my wife that a garage is meant for woodworking tools 😁

[@gnothisauton2116]

Best of luck.

[@imsowright90]

Lots of ideas.

[@Mucram-17]

All ways inspiring.

[@emilevoyer123]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@skpince]

Finding the ideal shop layout is impossible. Nice video, Steve. Thanks.

[@smashyrashy]

Well there is no such thing as ideal with limited resources

[@daviddura1172]

frozen but thawing Dallas checking in... great video....I have a small tight shed for my stuff....

[@NoodlesR6]

I've been watching you for about 4 years now. You are looking so much healthier now than you did back then

[@victorr2245]

Love the shop tour. So much cleaner than from years ago. Nice to see “older” Steve there from years back. More tats?

[@SteveRamsey]

Thank you, and yes...already designing my next tat

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video shop looks great

[@mightyporky]

I have a shop about 24 by 30 and it has served me well because it was used professionally , that being said , I would sure liked to have this particular video. Steve, young man, your common sense is showing.....

[@sgfreak37]

It really has been some years since I've watched those chess board videos. I don't watch KZbin as much as I use to, but it I still watch yours. Here's to another 15 years.. 😊

[@CorbyQ]

I'm really digging that book shelf next to you.

[@ericpetitclerc5519]

I hope that KZbin will be better at compensating its media producer, I understand you reduced the rythm ... I wonder if the "rewatching" is fairly compensated on your side, I sure watch over and over your projects, now that I finally got a house with a garage... People look with envy, but I refer them to you, you are the source of most of my ideas so far. Happy 2024!

[@patrickmickelson4896]

I work out of the one car side of a 3 car garage and have changed my configuration at least 3 times. The best thing was putting tools on carts. So much easier to roll them out when needed. Next shop project is a new main work bench.

[@SteveRamsey]

Mobile tools FTW!

[@rw1540]

Great video thanks 👍🏻

[@egonmilanowski]

I like that handy cart! Seems useful in the kitchen as well as the shop.

[@SteveRamsey]

I absolutely love the handy cart!

[@mykolashatkovskyi576]

Nice "normal person" (or better to say mere mortal? 😉) shop. A lot of great ideas implemented - few, new for me, I'm gonna rethink and implement myself - like rolling painting station with portable lazy susan. Thank you for great video. And for your awesome channel - you've helped me to get involved into WW - cannot say enough thankyous, sir!

[@uglyduckling1980]

It’s fun to see your previous projects around the shop. Its like a familiar face

[@craigpalms2033]

I’m using a storage space in the basement of the apartment I live in. The space is about 6x10. I’ll have a rolling workbench with locking casters. One side of the basement is my unit and I’ll utilize the space for my projects.

[@robbinharper9944]

Table saw twins!

[@stitrock8595]

It seems like a shop tour is the perfect time to remind steve that he has entertained and educated me. Thanks.

[@W_SpacePluto]

I’m glad you mentioned your vice… I’ve always thought he doesn’t even have one! I’ve also wondered how you would upgrade the BMW to include a leg vice?

[@janebutz5375]

Have loved your channel for years. I’m not into horror movies which is a shame because I live 10 minutes from Blairstown, NJ and that place goes nuts anytime we have a Friday the 13th! Anyway, keep up the good work! You are much appreciated!

[@markfredericks9892]

Wonderful tour Steve, I’ve been watching since the old days and it’s great to see how your space has become better with time. Are your BMW’s all the same height? Are they around 34” off the floor? I'm also looking for your build videos for some of these projects but having a hard time tracking them down. Are there videos for the BMW plus, Home Hardware drawers, drill station, fold down work bench, and the RIO storage shelf?

[@xaphon89]

The "put everything on casters" philosophy works for many, but for me it feels like extra work rearranging the shop every time I want to do something. I find I'm much more efficient when I have dedicated spaces for different tools/work, even if that means those spaces are smaller than they could be if I could move everything around. My shop is the same size as Steve's, but I have one side devoted to workbench/tablesaw stuff, another side to jointer/planer stuff with sheet goods towards the corner, and a miter station along the back wall. I definitely could not park a car in here if I wanted to, though. I'm the opposite of Steve in terms of buying lumber. Since I don't have a car, I stock up on a ton of lumber at once to save on freight shipping costs, then I figure out what I want to do with it over time. I generally keep a large stock of two different hardwoods that I want to work with (red oak and ash right now), and some 2x4 construction lumber as well (but home center delivery fees aren't nearly as expensive as freight from sawmills, so I don't go nuts stockpiling those).

[@jrkorman]

So I guess I'll have to find out why Noodle, TX should make me happy! And as it's only about 40 miles to my south and not far out of the way when I go to Abilene, I may have to swing by.

[@SteveRamsey]

Haha, let me know what it's like. It sounds magical

[@Mucram-17]

Been here since the beginning of your KZbin journey

[@mattybob58]

Love seeing the evolution Steve! Any chance you’d be up for a Bandsaw Basics video? Been thinking of getting one, but don’t really know how to use it safely

[@SteveRamsey]

Good suggestion!

[@jonathanlambeth3464]

It’s been awhile since I went through the course, but a good idea is to make a drawing of your garage on graph paper, so that it’s easy to scale. Then draw and cut out your tools, workbenches and cabinets (or even your car) and move them around on the garage drawing to easily create possible layouts. This can provide a good starting point.

[@SteveRamsey]

Oh good! Yeah, I've found planning a layout on paper can save a lot of time!

[@mattgrosse943]

Love the shop tour. We all know a true wood worker spends half their time building projects to organize their shop 😆

[@enterprise59]

Currently working on the Spring Bench for my Mother in Law's "mothers day" gift. Still like your WEN band saw? I used to do woodworking several years ago, sold it all due to downsizing, and now in a new home so starting all over again, but with cheaper equipment sadly.

[@Micha_Ba]

Amazing. You look much younger now then 12 years ago 😊

[@CreatIdea1]

It was a good video, friend

[@greggiono8789]

The screaming woman 1972 👍 I still have nightmares!

[@drewpickard554]

I agree, a shop is always changing and you can never forsee whats coming. One thing I see thats kinda left out of shop tours/talking about shop organization. Really theres two main uses for Cars and for woodworking. Which are two different setups. As a fan of both, I dont really see this topic brought up much. Its where I set mine up as cars next to the garage door woodworking in the back, but everything is flexable to quickly move the setup to empifize what the current large project is. Where your wheel recommandation really is key.