BIG tools, LITTLE space | Small Shop Tour

[@Rusty_ok]

Nice to see someone with a small shop as opposed to the guys with $100K in tools and enough room to build an entire house. I made a rack from black pipe that is mounted to the ceiling and is just slightly above the garage door when it opens. It stores a substantial amount of lumber entirely out of the way without wasting wall or floor space.

[@danmadewoodworking]

yeah, i thought about trying to store wood overhead, but it would block too much of my lighting

[@chriswilson9230]

Very true. His channel is quickly becoming my favorite. I am a weekend warrior with a small shop.

[@piersyf2119]

My 'shop' is 28 square feet. I dream of 190...

[@truewoodwerks]

Okay this must be said, I don’t know you but along the same lines I’m in a smaller shop w/ BIG heart. If we were neighbors we’d have to be best friends. May your business be blessed.

[@danmadewoodworking]

😃 Thanks a lot!

[@michaelthompson5875]

First, I would like to say thank you for validating my preference for NOT building shop projects because I'd rather build furniture. I see sooooo many people on YT who have the shops filled with beautiful storage that they built and I start to wonder "do they have shops JUST so they can build stuff for their shops?" 😂 Also, I just wandered into my local Lowes and saw the new version Metabo miter saw you mentioned. I'm definitely going to consider it, thank you for the recommendation!

[@chrispayne673]

I work out of a 8' by 12' shed that I built by screwing pallets together to make the shell and then i put reused tin on the outside. 96 sqft is pretty small but i LOVE that almost everything is always within reach. I save a ton of time not having to walk from tool tool

[@bobbyt9999]

Small shop, huh... I thought mine was small at 250 sq feet. But after seeing yours mine feels like a concert hall!!! 🤣 But seriously, I can't agree with you more when you say that virtually everything that can be mounted on wheels is a must in a small shop like ours. Thanks for the post!!!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Yeah, I guess it’s all relative. My shop feels huge compared to what i used to have… which is nothing 😀

[@Highland124]

I have everything on wheels in my little shop, and another benefit is being able to rearrange easily. My shop is slowly evolving as I find ways to maximize what space I have. Great to see videos with a small shop instead of the usual huge space full of expensive machinery. Just ran across your channel tonight; I like your down to earth presentation style. Subscribed!

[@turton9839]

"much to my wife's dismay" is generally a good tagline for this hobby 😅

[@danmadewoodworking]

😂 That's right!

[@nmssis]

Woah, that's luxurious space compared to mine...150sq ft! Your layout gives me some great ideas for my shop. Thanks

[@chiptait]

I've been creating sawdust with passion, and often for profit, for over thirty years. My first workspace had 15 amps of power. I made useful and sometimes beautiful things in that space, albeit without efficiency. I acquired new tools as projects afforded, and endeavored to maximize the workspace. I think everything you suggest is exactly on point: Put *everything* on casters! No matter how big your space is, eventually an opportunity (profitable commission) will come along that will challenge your footprint. Flexibility = opportunity! Great ideas here!

[@jaimecastells4283]

I have one suggestion and you may already be doing it. I make a point of building all my work surfaces to the same height. For example, I have the same planer you do and it can roll into the same space as the chop saw, which provides in-feed and out-feed for both tools. In my previous shop, I set all the surfaces to the height of my table saw, so the table saw outfeed is a multi-use surface that matches everything else including my router table.

[@johnm.withersiv4352]

That would increase the modularity. Good tip

[@shellianne5767]

Nice, I like that idea.

[@BrenQ99]

Small Shops Unite!!!

[@danmadewoodworking]

👊🏾😃

[@andrewpetre6352]

I didn’t read all the previous comments, but I suspect the reason you like the drill press is the same reason you like the mitre station - repeatability. Having a platform and fence gives you confidence when the next piece goes in. With a portable gizmo, every time is a chance for bigger error. If you’re making a pile of cabinet doors, you want to gauge that offset once.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Yes, I do like that. Plus I oddly like how quiet the drill press is 😀

[@leifstenlund5641]

You are incredibly funny and gave me about seven great ideas from this video alone. Instant follow.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MOZOGuitars]

Love your simple, no nonsense approach. It’s a nice change!

