Is My Shop TOO Big?! I Think I Made A Mistake!

I spent all this time to work up to the shop that I have now only to realize that it's TOO BIG! I need your help, please comment after you watch the video to let me know what you think. A like and a subscribe are a big help, thanks!
www.burnstockdesign.com

[@jeffceriotti]

The size of the shop does not equate to relatability. It is you attitude, presentation and ability to present your content in a way that helps beginners and other woodworkers with small shops. Good to have the space. Go where God leads you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@gregmacewen6330]

I disagree a little bit, I found his channel because I was looking for small shop ideas for my small shop.

[@martinneff4675]

My friend, don't shrink the shop. You do what you want to do. I have a 480 sq foot shop with a 16x16 addition being built as I type this. I don't care how big your shop is, I don't care what equipment you have. What I care about is the content of your videos and how you teach and show how things are done. You do you. THANK YOU !

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@martinneff4675]

No matter what just be you.@@burnstockwoodworking

[@JGanes]

I think it's a fantastic idea. Don't worry about being relatable as long as you stick to projects the average woodworker can do. The size of the shop doesn't matter. What ever feels right to you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@DanWatson-xy4hz]

Some of us dream of progressing from small shop to dream shop like yours my man. Personally I find it inspiring but you gotta do what’s right for you man.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I appreciate that!

[@justkjthings]

With that much space, there is a lot you can do with it. Have you thought about adding a finishing room? Maybe an area for staging? Office/editing space/music room? Whatever you do, just remember walls can be torn down and the space rebuilt to fit whatever you need it to be.

[@dannybaker2763]

Hell no! You worked your arse off to be able to finally build the shop of your dreams. YOUR dreams, not ours! Don't ever regret achieving whst you set out to do. As for us out here in KZbin land, seeing someone go from a small shop like we have, to a dream shop, gives us the inspiration to keep moving on forwards, to keep striving to improve our own skillset, so that we may one day meet the same goal. It comes down to a simple fact; us guys just want more tools to use, and more space to use 'em in!😁 I have a t-shirt which reads "I have too many tools... ...said no-one, ever!"

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😂😂😂😆 thanks!

[@judithwebber2102]

I would make part of the back end as a paint shop room and a temperature controlled room for the epoxy tables etc. that you may make in the future. We appreciate your channel. Keep up the great work.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That is a valid idea, haven't even thought of that, thanks!

[@stevehowe1792]

Good idea

[@stvhinton]

When I saw this shop it blew my mind how big it was. I couldn’t see your vision for it especially since this was not your day job. I liked your channel because of your humor and those great projects. You are very talented in communicating how to do these projects. I will continue to be a local subscriber. Thank you for doing this.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@recklessredneckwoodworks8394]

Honestly, I would keep the shop as it is. As for your recording studio.... I'd use the shop of your dreams to BUILD the studio of your dreams from the ground up. Go crazy, and do something SPECIAL. Think "timber framed studio!" ;) All that glorious space would be amazing for prepping your timbers and keeping them dry. You are an awesomely talented maker.... Yet you missed the mark on what makes you relatable. It's not your tool collection, your sponsors, or lack there of, or your epic shop. It's YOU. Your sense of humor. Your personality. Your approach. Your level of caring. Your attitude and sense of self worth! These are the things that make you relatable. Go with god, wherever he takes you... But never forget how hard YOU have worked to turn this dream into a reality!

[@mystics-attic]

My shop plans call for a 32x40. Work space, merchandise display, and storage. I am also a studio engineer. You do not want to have a dusty workshop near any studio equipment. But you can find plenty of digital studio equipment that is compact and capable of giving you a great sound.

[@worstworkshop]

I seem to remember Bob Vila saying 20 x 30 was the perfect size for a shop. Honestly, unless you're gonna be working on big vehicles, I don't think you lose anything by splitting up the shop. You'll also make it easier to light, and you'll be able to control the sound better. If it were me, I'd split it right down the middle and throw an 8' ceiling on there to make it look even more cozy. I'd turn the attic space above the shop into a loft for storage, and use the other half for whatever. You can always turn it into your bougie CNC room later, and have your regular guy shop for KZbin. By then, you can build a separate recording studio, or just use a pro studio with a production team.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Light and sound is another consideration I forgot to mention during this (impromptu) video, valid points all. Still brainstorming here. One hand I want to split it, the other (more primal 😂) side of me is grunting in manly tool time speak every time I open the door and see such a massive space

[@Azurko]

Shop size isn't what makes you relatable to us, it's you. Your talent and personality is what keeps us coming back video after video. I do like the idea of the recording studio and while I'm not Christian, I would get that album to support your journey. I work out of a two car garage and that seems to be a pretty decent size for what I do & the tools I have. As far as the newsletter goes, I say drop it and focus on other things.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! Y'all will be the first to know when the album drops for sure. Much appreciated!

[@fish.n.withjimmy9563]

I think it would be nice to have a space to store wood to stay dry & organized, especially the drops & extra pieces, that would be a great space. 👍

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@theCZarate]

Fok no.... keep growing, I work on a 15x20 garage my goal is to have a big shop like yours some time in the future... keep doing great wood working and we will be here.

[@michaelnorman5640]

Yo Cuz be proud of yourself we love the content you put out shop doesn’t make us look at you any different ! Keep up the good work! Keep pushing we will grow with you!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@jelias9247]

When I saw the finished space I thought, Wow!! Now that’s a workshop!!! Good for you man! You got to build what you wanted! I sure hope someday I’ll be able to build something just half that size! And I will!! But sure, I could see putting up a wall or two and having a space just for wood, an office/man cave, recording studio, whatever. Make it yours! I watch because I think you’re hilarious!!! Love the humor!! Keep up the good work! And thank you for making videos!!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@jeffbelcher4646]

Won’t stop watching brother and a shop is never too big

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks Jeff!

