yup, a shop is AWAYS changing/evolving. I just spent the last week RE-arranging mine, for probably the 10th time since I built it 5yrs ago, but some how I actually managed to not only organize things better and give everything a permanent home, I also gained floor space by being able to clear out a corner for my table saw to roll in to, FINALLY getting it out of the middle of the shop. it's SO nice to be clean and organized again. LOVE your shop, wish mine was even half that big :)
@hannes49186 жыл бұрын
Thank you for not having a annoying intro before your videos and saving time for millions of people. Right to the chase.
@tobinprowant106 жыл бұрын
I never thought about looking at my shop as evolving... But I think I like it and I think it's an excellent way to think of any shop moving forward..
@faceup56 жыл бұрын
It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who likes to have everything organized. It makes it so much easier to find things and also has a great aesthetic geek factor. The Rockler drawer organizers remind me of Legos. Thanks for sharing all your creative organizing ideas with us!
@tonyarcus6 жыл бұрын
Nice way to start a new week. I am really happy for you and what youa re building. My shop was a barn with a rocket stove in New Zealand, now it is a tent in Hawaii with a breeze.
@Anonymous-it5jw6 жыл бұрын
Shop organization is the key to getting anything done and finding & using your stuff. You could put out a whole separate channel on this subject. Thanks for showing many of us how to change our bad shop habits into workable approaches to having accessible tools and usable work spaces.
@billmoran38126 жыл бұрын
Nothing more satisfying than getting the shop organized. Speaking of which.....
@tomlarsen54516 жыл бұрын
Getting organized equals efficient time management and more creativity and more spontaneous ideas and let’s the mind concentrate on the task at hand , amazing how 1 less trip to the hardware store makes life better! Keep improving and be inspired!
@mikeandlucky6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all the great videos and for what it is worth, I really appreciate you keeping them "clean" even when the pegboard drives you crazy :) I do some volunteer teaching with teenage woodworkers and I really appreciate that I can refer them to your videos. You are a true inspiration in particular to my female students so thanks for what you do.
@WiliamBennettwildarbennett6 жыл бұрын
As my mentor and dear friend that taught me so much over the years, was never to detailed about the cluttered shop floor, you'd ask him where something was, his reply invariably would be, 'Oh, it's hung over there on the floor somewheres' So nice to see your progress with the shop. And love the happy dance when you powered up your table saw.
@TuanBui-yp7oz3 жыл бұрын
that reaction to the table saw being turned on for the first time in that shop was truly awesome! actually watched that 10 seconds or so of footage a few times. seriously made me smile and laugh. that reaction kinda describes that feeling u get when a machine like that gets powered on!!!
@AprilWilkerson3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@TroutCreative6 жыл бұрын
I found an old overhead projector at a garage sale years ago, and then purchase transparency material for my inkjet printer. Makes putting logos on walls or other large areas easy. My old shop & studio had huge logos on the wall and it only took an afternoon to paint.
@gregbenwell61736 жыл бұрын
Shop tips are always great!!! In my shop (which is a small shed) my ceiling joists are low enough that I have attached peanut butter jars to them hanging down!! Though like I say they are low enough to reach by hand, but high enough that I am NOT smacking my head against the plastic jars hanging from them!! Then using a label maker each jar is marked to what is inside them......i.e. 1/2" Pex Rings, Auto Fuses, Wire Nuts and so on!! It is nice because you can see right into them too to KNOW what is inside of them as well!! Though I do still use coffee cans on slightly larger parts like bolts, nuts and such. Peanut Butter jars are amazing for storing washers, sheet metal screws and so on!! Another thing I did too, is I have small shelves for all my "new stock" nails and screws. These are boxes of drywall screws for example that came in their original retail packaging!! In that area I have about 6 shelves, and each box is placed on the shelves with their content label exposed, so I can just walk to the shelf, read the label (to find what I need) and then take and use the item I am looking for!! And these are usually only COMMON SIZE HARDWARE, like 3" deck screws, or 1-1/4" drywall screws, and so on, the I find myself using more and more all the time!! So when a box gets close to empty it is usually replaced first!! And I always know what I have on hand at just a glance, because the shelves are sorted too by shortest to longest!!