[@clivesmith023]

Greetings from the UK Daniel. Excellent videos that are really inspirational 👌 Thank You!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! Glad you like them!

[@tompritch56]

"Been there Done that" I mean this the size shop I had was similar as yours until I sold my house. I too had all tools on wheels. Made the flip top carts for jointer and planer plus jigsaw and sander on other cart. My main tool was the Shopsmith tool, which has been a great tool option for all my woodworking functions needed in a small space. (Which is what they advertise it for). When I will find a new home I will plan on bigger shop foot print, but having the 10' x 25' space sure taught me alot. I'm looking forward to seeing your projects.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Yeah, those Shopsmith tools look pretty cool for a small space.

[@crabtreecreates]

I'm really enjoying your videos! I like your down-to-earth approach to creating and your jokes are funny. I love seeing a smaller shop packed with so much utility. Also, if you added your camera and audio equipment to your equipment list, I would probably buy it-great quality sound and video. Thanks for posting!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot, glad you’re enjoying the videos! Yeah, I've gotten a handful of questions about my camera gear, maybe I'll start including it in the description if folks show enough interest. Here’s what I use… Camera (amzn.to/3NJCUvP) Main Talking Head Lense (amzn.to/3NNdBZX) Main Lense for Other Shots(amzn.to/3NITPi3) Mic (amzn.to/4emMlfP)

[@crabtreecreates]

@@danmadewoodworking You rock-thank you! I'll look forward to future videos. I just ordered the overheard lights you recommended via your link-super excited to get them installed. 💡

[@danmadewoodworking]

@@crabtreecreates awesome! I hope they work out for you 😃

[@countrymagic61]

Thank you for posting. A truly "Small" shop. French cleat vs the control panel (metal peg board), they each have their pros and cons. You use them to your advantage and it works for you. As far as a bench, look at the Rob Cosman work bench. Yes, it is designed more for hand tool woodworking, but I think it can do double duty. It is robust, made out of 5/8 plywood with a 60x20 (3"think) MDF top. Good advise with acquiring tools. Purchase used tools as a trial run. You can always upgrade later. When selling off a used tool to upgrade, this sometimes it is not about the money or how much profit you can get from the used tool. It is about helping someone else out getting started. I am glad your video came up. New subscriber here and will look forward to up coming videos. I wish you the very best and continue success with your woodworking journey.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! I'll have to check out Rob's bench.

[@dennisbush9612]

Great shop tour, really liked your layout and tool selection. One of the best things I did for my small shop was a boom arm with vac, compressed air, electric , and some lighting. Really helps keep those cords and such off the floor.

[@syilandel]

Awesome video. I have a small shop too, pretty similar in square footage to yours. Love what you did with yours.

[@1969ironmike]

Great shop buddy!! This is more realistic than all those thousand and thousand dollar shops that normal people really need!

[@TheHumbleCarpenter]

I also have a small one car garage shop and love it!!!! It’s my happy place. Love the video. Just subscribed!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Sounds like we have a lot in common 😀

[@TheHumbleCarpenter]

@ 😊👍

[@DavidLee-cw6ci]

An actual small workshop in the wild! Love it!

[@Knotheads99]

Glad to see someone with a small shop. It makes me feel better about my limited space. I used to have to work under a big shade tree. Now I am sharing a barn with my wife, for now. Constantly looking at ways to improve work flow.

[@danmadewoodworking]

i hear ya! i remember those days working under a shade tree. i actually do miss it sometimes 😀

[@Knotheads99]

@danmadewoodworking I don't either. But the drawback to my current place is the south side is wide open, for now. There are plans in the work to enclose it.