[@inherited-shop]

Well nothing wrong with having a large shop space. I built my 30 x 40 foot shop because I needed the space for the woodworking equipment I inherited from my father. Being retired I am not buying all the “neat” new expensive tools when I have the older tools that do the same thing. I quickly found that, since I built with 12’ walls, I needed more floor space and timber framed some free standing mezzanine’s for storage purposes clearing main floor space for the various projects that keep my retired time occupied! Keep your space as useable as possible!

[@briand.beverlyii4868]

It's true! Straight fire!!! I have heard your songs live. You are a great songwriter

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@JonLugenbellProject]

I'm happy to hear your church involvement and excitement to pour into the kingdom with your music. Saying that I think you would receive this well. Listen to God and what he wants you to do with this space. The possibilities are near endless with the amount of space you have, and I think acting in obedience with what God wants for you will reap the most fruit. Pray on it, talk with your accountability group and you will be blessed with the decision you make.

[@justinbanks2380]

That voice had me sold! 'I'm a high value individual. I have a lot going on. I'm a talented individual. That's not arrogant, it's just what it is.' 😂 know your worth!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

the voice of an angel

[@markdemieville2941]

Do what's in your heart, but know this, your personality is what makes you relatable. I personally dream of a 30x40 shop. Right now I'm working out of a very small portion of my garage and if I want to work on something I have to move 2 cars out of the driveway, push all my tools and tables out into the driveway and put an easy up up. It takes about an hour to get all set up before I can start to work. Then I have to start cleaning up before I really want to because I have to put everything back in the garage. It's a pain. I want to just relax and work. Be proud of your shop and accomplishments. A big shop doesn't change who you are.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I feel ya on the moving everything situation. The more comments coming in the more I think I may be overthinking the entire deal

[@ScottS360]

The thing I'll say is: don't discount the utility of having empty space! Think about where you want to be with KZbin in a couple of years. Do you want to put out, say, one video/week? That might mean that you're working on MULTIPLE projects: processing lumber for your next project, assembling and finishing the current project, and waiting for finish to cure on a previous project so you can take final "beauty shots" (or video). Will you have the room to do that if you cut the shop in half? Working in a 2-car garage, I can tell you that I usually only have the space to work on a single project, and even that can get tight at times! At the same time, I can see the value of having a small office/recording studio in the same building. A nice dust-free space for the computer that you use for video editing and/or CAD plus a recording booth where you can do music or voice-overs for woodworking videos. I, personally, wouldn't dedicate half the shop to that space. If you want to stay relatable, I think the biggest thing is not spending a fortune on tools. Most of us can get extra space by working in our driveway. It's that Festool Domino or $10,000 15" jointer/planer combo or $40K CNC that are the problem.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Agreed!

[@joegutierrez4197]

You need to move as the spirit moves you. As far as unrelatable goes, don't worry about that. My favorite youtuber is Jason at Bourbon Moth...there's noooo way I'll ever match his set up but he's still my favorite. I love your content...keep it up! Blessings!!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@allystrya]

You do you!. It’s your dreams. I tend to like the people I watch. Just don’t change your personality and all is good here with me 🤗🤗

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I appreciate that

[@borcz100]

I see a teaching space - I would love to take a class with someone like you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's actually a great idea!

[@user-qv4fd6xp6i]

It may appear large right now, but as you build and grow it will fill up quicker than you can imagine. Your idea of a a recording studio in the back half is a great idea, or a clean space for finishing projects, and or an office space. Relatability, i think maybe most would agree, but at least for me, your personality and content is the relatability, stay true to who you are and your original vision. What eventually makes people unrelatable, is when they stop doing relatable projects, they stop actually helping or providing real advice or knowledge to average viewer and become advocates or slaves to product manufactures, that for me when many have honestly become unrelatable for me. Just new to all this, have never really commented before and was motived to responded, because your video was relatable, because you appeared to be a guy I wanted to lend advice to, I was compelled to respond, that young sir, makes you relatable. In Closing, Everyone dreams of more space, feel fortunate you now have it, and believe me, you will fill it.

[@MR-si1eq]

You do you. Keep it real as always. You are where you are because of what you do. If you think its to big. Great. Down size. Do what is best for you and your family. Your goals. Your mind. 😊 We are here because of you. 😊

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I appreciate that

[@utoobuser206]

Consensus is, keep it You'll get more stuff and just be you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yep, seems to be the route I'm taking

[@Lucasartwork]

I was super excited to see you we’re building a new shop. It’s the dream to go bigger so don’t worry about being relatable. Also, if you paid for it you earned it! People like your personality and charisma. I built a three stall garage about 7 years ago and wish I would have gone bigger now. It’s 25 x 32’ I use two stalls but have to constantly move things around and reposition. You will grow into it and fill it up quickly. Make a main work area set up with good tool flow then see how it expands. You can do the music studio in a room in the house probably. Or try it both ways. But after using the shop you can always add more tables and work areas. Do some bigger projects to see how things work out. I’m a fan, and please feel free to stop by my shop next time your around Chicago. We can make something fun!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Chicago eh?! I'll be back soon I'm sure

[@Lucasartwork]

@@burnstockwoodworking Well actually it’s a couple hours southwest of Chicago so… But yeah, those shop visit videos would be cool. I meant to comment on the last one.