@boydmerriman5 жыл бұрын
My single car garage is being used for my little shop (home shop) and I'm gradually building up my tools (thanks to HF) and now needing a place to put them all. Since we are renting the home for a couple of years, I can't do too much to the walls, but I can make it work. Your ideas here are great!
@signsbystu6 жыл бұрын
Hey April! Big inspiration to get organized. I have a great tip for your stencils. Use clear plastic drawer liners, its a much larger sheet, really cheap so you don't take as much time laying out all the layers of tape. Then cut out the parts you want to paint instead of around them, this way you can use the negative space to put the paint into and the plastic protects the surrounding materials. Usually I'll cut out the stencil while its stuck to the material, the drawer liner glue isn't so strong to peel paint so you can just peel it off after you paint your logo! Hopefully one day I get my shop going like this!
@Puppygirl-hj1tn6 жыл бұрын
Hey April. I appreciate the head up on the remote outlet cut off thingy. My shop lights are plugged into the ceiling, and so on 24/7. I grabbed the remote from Amazon and now I save half the power bills. Cheers April.
@Stephen14556 жыл бұрын
April, you are such an independent person! That is so great showing that you were determined to do it on your own, before calling for help! I love self deprecation!
@vlookup_tim6 жыл бұрын
There is something special about your first pegboard. Glad you saved it.
@Maisky156 жыл бұрын
Hi April. It looks great. You can temporarily mount a board horizontally where the bottom of the peg board will be. You will be able to rest it there while you mount it and you don't have to worry so much about having it move around. I'm mounting some cabinets by myself this weekend and that's the method I'm using.
@aa-bz5lk6 жыл бұрын
Something about being a woodworker!!... i found the same, setting up my (tiny) shop, perfectionism really gets in the way of finding a place for everything! you want to engineer the best solution to store every tool and accessory you have. Love your videos April, you are motivation that challenges my procrastination.
@CantNotRemember6 жыл бұрын
I've been using those ZAP remote outlets for almost two years now and I've got to say, they're great! They've withstood a 3/4hp fan, a window A/C unit, and a strip of eight light bulbs. All being switched on and off several times per day (all on their own outlet of course) I even use them when i'm doing light tinkering with anything electrical that I want to keep my hands off of. Programming two outlets onto one button can be super handy too!
@MichaelLivingston-me5 жыл бұрын
Some very good ideas. That segment with your pegboard, totally worth the price of admission. Most of us do crazier or stupid risky things, but there's no video. Thanks for sharing yours.
@malloryrobinson64186 жыл бұрын
I love watching shop projects and getting anything organized feels so nice!
@techpilot0076 жыл бұрын
Nice job on the easy/simple organization. I use Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hangers to organize extension cords and air hoses.
@ceciljohnson47886 жыл бұрын
The shop is really coming along will look forward to more videos and I still love your enthusiasm especially the look on your face when you fired that table saw up for the first time. Keep up the good work and thank you for taking us along with you.
@lancelot19536 жыл бұрын
Hi April, very ingenious, absolutely brilliant especially since it is money-saving for larger tools and enables us to use left-over wood. Thank you for all these great ideas, innovations, and for all the time and effort you are investing in making these helpful videos. Peace be with you, Ciao, L
@dennisdownes93196 жыл бұрын
ahhhhhhh.......lip balm! Tools come in many shapes and sizes!! Nice cleanup!
@dananelson35346 жыл бұрын
Like the French cleats and the bit holders. That remote control L's cool. Someone wants to be top dog. Thanks for the video.
@tdav225 Жыл бұрын
So glad you kept that hanging part in there! That’s me not asking my wife for a hand sometimes not wanting to bug her. Love your channel and much respect for your skill!
@AprilWilkerson Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@AnnArborBuck5 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Another way to handle the light issue is to use a home smart hub like Smartthings and then a general smartthings sensor on the door. You can then have it turn the light off automatically when the door is in the open position (the sensor on the door). You already have the smart socket, just need the hub and sensor. You could even add logic around how much light is in the room or if you are even in the room. lots of cool options.
@ruinunes82516 жыл бұрын
Work flows better when everything is organised. Greetings from UK.