[@harrydoherty8299]

bought my ridgid rolling miter saw stand new on facebook. the owner got it as a gift and never even opened the box . great buy at $160. both my miter saw and table saw are on job site rolling stand since i’m a fair weather wood hobbyist and do all work outside. so there’s no concern about saw dust. 😊

[@danmadewoodworking]

nice! yeah, i had that ridgid miter saw stand when i was doing all my woodworking outside 😀

[@jimbryant2157]

Great idea on buying the matching tool chests as the 'wings' for your miter station! And I am going to 'steal' your idea of adding a stop block groove directly in the wooden top of your station wing (I too love the Microjig Clamping system).

[@danmadewoodworking]

yeah, it's probably my favorite think microjig has made

[@drummr187]

that stop block is genius, I did the same thing with the tool chests and have been trying to figure out a good stop block setup.

[@HeidiATX]

I love your straigh forward presentation and humor - what a good video this was. Hubby and I have a small shop as well (9 x 19) and your shop tour got us thinking about how we can rearrange things to work better. We agree with you that just buying some items is better, instead of building all your shop furniture. We look forward to more of your videos.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! 🙏🏾😊

[@mikeandlucky]

Love your shop. I appreciate woodworkers who get it done with more affordable tools in a simple space.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot 🙏🏾 😃

[@limitlessends]

Your humor is great!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks 😃

[@danielpittman889]

Nice layout! I started in a 10x12' shed with no heat and an extension cord running to the house, then graduated to a 24x40' rented space with heat and electricity. Right now I'm working out of a 10x30' storage unit with no electricity (propane heaters, cordless tools, hand tools), but soon we're moving into our forever home and I'll be able to have a shop out back up to 599 square feet. considering just bringing in a 40' and 20' shipping container and bolting them down to concrete footings. Anyway, digging your content - keep up the good work!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks... congrats on the forever home, but you couldn't squeeze out an extra square foot for an even 600 😀

[@danielpittman889]

@@danmadewoodworking Ha ha! Yeah, 599 is a weird number, but the building code says 600 square feet and up needs an engineered foundation, fire inspection, environmental impact report.... It's right next to the river in a beautiful mountain town in Colorado, so I get it, but yeah 599 seems really arbitrary. Plenty of space for my needs.

[@johnm.withersiv4352]

I love a drill press. I have a railroad one which is too big to live in my shop so it's at a friend's. Usually I use a smaller but functional electric drill press. I'm thinking about adding a manual drill press to the wall.

[@jaimecastells4283]

Your videos are very practical and many of the lessons you share are applicable to larger shops. I am just completing construction of a 525 sq. ft. shop space. I'm sure I will use some of your input in my new space. Thank you!

[@Rusty_ok]

I have the sawstop job site saw. It folds up and rolls up against the wall and only uses 30 inches when folded. Best thing I have ever added to the micro shop.

[@charlier7711]

Great shop tour, thanks for sharing and for the inspiration to organize my garage shop!

[@narclem]

2nd video of yours and I e subscribed. I appreciated your mannerisms, delivery style and simplicity.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@Bernardgrubb]

I'm retiring in December and am setting up a small woodworking shop, I've always loved woodworking. I just discovered your channel yesterday. I'm glad you're making such great videos. Keep up the good work.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Awesome, thank you! And congrats on retiring!

[@a9ball1]

I'm so happy I found your channel. Us small shop owners need to stick together. I also really love locking casters. My biggest problems are deciding what scrap wood is worth keeping and storing partial 4x8 sheets. I recently discovered that putting my dust collection hose on the ceiling made a good chunk of extra room. It drops down in the middle of the ceiling and will reach all four corners of the shop. Now I'm off to watch more of your videos to catch up. PS I like your sense of humor.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Awesome! Thank you! 😀

[@leearrington]

love the point: "I would rather buy something and spend my time building thing than building stuff for the shop."