[@hungrygriller7461]

Keep doing the average woodworking type jobs that will keep you relatable to everyone. As for the use for some of the space you have available maybe section off a corner on the back half of shop and make yourself a finishing room to stain and spray finishes so it clean and free if dust.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Wonderful idea, thank you!

[@toddmoyer7968]

No mistake, you can always use a corner of the shop for filming and the rest of it for woodworking. I wouldn't subdivide because you'll regret it.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

thanks! And you're probably right. I was in the shop last night just looking around and, once I get more furniture and tools, it's not as big as I'm thinking it is.

[@deborahsmith4591]

Make it what you feel best for you, but that being said. I do other things than woodworking. I grow plants , macrame, and other crafts. I would make an area that wouldn't be dusted with sawdust. Bottom line, you do you. Also, I watch you because I learn and your personality is fun.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Right on, thanks!

[@imccrae]

That's what came to my mind when I started watching the video and that's what I did to my workshop. I put in an office and gym in the partitioned areas. A studio would be amazing. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I still haven't made up my mind, I think I'll be leaving it open for the time being, but do plan on building a studio/office space eventually

[@robertblitch4702]

I think you're doing fine and you seem to have some good ideas for your shop

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@chancetolbert4852]

Here's the thing. You do you. Alot if us love seeing your success and hope for that success with us one day. Soo! Keep it up and keep it Giving us goals!!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tomstone2322]

Stay true to who you are things will be fine. I have a 12x24 shop I’m very content but these people with all the high end tools I feel like they forget where they came from. I would be lost in a 30x40 shop🤣😂you do what’s best for you. I feel like your a down to earth person. Wish you the best!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@WoodworkingWarrior]

You'll grow into it and on the plus side, right now you'll have plenty of space to store lumber. I have a 30x30 and it's a good space for now.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Nice! Yea, I think I'll keep it wide open

[@amberalvarez9431]

I don't think having a big shop is until relatable at all. Considering you have plans for producing music I would add the wall. But if you didn't have those plans I would have continued to grow into the space you had. It's the way you communicate to your audience and the projects that you pick that make you relatable. God Bless

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@kumufan]

My initial thought was, "you're going to get a lot of steps in with that big shop, just from walking back and forth to the different tools and work spaces"! I think being relatable has more to do with what you build and how you build it, rather than what you build it with and where you build it. Just my opinion. I don't mind if people use good quality tools like Festool, etc. I realize a lot of folks can't afford them or don't want to afford them, but they still get the idea of how it's built. Most small shops do well with a track saw anyway, for instance. I like your idea of splitting the shop. I wasn't necessarily thinking of a recording studio, but I would do that in a heartbeat! I'm waiting to hear some of your music! Keep it up!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks, and it's some great music. Not just saying that because I'm delusional, I have great taste in music. Looking forward to getting it out there to see what it does

[@LaserGarage]

My man you should do whatever you think is the right thing. I will say that I don’t think having a big shop makes you unrelatable. We all grow and changes happen, it’s part of the journey. Keep working hard!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@paulmichal]

No way have you made you unrelatable to us. We all need you to keep going and keep developing your business.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Cool! That seems to be the general consensus, I may have just been overthinking things when spending those multiple days alone in the hotel room with nothing else to do 😂

[@Nawlinswoody]

I like your idea of chopping it in half and making it a dual purpose space

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'm still up in the air right now

[@gregmacewen6330]

I found your channel because of the small shop you had before. I like your idea of splitting it in half. However my shop is 200 square feet and I definitely don't watch youtubers with big shops nearly as much as I do ones with small shops.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I honestly miss having a smaller shop and am reconsidering closing off the space.

[@jimrosson6702]

I’m new to the channel I would love to have a shop like that I think you will grow into faster then you think.I think it’s the creator of the channel that makes it relatable to other people not the size of the shop and the tools you have in it. I would just keep doing what you’re doing watching your first video about your trouble with your electrical hook ups and how you overcame that just to get some power in the shop is what made me come back to watch this video and what will make me keep coming back. and I think by the time you put wood storage and some other equipment in there, the truck will fill up faster than you think.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Probably right. Just haven't bought enough tools yet 😂

[@richardwadsworth4259]

Pray 🙏 that's my first suggestion. God will lead his faithful. Maybe consider building studio across back wall,but leaving a section on one side as storage shelves for wood rack hardware ect... to leave more shop space open. And later could expand studio if need arises. Or a loft above studio (looks like you have high ceiling ) to store long term items. Anyway God bless you for openness and transparency. Let your light shine. KZbin can be used reach the lost.

[@NathanTalbertWoodworking]

I don't think there's a single one of us that wouldn't love to have a giant workspace even if it is way to big for what we have or plan to have in the near future. All of us would gladly have a half million dollar CNC or that festool domino, but they get upset when somebody else has/uses them. Nobody should be upset with what you work for and what you become. It's easy to have whatever tools you want and then make a video showing how to do something multiple ways or with different levels of tools (similar to john malecki's 3 levels of build, those are awesome to see where a beginner is and what you can potentially become). There are people that cant afford a circular saw and use hand saws. does that mean you should never use a circular saw either? You should do whatever makes you happy. I love all kinds of different channels for different reasons. I mostly love the channels like yours that go into details and talk to the audience and explain things as you go. I can't stand the channels that just start building stuff with no talking/voice overs and start blasting loud music. I always tell people if they don't want to hear the youtuber speak, they can hit mute. If I want to hear what you're saying, and it's not there, I can't hit the magical add voice over button (yet, AI probably getting closer though). There are always exceptions though. I love epic upcycling even though i don't think I've ever heard him speak and he uses mostly old school hand tools for everything.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great point, thanks!