@bret_Lambky4 жыл бұрын
I doubt if you read all your comments. However there is a process called 5S it’s a lean manufacturing process we use in the aircraft business. It’s a method of organization and simplify your shop. You can do it by process or task! There are several positive tools that can help. 5s stands for Sort, sweep, simplify, standardized and sustainable. It really helps especially if you have several people working in the shop! Saves time and money and increases productivity!
@StormyITO6 жыл бұрын
I like using the french cleats for pegboards, just put a spacer at the bottom. Doing it this way, hanging them is a one person job. BTW love the router bit storage.
@alangeorge25095 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the clamp shelf project idea, my husband and I cleaned up our garage so he could have a workshop area and we needed something to hang all his clamps. This worked great. We both enjoy your how to youtubes. Thanks.
@politicalpartyagnostic2686 жыл бұрын
Such timing!!! I happen to be reorganizing my garage today. Your video has caused me to rethink my layout.
@motzemog6 жыл бұрын
For the pipeclamp pads, I use magnets. That way, if I need to remove them for any reason they come off easy. Organizing feels so good when you make time to do it. Nice work.
@kateallisonhw37866 жыл бұрын
Those remote control switches are great. We’ve been using them for years to turn on and off our bedroom lamps and they’re also great for switching on/off your Christmas tree lights so you don’t have to go routing on your hands and knees under the tree every morning and evening... lol
@kpaulick6 жыл бұрын
I love your attitude and perseverance. You have inspired me to begin building projects on my own. I am no where near your level, but appreciate all of your videos and ideas. Thank you!
@nordyfamily4 жыл бұрын
Great work! Thanks for taking the time to make, film, edit and share
@kylepost46 жыл бұрын
I have those same remote outlets and I absolutely love them! They are one of those things you never think you need until you have it and then you cannot live without it. One thing I did was stuck velcro to the back of the remote and onto the wall next to the switch so I can always find the remote.
@JDeWittDIY6 жыл бұрын
I bet it feels great to get organized! Good job. One tip on the stencil, is cut it out in relief (remove your logo part) and then use a can of spray paint on it. It would be quicker, but the results may not be quite as good.
@TheRenegadeJane6 жыл бұрын
As a female amateur woodworker, I've really looked up to you April for your skills and work ethic and have always humbly thought, "Hey, that April girl seems like she'd be fun to have a beer with." But then I saw your Song of the Lark painting (one of my favorites) and now I wonder if we're soulmates? Just thought it was a random thing to see in one of my favorite wood worker's videos. Anywho, keep on keeping on! Your shop is a dream!
@reneneron29716 жыл бұрын
Hang your pegboard and cabinets using French cleats as well. Makes it much easier to hang them yourself and very easy to remove or move if you need to. It is a heck of a lot easier to find studs and hangs a cleat level than trying to do the same while holding a 4' x 8' board off a ladder. Very strong.
@akeeperoftheword5 жыл бұрын
Great video, great work! I love those remote outlets. They work so good with a bedside lamp. You don't have to fumble around stretching for the light switch or walk across the room to hit the wall switch, you just push the little remote button at your bedside and off to sleep you go. A must for bedtime readers.
@homeprojectswithmike9228 Жыл бұрын
April you are so inspiring. I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS
@AprilWilkerson Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.
@scoutskills6 жыл бұрын
:D Nice job... To mount the pegboard, screw a couple short 1x pieces to the wall where you want the top of the pegboard to be. then hang the peg board on those, or get fancy and do it like your router bit holders. Or heck, just put a couple wood screws in the wall part way and hang it like a picture until you get the frame screwed to the wall. Also for screws, nails, and hardware, I up-cycle peanut butter jars. Keeps the dust, bugs and rodents out. And if I need certain screws or what not for an offsite job, just take the jars of screws I need and throw them in my tool box/bag/bucket and No Spills!