[@TheHandystanley]

I can totally relate to you hauling everything out onto the driveway and then back in. I am very GRATEFUL for the 18'x20' shop that I have now. Although I need to get it organized.

[@phxbofh]

Great video! Glad you also think it is better to spend the limited shop time building a project. I get caught in a trap of thinking, planning, and building shop jigs, etc then building a side table I want to make. Look forward to more videos from you.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! 😀

[@dougprentice1363]

Nice video. It's nice to watch content like this vs. massive shop channels.

[@ericrichter7933]

loved the humor in the video! I'm also in a small shop and have basically the same setup as yours. I got rid of my miter saw because of the footprint! Man those things take up a lot of room for what they do

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks... yeah, they take up some room, but i think it's worth it 😀. Also, just watched your chair build video, it turned out great 👍🏾

[@ScottKennedy-b6m]

Great video, like your style of presentation. keep up the good work . Small shops united.

[@danmadewoodworking]

😃 That's right, small shops united 👊🏾

[@MattKnowsThat]

Nice space. I have 240 sq ft and I love it.

[@johnwilburn1652]

I think I’m going to be able to relate well with these because my shop also under 200 square feet. I have a 16x12 shed with to lofts but they are for seasonal home goods of my wife’s. Basically the main part of the shed I use because we don’t have a garage.

[@twylabowman3489]

Excellent video! I have a 12 x 20 so I feel your pain. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@musicahandmade]

Amazing videos, subscribed already! I like that you have a lot of videos talking about optimizing small workshops. I'm in my journey to take the best about space management in my little luthery workshop.

[@Hansaman58]

Your solution for a miter saw station is really quite brilliant! Wish I had seen this video before I built mine.

[@gilbertresto4060]

Thank you for the great ideas on the benches, I saw I was the only one buying cabinets.

[@theom8741]

Just found your channel, I have a slightly bigger shop that I just moved to. Wish I had seen this a couple weeks earlier, just bought the dewalt miter saw but really hated the use of space. I was looking for side rails and never found them. Thanks for this content it’s very helpful!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks, glad it was helpful. Yeah, I like the DeWalt sliding saw but it does take up a lot of space. 😃

[@Drell0627]

I can appreciate the small shop community. I have a 12' x 12' shop that sometimes gets congested depending on the project. But you have to work with what you have. It's all about the craftsman's skills vs shop size or fancy tools. Thanks for the vid. Keep it up. New subscriber here.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thank you!

[@jppendleton]

Excellent shop! Small shop owners unite, indeed! I am lucky enough to have about 175sf of dedicated space for building, and you've some great tips in here. Best of luck and looking forward to following along with you.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@timyarbro4783]

Great video. Small shop owners unite. My shop is only three feet wider than yours with two welders and everything automotive as well. Moving things out of the shop to do work sometimes keeps me from doing work. Keep the videos coming I got a few ideas from this one.

[@BuildwithMooney]

Thanks for sharing your shop with us, I thought I had a small shop!!! 😬💪 Nice! I feel your pain, I use to the same thing you did, pulling the miter saw outside on the driveway, us DIYer's have to stick together! YT recommended me your video fyi and I passed you up all day yesterday loI got you this morning with my coffee!

[@danmadewoodworking]

😂 i know what you mean. YT will recommend me the same video over and over again until i finally just submit and click it 🤣. I'm glad YT didn't give up

[@BuildwithMooney]

@@danmadewoodworking I could tell it was quality just from you standing there in your thumbnail nice quality. Either way nice job with your shop tour!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot!

[@BuildwithMooney]

@@danmadewoodworking Yes Sir! I just call it as I see it!