[@jaimecastells4283]

In my non-woodworking career, I left a job and then got a runaround from the company I thought was going to hire me. It hurt in the short time, but I went on to do consulting and make good money and advance my career to the point where now I have a very well paid, full-time position that I regularly describe as my dream job. You just have to accept that the transition is going to be harder than you had hoped. Just keep pluggin', @burnstockwoodworking!

[@themullenmarketwoodworking]

If that was my ‘predicament’ 😅 I would not do the music studio, but I also don’t have a passion for music. You will make anything work as you want it to though, obviously. If I did split it, I would put a welding table, a cnc plasma, a good horizontal metal cutting saw and good ventilation in the back with a mug/tig welder. Leave room for the ‘eventual’ cnc mill and lathe. Small grinders sanders nothin crazy. Big door. The opposite wall from your mitre station wall, I would build(buy) a downdraft finishing booth, drying lights, temp, trolley out to shop etc, with an attached sticky mat ‘paint’ prep room. Leave that big doorway wide open and enjoy the extras space while you got it! Absolutely beautiful shop man, excellent job. Soooo nice hahaha But if guys like you, didn’t start out in small shops, and then build bigger better shops, to show us that what we are doing WILL eventually work out, then we wouldn’t have any motivation to keep going in this direction. It could only ever be seen as a hobby if everyone just stayed in their garage forever. Don’t worry, we will be with ya when you buy the huge warehouse too 😂😂😂 we don’t need to relate on every level, we just need you to keep doin exactly what your doin, wherever you wana do it 🤙

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I have been looking at welding machines lately and didn't take into consideration the space I would need for that, great point. May just leave it wide open for now.

[@wshill2]

This is my 2nd video of yours after watching the one about not getting power until next year. A wise man once said you can never have too large a shop - spend your initial money on size, then make it nicer with upgrades as you go along. You have decades to grow into the shop. My ideal size for a wood shop is 25' x 25' (625 sq ft), so your 600 sq ft seems not large enough. Knowing nothing about recording studios, 15' x 15' seems optimal. The larger the performing area is the harder to control echo and other occurring sound problems. What would be the ideal square footage be for a soloist, or a piano, or a 5 member band ? Not knowing your plans in detail what would factor into what is best size. Listening to your thoughts a 30' x 25' for the woodshop might be just right. Or just take a 20' x 20' out of a back corner for the recording studio while leaving you 10' x 30' area for big projects like a boat build or area to have multiple projects in different stages that are out of your way.

[@BUFFALO1946]

It's you l watch the size of your shop is not why I watch. Your ideas and how to build them is why I follow. If one of your passions are helping others with life then you need to do it It seams you have two passions important to you if you can utilize your space to do both of them that is a great achievement. I will continue to watch you because you are you Those who wish to leave your channel because of what your passion is that's there lost. Keep up your good work follow your heart and dreams. Your a good man

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@danwilkening888]

No way man. Its what everyone that wants a big shop to be. We can watch what you are doing, the good and the bad. Stay grounded and stay real. The shop doesnt matter. I will be looking to have a building that size in a year or so but will be splitting it down the middle to have a wood shop on one side and a shop for my tractor, garden landscaping tools and be able to do some light metal fabricating. So if you think its too big, split it. Maybe make that wall movable if you ever need more space or convert part into a dedicated finishing area. Keep at it!!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome, thanks! Just brainstorming the idea for now and was wanting input from y'all. Much appreciated!

[@kalebmagnusson981]

As a working musician who woodworks too, I wouldn’t want to have my instruments in a space like that. First off the space would require a lot of sound deadening and care. Second, in my area would be the humidity of a shop. Also, it’s fun watching some one grow. You planned it from the outset for woodworking. Leave it that way. If the Lord wills there will be a good space for the music too

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks, and great viewpoint. Just brainstorming right now and was wanting to look at it from all angles.

[@jon1073]

You have all the space that you need for everything! Don't think of an audio/video studio as separate. It is one and the same as your shop! Put your recording stuff in the back corner. Pull it out/expand it when you record. Shrink it back down when you need more shop space for a bigger project. What you are lacking right now is sound absorption on the walls. You need that on adjoining walls, not everywhere. You also need a carpet for the recording area. You also need some more light. Your lighting currently sucks (sorry, it does). Light your face. You may want to do some video on the studio side, or move your lights to the shop side. As you do recording for music, your audio will improve in your videos. As you get better with video and lighting, you can incorporate that into the recording area. You remain relatable because you are only filming one part of the building during a video, the smaller shop area. You use the space to the fullest by having areas that expand and contract. Please don't build walls or limit your space by thinking in terms of square footage for each area. They are one and the same. And we all want a big shop building, because the building can be used for many things. We all still relate.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I agree on the lighting and am working to improve it. It has been a bane for me for sure. I'm still undecided on how I'm going to use the space but an adjustable studio does appeal to me, thank you!

[@johnnyking6071]

Man build what you want. God will lead you the right way. I am in a 20’ wide 15’ deep 2 car garage packed with my stuff and yard stuff. Don’t worry about us we are going to follow you for your personality. I like your content or I wouldn’t watch. Just saying. You be you we will be us.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome, thank you!

[@NeilSoulo]

My shop is 1390 sq ft., it's L shaped, but imagine the legs being very wide. Anyway, since I'm in South Texas, it's like a furnace in the summer, and can be down in the freezing range in winter. So, I've decided to split it and then insulate the smaller part (585 sq ft), so that I can keep it at a reasonable temperature for working in. I don't have a lot of machines, yet, but I believe that I will, eventually, be able to fit what I need into that space. As others have said, your work is the main thing, but I agree with you that some people might find you unrelatable with a huge shop and lots of expensive machines. However, some of the makers with huge shops etc. have large numbers of subscribers, so a lot of viewers either don't care or they can relate to them in some way.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

This is a good point, thanks!

[@neilplumb1710]

I wouldn't worry about too much space, you'll fill it up. I have a similar size shop and would really love to see how you put it together. I think what makes some woodworking channels unrelatable is when you get into CNC, or shaper origin just because they are out of reach for most of us and there aren't other options for average folk. I can make the leap that my rigid circular saw will cut as straight as a Festool track saw... but I have nothing that will equate to a CNC or shaper.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, Uber expensive tools definitely creates a gap, I'll keep that in mind

[@justinbanks2380]

I was actually going to suggest if you were worried about seeming relatable, you could just put up a temporary type wall divider to make the space, smaller, while still giving you the ability to use the entire space if you decided or needed too. You could use free standing partitions or idk how much they cost, but those room dividers you see in schools or churches that collapse into the wall. Also, while I understand the worry of alienating some of your audience by getting too big or whatever. I think you're fine. Your personality is more important for making you relatable. That you keep in your mess ups or errors. You're humor etc. Even if you do advance in level of tools or projects being the level weekend warriors could do, you can always intersperse projects where you make smaller things with simpler tools. Just my two cents. Sorry for long comment. Keep being you man! Excited to see where you go!

[@zdoublins]

Hey Bro! Just do you!!! Your growth is an inspiration. If you need the studio, build it...

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Still planning and brainstorming at the moment, just letting y'all in on what I'm thinking. Thanks for the input!

[@BryceKant]

Nothing wrong with $100,000 of tools bought, acquired, and built over a number of years. Over the span of a decade at a hobby I can see that happening with anything, not just wood working so I don't think the number of tools is a problem with being relatable. Shop size, I have a 2-car garage for my space, currently half taken over by moving boxes and other things, but once I get it cleared out and totally mine, it will be plenty of space. Of course more space for wood storage, material storage, and tool storage is always nice. Before you mentioned a recording studio my first thought was a finishing room, a super clean and sawdust free room for applying finishes, painting, staining, etc. Again, as for tools and size of the shop... yes I don't have the room or budget for a 24" planer, but I have some saw horses, a flat pool deck, and a 24" router sled that can flatten just as well. It's all about figuring out how to get the final result with the tools available. TO me, it is all about providing the inspiration to built something and a little guidance on how. Each wood worker making the final product via their own resources and skills makes it unique to them.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great point!

[@jasoncooper6434]

If you want to stay relatable keep doing what you do in the vids as I enjoy your channel as for tools that’s a personnel choice I defo can’t afford new massive machines and I work from my garage lol but I’m still learning angles degrees and stuff like that and watching your channel is really helpful so thank you for all you teach us and the fun you put into the videos use the back half for storage of made stock or storing wood supply if you really want turn it into a studio and make music then that’s up to you to decide stay cool

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I'm glad it's helpful.

[@jimrodman2378]

Sounds like a good idea

[@burnstockwoodworking]

thanks!

[@thehickorylanewoodshed2378]

Ine watched your channel for a year or more, nd I think watching your channel grow and watching your shop grow is exciting to see and encouraging as well. I think cutting it in half would be a great idea but also leave the wall movable so your shop can grow with you as you grow. That’s just my thoughts.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thank you so much!

[@derekwasson1463]

You do what you want don't woyrry about all the other KZbin channels.Also I would do what you feel you are called to do

[@stevehowe1792]

I think you are right on target about staying relatable; although, I don't think the available space is the issue. Keep your tools relatable. I see some that use to build furniture or whatever get sold out on the latest Festool, Sawstop, etc., and just become a fancy tool sponsor channel. And, their first love suffers along with all of the people who helped the channel grow. -from N La

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That is a valid point. I have been considering how to build projects on the channel and know that I am going to keep the tools at a reasonable price point. I will buy another domino because that's a great tool, but other than that I think I'll be sticking with pretty generic tool selection.

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

FINALLY! A KZbinr that understands their audience. I've watched a lot of KZbinrs become unrelatable since I started watching woodworking videos 5-6 years ago. I watched their content religiously because they were relatable, i.e. working out of their garage doing projects that were attainable to the average woodworker. I watched them create the "shop of their dreams" but after a while, I stopped watching their videos altogether. I'll be honest, when I saw the thumbnail for the first video on your big shop, I wasn't interested. More of the same. I almost didn't watch this one, as I perceived it be another "look at me and my first world problems, boo hoo" videos. But I'm glad I clicked on it. You've gained my respect back. As for the shop, if the recording studio part wasn't in the mix, I would have created a finishing room and storage room from the extra space. Maybe you could reduce the expected size of the recording studio and still make yourself a finishing room. I think you are being very realistic in your assessment of your audience, your place in the KZbin woodworking world and your woodworking business. It's great to dream big and go after those dreams. At the same time, you can easily be bamboozled by your emotions and over do it. And when you find yourself with sufficient resources to do almost anything you want, the temptation to "go big or go home" is too easy to give in to. I get what others are saying about you doing what you want to do and not what we think you should do. But if you're going to put yourself out there on a platform like KZbin, it's not so much about you anymore. If you want to use KZbin as a money maker, then it is imperative that you keep your audience in mind. They are the ones that ultimately make you successful. Thank you for getting it.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's part of the driver to cut it in half. I could use the space to maximize another business. And you're right, I'm creating content for the viewer base, not myself. I personally have stopped watching quite a few of the larger channels after they expanded simply because the content became unrelatable. Happy for their success no doubt, but at some point it became an algorithm pandering game and not a resource the average person could use.