[@duanewinner6742]

I have a 12x20 shop (restricted to 250 sq. ft when I got a new shed -- thanks, township codes!) , and I've been toying with the idea of upgrading my Bosch jobsite saw (and just building a better outfeed/assembly bench for that) to a Sawstop PCS, but was still reluctant due to the footprint. I stumbled into your video here, and was delighted to see that you pulled it off and made it work. Thanks!

[@danmadewoodworking]

yeah, it takes up a bit of real estate, but i love having it in the shop 😀

[@halorail]

Thanks. Lots of good tips, I'm in a 12x12' shop. Thanks again

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful 😄

[@hardhead4247]

😅One of the few videos I can actually using to improve my small shop. Thank you sir.

[@chevycheeseburger3273]

I just found your Channel I also work out of a small space still trying to figure out it thanks for the tips be looking forward to see what comes next

[@dillpicklewes50]

Let me just feed the algorithm quick. Love the videos, just found you yesterday and I'm excited to see where the channel goes.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thank you... I'm excited too! :)

[@thefrickin5509]

I just bought a Matabo miter saw!! This makes me happy!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Nice!

[@leongeisberg294]

Great job, Daniel. Love your attitude and creativity.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! 🙂

[@erictroutman1571]

Dan - nice video! I am setting up a shop now in a 9.5 x 25.5 garage and have similar tools - so your video is quite timely! Just unpacking the 3hp 36” Sawstop and jet 1100 2 micron dust collector I bought a month ago and have plans to layout the shop space similar to what you have. No jointer, but left room for it in the future. Miter saw is the biggest space hog. Not sure I could do without it, though. Thinking of doing miter platform only with a router table cart for one wing and a drill press cart for the other wing vs traditional attached wings, all on wheels of course. Thx.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Nice! You have some good taste in tools :)

[@patrickglasgow647]

Rockler makes a router station. It's spendy, and dust collection is on the back and built in. It appears to need the router plate as well.

[@danmadewoodworking]

yeah, rockler has a number of options that look pretty good. and yeah, they can get a little pricey 😀

[@EmptyHandshake]

Anxiously awaiting your workbench build, Dan!

[@danmadewoodworking]

that makes two of us 😀

[@nathanielsnyder1511]

I have a relatively small shop. It's 19x20 so not even a 2 car garage. space is definitely a premium. you've really maximized that space. The layout makes it feel way bigger than 190 soft

[@joeleonetti8976]

Nice shop. Thanks for sharing. When looking for a home, a three car garage was on my must have list. I probably have a similar amt of space. You can certainly do a lot of work in such a space.

[@Andrew_Sherman]

Love your shop. I have a 12x16 myself (192 total) and it’s nice to see someone else’s solutions for the problems in a small shop. Can’t wait to see more.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot!

[@garytingler3222]

Just Found you channel. Just starting my shop. Still setting it up. Thanks for the great info.!!!

[@seanallard3659]

I just found your channel. I like your style. Thanks for the vids and I look forward to future ones

[@cristianvel619]

Nice shop. I like seeing shop tours for me to get ideas on building mine so I really appreciate it. Good idea on putting plywood under your table saw to raise it up. I too recently bought the 3hp sawstop and got the same mobile base. Sometimes 20:01 I have to lean in to get a better view of my city and it hurts my back, so raising it is a good idea. It too was the most expensive thing I’ve bought for myself but damn do I love using it. I work a lot and barely have time in the shop but when I do it makes it that much more enjoyable. Great video.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks a lot! Yeah, it's a great saw, but it is kinda weird that it comes so low... IMO 🙂

[@nore8141]

Very helpful video. I got myself a SawStop cts ….the baby of the SawStop line. Very happy to have it and with all the accidents on table saws for me it was a no brainer to get it. Looking forward to watching many more of your videos ❤❤

[@tomjudkins3799]

Nice job on the video. I'm happy to see new folks making decent content!