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

@@burnstockwoodworking bingo!

[@MCsCreations]

Well... First of all, let me tell you that I'm a non believer. I'm not an atheist, I'm a pantheist... But in the end the difference isn't that big. But either way, if it's something you like to do, definitely go for it! Absolutely! 😃 I built my shop separate almost in half, to use part of it for electronics and rc stuff. You know? My only recommendations are to think about the soundproofing of the new space, because it's a pretty difficult thing to do if you don't plan it from the start. The second tip is to visualize how your workshop is going to look like, so you can better decide where to put the division wall. What I mean is... Put some 2x4s in the ground where it's going to be and organize your shop in the space you're left with. You know? This way you can plan it better. 😊 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! Who knows, maybe you'll come around to this side of the fence by the end of it 😆

[@MCsCreations]

@burnstockwoodworking Oh, I really doubt it. "God", for me, is not something or someone intelligent. It's just a synonym of the nature, the universe, the cosmos... However you want to call it. So, the religare feeling, the feeling of connection in religion, I find in contact with nature, seeing pictures from space telescopes like the Hubble or the JWST and so on. 😊 I have a long history... When I was 4 or 5, for example, I had to dress like an angel and walk there in a huge catholic church here in Brazil, because my grandmother promised something... And I wanted to destroy that freaking thing! 😂 But I have absolutely no issues with others believes. My father is catholic, my mother is agnostic (one of those who pray because why not 😂) and so on. 😊

[@AlAmantea]

Dude, the size of your shop, or the lack thereof, isn't what makes you relatable. It's who you are, what you do, and the way you do it. Being blessed to have a bit of extra space is never a bad thing unless YOU make it a bad thing. I wouldn't "cut the space in half" just to try and be more like your viewership, because that makes you ingenuine. That is you holding yourself back and trying to project what you feel the viewership wants. Be yourself, not what you think people want you to be. Use the space you have in the way you want. God has blessed you with that space for a reason. It's not to hold yourself yourself back.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I hear ya. Part of it is my consideration of viewer base, the other part (main part) is needing work space for the other things I have going on (office/recording studio)

[@LCGoldenTriangle]

I think of a scripture verse which applies to the great commission, so don’t take your hand off the plow share. With that said if you are open to it make the recording studio temporary near the right side of the roll up door, think about a size which could be converted to a finish room. 2nd follow up with the restaurant asap. Another scripture ASK. ask seek knock, the door will open if it’s where your supposed to be. Behind this, is there another restaurant you could do work for? I’m open to discussing with you. Christopher Aka “a light bearer”

[@JayJames72]

If I had the space, I’d build the same size workshop. By the time you’ve built a timber rack along the wall, I’d build a 8ftx4ft out feed table, I’d also build an assembly table too. I don’t think you’re unrelatable, you’ve done what most of us would’ve done. Are you going to build a finishing room? That’ll take up space too.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, those are all upcoming projects. I am considering building a finishing room, I haven't thought of that prior to these comments.

[@JayJames72]

@@burnstockwoodworking I look forward to watching the upcoming builds. I’d build a finishing room, nice and dust free, big enough to spray tables. All the best from the UK. 👍

[@lawrencerayborn6258]

Direction will come to those with faith. Follow his direction.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Amen

[@McCartWoodworks]

I think as long as you are still making projects that the average person with a smaller shop can make in their shop I think you will be fine. I personally would not split your shop. I would limit your footprint to a 2 car garage and use your extra space for wood storage for the rare occasion you find a deal on wood. I have a two car garage that I use for wood and a space for welding and I find myself cramped so I think you will end up regretting limiting your size. If I could expand my shop I would expand it enough to have wood storage and a small space for finishing and arrange my shop accordingly. Also having a bigger shop will give something for other people to strive for. The original owner that put up my garage did a crap job on the concrete and it is crumbling so when I replace the 24x24 I plan to push it to 30x36. For my dream shop as long as I can make sure the wife is on board.

[@Trudgewild]

Gotta have room for future growth and all the interns that are clamoring to work for you. Excellent practice space for all your art projects. 😅

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😆😆😆 thanks!

[@arbyars.chicksawdust]

From what you said this is your "dream shop", I would not cut it down. It is not the size of the space you work in that attracts and keeps your viewers, nor is it the tools. You can always show how to do a project two or more ways. It is who you are, what you choose to show, and where you are going. It appears to me most of the "KZbinrs" run out of ideas and start looking for other things to film. It is very easy to get sponsors to get money and tools and show this. This in my opinion is what runs some channels. I don't want to discourage you on your music. What ever you think best I would do. I wish you well and I will pray for you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I agree, it seems most do run out of idea, I know I certainly have.

[@joelesko3267]

Don’t shrink your shop! Start a series how the beginner woodworker can start out in a garage and work his /her way up to a larger shop like you have and build a lean to off your shop and make that your recording studio. Bottom line you could have your shop in a empty wal mart building, as long as your head dosent get too big (which I doubt I will be) then you will become more successful! Stay true to yourself man! Others will follow. Your proof is in you subscribers!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I'm still up in the air on whether I split it or not because I could really use the space for other things in order to max out the potential. ALSO, I am scripting out my about me video, just so you know. I haven't forgot about it, I'm just planning an epic way to do it. I've got to convince on of my acquaintances to wear a purple pimp outfit and then I'll start filming my story. You'll love it.

[@davidgadreau3339]

I like your shop size for a whole. I am rammed into a tiny spot that probably is larger than your old setups but I wouldn't mind seeing you grow into the full building. Maybe you could throw up a lean to recording studio , you are going to need to work on sound insulation for a studio... maybe cut up 2x4 ends and make a random length/angle pieces to enhance the sound qualities.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, I haven't figured out exactly how far out the studio would be anyway, this is just brainstorming right now. Thanks for the input!