[@themeat5053]

Daniel, I've been running my 735 with the straight blades for about 15 years (I can't see buying a $600 cutter head plus the headache of installing it) and it's been fine. I will say that I do take the time to maintain the planer and I run the blades over a diamond plate once in awhile and I've been happy and saved money.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Yeah, honestly, I just watched a video recently, and changing out the cutter head from straight to helical is not looking like something I want to do 😀

[@craftycouplecreations4310]

Love the matchfit system

[@danmadewoodworking]

you and me both 👍🏾😀

[@cjustus648]

GREAT VIDEO! GOOD ADVICE!

[@edwardgallegos519]

Love the miter saw station you have. Great idea for storage and space efficiency. Thank you for the great content. My shop is 144 sq ft. Need all the tips I can get!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Wow, 144... I guess you have to get more creative huh 🙂

[@marsvoltage07]

Really enjoying this content and the small space utilization is an inspiration for my currently messy 1 car garage

[@michaelduke6026]

Great help and ideas for putting together my own small shop-thank you!

[@TimW275]

Enjoyed the video! Your small shop gives me hope! Keep making videos.

[@JimDoubleYa]

I really enjoy your channel! Keep it up!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@gregwyatt4555]

Just found your channel. My workshop is also a single-car garage size (cars are in a double carport) - 24 sq metres (I'm Aussie). Currently rearranging it and certainly found this tour and your 5 small shop don'ts really useful. I have the benefit of a loft that I can almost stand in for storage. Similar range of tools to you - only identical is the 36" SS PCS. Have subscribed.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks! Glad it was useful!

[@OscarSanchez-e6z]

16:25 I feel you my man, still doing that, hope to build a table that will help me here!!!

[@RaiderFanDanTheMan]

Efficiency in a nutshell, literally 👍

[@sui24fu]

Hi Daniel, I just found your channel and I like your style. Thanks for the great videos.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BryanMurphy-v3w]

Nice video. Excellent use of space and you have given me some ideas so thanks! Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to seeing more videos.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@levelupwoodworking]

Great use of space. Thanks for sharing.

[@brettwilson9181]

One idea i like with scrap wood rather than burning it is to develop little side projects like turning or carving.

[@outbak2]

i like the mitre saw station, i think i might do the same with the shop i am setting up.

[@rdot980]

Nice shop.

[@DreadKnotWoodshop]

Very nice shop tour!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thank you!

[@Aaron-nj4ou]

Great shop. I love the clamp rack. I am also not a fan of spending time building shop furniture.

[@mickey533]

Nice shop. You mentioned that you are going to make a new bench. If you decide to build a Paulk Smart Bench I can loan you my Parf Guide System Mark 2 for drilling the dog holes. It's a great bench for cross cutting with a track saw as well as functioning as an outfield table for my Sawstop.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Thanks, I'm familiar with the Paulk bench, but I'm not going to quite go that direction.

[@markmiller9057]

Great video I too have a small shop 160 square ft of space. I will be implementing some of your set ups.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Nice! Glad it was helpful

[@loribrooks6736]

I just found your channel and am hooked! I would love to see a video of you making a router table. I am considering a table top router table due to limited shop space….thanks for your helpful videos! I am your newest subscriber!!

[@danmadewoodworking]

Yeah, I still have to figure out my router table situation. 😄

[@Larry-wc2zr]

Thanks, my shop is the same size.

[@plainsman9717]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@martinschulman1495]

Nice video.very helpful.

[@PatrickMatherne]

I still roll my tools outside, easier to clean up with a leaf blower. Have everything on wheels. Did also learn to watch out for windy days. Blew my table saw right off the patio, and it took a tumble. That Dewault is pretty tough Looking at getting a Sawstop as well

[@Shadd0724]

Glad i found your channel!! I just started building out my 10x20 garage shop, the wife vetoed me using both bays of the garage :) looking forward to your bench build since i have been tossing back and forth on what size to go with.

[@danmadewoodworking]

Sorry about the veto 😀 but maybe start with 10x20 and slowly take over the whole space 😂