[@andredaedone5]

Buy one of those big generators especially if you have natural gas in your area.

[@steelsunpi]

Even before you started talking about the recording studio, I was gonna suggest cutting the shop into sections. You could always make one area for CNC (just don't abandon woodworking vids for CNC vids like so many others have)

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I think CNC videos are boring and out of reach for most in the woodworking niche. I want one eventually but it'll be for manufacturing and not necessarily for content.

[@steelsunpi]

@@burnstockwoodworking I agree.

[@user-vo1eg9cn6t]

If I had that size shop I would make wood part 2 car garage size then have a nice room built for doing finish work. Then the other part can be you recording studio. Myself work in a 2 car garage that I rent for $250 a month. I really wish I had a finish room cause I have shut everything down to do that part and its a pain.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's a valid point, I haven't considered finish space yet.

[@pazmaniaoh6341]

The projects you make are what makes it relatable. Not the space.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great point

[@CharlesHooper2001]

Your shop is not too large - it just looks large now because you unpacked the contents of a very small shop inside a decently sized shop. Shortly after I bought my house, I converted my two car garage into a wood shop. After just a couple of years of attending in-person auctions where woodworking equipment was sold, I had two table saws (one with a 52" rip fence), a 12" jointer, 26" drum sander, radial arm saw, router table, lathe, stacks pf wood, and enough other tools crammed into the two car garage that I could barely turn around. I decided to build my dream shop roughly 18 years ago - a 40 feet by 64 feet building, with most of that space dedicated to woodworking. Even with me doing all of the wiring, insulation, interior framing, and drywalling, the overall cost of the building alone hit a level that I thought was too high for something that supported what I considered is just a hobby. You might have hit that same line in the sand from a cost standpoint with your shop build. The feeling is just temporary. It used to be a bit of a comedy routine watching you jump across the table of the table saw to try milling even short boards using your table saw in your old shop. That was not a safe approach to woodworking, even though it was entertaining for some of your viewers, myself included. That is not the best way to work - you can now show the best way to work. You now have room to safely move around your shop, and space to stage projects that are in-process. Stay away from the sponsors to keep your videos in your larger shop relatable - we want to see your struggles in building a better shop experience, so that some of us may follow a similar path. Since you have space to spare in the shop now, go to local auctions and buy some of the larger high quality woodworking equipment at a fraction of what the equipment would cost new, and create videos that show you making necessary repairs so that the equipment functions as it should, and functions better than what you had before - that will be relatable to your viewers who do not have $4000 to $7000 to spend on each new piece of equipment (or a sponsor willing to sending free stuff). You can do the same with Craigslist and Facebook marketplace bargains on good tools that might just need a little clean up and maybe a bearing replacement. After the equipment is cleaned up, you could set up the equipment for performing specific tasks so that you don't have to, for example, break down your table saw that has the perfect 1/4 1/4 1/4 dado blade setting for building drawers so that you can re-cut one or two additional drawer sized boards to use as test pieces (because you would never accidentally cut some of the drawer boards a 1/2" too short). Once you get the electrical situation in the shop fixed, you will feel much better about using the shop space to its fullest.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

This comment packs value, thank you. I did not consider the safety aspect as you put it. Very much appreciated and very well said!

[@FuzzyLiger]

I’m an atheist but have zero issues with anyone religion unless its used to put people down or worse. I fallow several creators on here that are religions and at worst on a bad day I just roll my eyes a bit when it gets to thick for me. As for the shop. 1. Eco is not that bad at all. 2. It does look a bit sparse but that can change. 3. Get all the tools ya want but, nothing stopping you from doing two types of videos. High end all the tools and the weekend warrior types. It might even help some have want to step up into bigger tools get the confidence to do so. So I’d say just as long as that is not all you do “LOOK AT MY MEGA TOOLS!!!!” Then it would be awesome to see ya grow and thrive and bring us along.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Well said!

[@billybike57]

Too big? Hero please, I’ve built over 5 shops in my mind, that I always build too small. Wait….all good things come to those who waits. Be patient and keep the faith!😉

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@jaimecastells4283]

I learned a lot of my basic woodworking skills from Norm Abrams and I remember having serious tool envy over The New Yankee Workshop. That didn't interfere with my appreciating Norm's guidance and techniques. Stop worrying about being "relatable" and focus on what your woodworking needs from the shop. If a smaller space is better aligned to your tools and project, split it, but don't do so to try and seem more like your viewers. That just doesn't make sense.

[@johnjlong]

I'd build an environmentally controlled paint booth with a quality exhaust system, but a studio isn't a bad idea either.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I may split the extra in half and do just that

[@pope52]

Put a strip of blue tape on the ground where you want the wall to go. Pretend you have a wall there as you organize your shop and film. See if it works for 2 months.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Good idea!

[@fishindude72]

Your content is why I am here. but I get what your saying. But I think you have plenty of space to cut it in half and give yourself that studio you want. Half that building is like 4X the space you had.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's right, and that's how I'm looking at it. It's still plenty of space and I get to maximize even more the potential of the building.

[@rickpouley7561]

Hey Brother, I do not think that your shop is too big at all. The echo will come down as you add wood into your shop.. I have a 24X24 shop, and I wished I had made it a little bit bigger. (30X30).. As far as alienating your viewers, I do not believe that will happen. People that are following you now, they are going to keep watching your video no matter the size of your shop.. (unless you sing a lot 9n your videos.. LOL). I am not sure that making part of your shop a studio etc... You never can have enough room room for projects etc.. You business will come around. I lost my cutting board business due to pricing... They wanted me to cut my pricing by around 30%... So, I have changed up and now I am doing signs etc and doing better than I have thought.. Keep the size of your shop for woodworking!!!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! I guess I'll scrap the idea of full build musicals 😆😆

[@rickpouley7561]

@@burnstockwoodworking

[@JerryMabrey]

Look you do you, I love the size of the shop but if you you want to make a recording studio out of half of it, go for it. A man can have more than one passion in life and besides it takes nothing to tear down a wall to get your shop back. So I hope I helped you and GOD bless you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@guillermomonzon9840]

In my opinion your Idea is inspire.

[@dgoddard]

You're overthinking this. And I'd like to welcome you to the ADHD Club for Adults (I'm a charter member, myself). Don't worry about what people who you don't even really know think. The reality is this... No matter what you do, someone isn't going to like it and they'll complain about everything. So do what suits you best. From what I've seen so far, you're rockin' it! If you think you can deal with half of the shop you built for woodworking, then do that. But, as a woodworker, I know I'm always looking for more space. I just moved out of my 400 s/f garage into a 1500 s/f shop and I'm already running out of room to do the things I want to do. So yeah...

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I think you're right about the overthinking it, thanks!

[@RAcreativewoodworks]

I think you should think about this and not a knee-jerk reaction. You should do cabinet building or 3d printing

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yep, just brainstorming right now. I'm considering multiple avenues for the business and the other project I'm working.

[@level26woodworking]

While I'm not a Christian, I'm not going to hold it against you. I share my shop (garage) with two cars, I would love to have a big shop, and make even a few bucks on my KZbin channel, Been following you since the old shop, you are entertaining. You make stuff I want to build. You have actual build videos and that is where you are going to rise above the other KZbinrs. Utilize the space however you want to. Its your space.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'm trying to refocus on build videos, it's just hard to pull new subscribers when doing so. I've been considering multiple ways to draw a new crowd while doing builds and I think I have the magic sauce, it's going to be absolutely dumb but entertaining and educational. We shall see.

[@level26woodworking]

@burnstockwoodworking the number one thing to keep in mind is be yourself. Be authentic. Comparing yourself to others takes away your unique gift. The subs will come (build it, and they will come) some of the bigger YT builders have focused more on product reviews or the 5 things every shop needs, etc etc.

[@floyd6545]

SPACE! Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's the direction I'm leaning at this point

[@floyd6545]

@burnstockwoodworking You never know what might come up. A job might come your way, and you'll need all of that room, and maybe more. You'll know what to do.

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

Build 2 booths 8 x8 in your empty space. One for Finishing and one for recording

[@burnstockwoodworking]

That's another idea I'm considering.

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

@@burnstockwoodworking you don't seem catholic but I'm picturing a confessional booth look with the two segments. Or you can do two booths and the studio you can make a false wall entryway.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

@@STILLWILLPHOTO Not catholic but this comment had me rolling laughing. I'm actually planning some ridiculous projects and this one takes the cake lol

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

@@burnstockwoodworking keep it ridiculous!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

You gotta film and need space for that and outgoing projects. Incoming materials. Extra stuff. Consider it storage. Move some garage stuff in. Seeing piles of stuff like kids bikes, Christmas tree, life vests, Rubbermaid bins of junk makes it more relatable. Instant fix. Good example. Tamar 3x3 in her old garage shop. She had tarps hanging to divide and hide a mess in one stall of the garage. It had piles of junk. Old projects and some machines. Embarrassing mess she called it. Use the space to hide stuff you don’t have time to deal with right away. Big tools? Yeah some of us have all the normal tools. Planer, jointer, miter saw, drill press, bandsaw, big table saw, mill, wood lathe, metal lathe, air cleaner, dust collector. It’s not that uncommon if you love woodworking. Started with less space and eventually got a bigger house. The only people that are alienated and say channels got big and became unrelatable are just people who don’t understand how you end up with a garage full of tools.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😂 great idea!

[@UndercoverWoodcraft]

I don't think it's the shop size that makes people unrelatable to small shops or us beginner people. I do think a large shop and becoming more successful can lead to that though... They buy tools out of reach of us small people and because they have those they start making projects that you need those machines to make. Not saying having all that isn't nice or that I wouldn't love it also, but it's just out of reach ATM, and I'm less likely to watch videos that require them. You can combat that though, purposely make some projects with basic tools small people would have or can get cheaply enough. If that's your audience. You have to make what your audience wants not necessarily what you want if you want the views, that's the hard part.. finding out what they want. Pass video success can help figure that out along with communication with your subscribers. I wish you luck! Personally I would throw up a wall like you said, can always take it down later if you expand your audience into mostly higher end viewers. Something I think we all hope to do.. but life doesn't always allow it.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, I find the goal posts keep pushing farther back the closer I get. Achieve one goal to set you sight on another.

[@jofoster4240]

If you think the shop is too big them film in one direction and show less of the shop. Build the wall if you like… start your studio space, but don’t ever think that you’re not relatable cause your space is bigger than the next guys. Who are people supposed to inspire to be if not the guy that built his own dream shop.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Good point, thank you!

[@jerrybyrd7778]

OK, I only watched about the first third of your video, I will watch the rest, but as an atheist, man do what makes you feel good. You did not alienate me, the opposite, enjoy what makes you happy and feel good about yourself.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

Wait until its full of tools and projects in progress. It wont seem so big then.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, that seems to be the general consensus. Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

@burnstockwoodworking I built a 35 x 25 this year. I'm not even done acquiring tools and it already feels too small.