@_WillCAD_6 жыл бұрын
Oh, please, who are you trying to kid? Shop organization projects like this are the most fun you can have in a shop. Even your shop build series is basically just a "I wanted a more organized shop, so I started by building a whole new shop..." Shelves! Clamp racks! Drawers! Pegboard! Hooks and hangers! Workbenches! Carts! Tables! French cleats and casters everywhere! If you don't love that stuff, you're not a real woodworker. I must say, I truly envy all of that space you have in your shop. Enough floor space to lay out whole 4x8 sheet goods, and enough wall space to not only push all of your table tools up to it (drill press, miter saw, router table, band saw, whatever else you may have), and to hang whole sheets of pegboard, but you'll have enough left over to hang posters and art work. That shop is literally bigger than my whole apartment. It's beyond awesome. Just out of curiosity, are you just naturally clean-mouthed or do you censor yourself when you film? If I made videos like this, they'd probably be unwatchable because the audio would be one long, continuous of expletives. Even when something good happened it'd be all like "Bleep yeah! Who's the bleep now, pegboard?!" Or words to that effect.
@markboettcher94435 жыл бұрын
My opinion:you do a very professional job on your videos! Enjoyable to watch and listen to AND informative. Thanks.
@heinzelbers72476 жыл бұрын
Lots of great ideas, specially the rack for pipe clamps.
@clydebalcom82524 жыл бұрын
You keep your memories. I can only speak for myself, but I think you rock 🤘🤟🤙
@pyrojason Жыл бұрын
Those wall cleats really offered a huge help!
@AprilWilkerson Жыл бұрын
Yes! They are a game changer for sure. Thanks for watching.
@choimdachoim94915 жыл бұрын
In Southeastern Louisiana all my tools rusted within the first year I moved here from the deserts of California. Even precise calipers, Router bits, Forstner bits, handsaws, etc. that were in cases rusted even though they were stored inside my air-conditioned home. Condensation on cold metal was the culprit. The second problem I see with your stowage system that wouldn't work for me is all the uncovered hardware becomes covered with dust that hardens over time because the dust absorbs moisture and it has to be scrubbed off before use. I'm not criticizing, I'm pointing out to others that they have to stow according to the clime they live in. (Did I forget to mention the little spiders that seem to come from nowhere and are everywhere?)
@wcarlhepker48066 жыл бұрын
Let me be honest with myself and say that you are much better at this than I am! Thank you for the encouragement to get things more organized. I needed that! When I use pegboard and I remove a tool for use , I seem to knock the pegboard hook out of its mounting holes which causes it to fall onto what is below which causes it to fall on to what is below that and the cascade continues. I know you would never tolerate that. How do you do it? This is why I like the french cleat system you use elsewhere around your shop. On your garage door, you can mount a switch on the track for the door that the door activates when it is up but deactivates when it is down. Hooking the light to the NC (Normally Closed) contacts will make it turn off when the door in is the up position and turn back on when it is down. This way you do not have to keep a remote control with you just to turn that light off and on. I am sure you will want that remote control switched outlet for one of your dust collectors. This would free it up for you.
@glenngoodale17096 жыл бұрын
Always a bright spot in my day when you post a new video
@felixfromnebraska86486 жыл бұрын
April, I love you videos. I have the same problem with my garage door and the lights above it. Thanks to you I now have a great solution. Thanks! Keep up the great work.
@rogerk71946 жыл бұрын
Your enormous shop is coming together along with your organization. I actually got a little hungry when you mentioned "bread nails".... lol... just kiddin. You're very talented and dedicated to this fine hobby of woodworking. Continue on. Good luck. Work/Play safe is what I always say. BTW, the pegboard ordeal was great. Happy it didn't get you hurt.
@jamesskerry6356 жыл бұрын
For that pegboard install look up the Rockwell jaw stand... life changing!!
@sharpeguns16 жыл бұрын
When you run out of pegboard space add 1x4 boards around the board, add double centers, then add doors, add peg board to inside and outside of doors. You just added 2/3rds more space with locking doors to keep out those borrowing hands. I am a Machinist, Horologist, Numismatist, jeweler, and gemologist, gunsmith. All my tools are in zones as needed. I've move so I bought a 8000 square foot building. My next project is to do the same thing again. This time I'm adding small pocket drawers.
@More-Space-In-Ear6 жыл бұрын
Gradually getting there....looking great....👍🏼😊
@atomiczombie225 жыл бұрын
Your hard work and drive are inspiring April
@natebolton93856 жыл бұрын
That rockler drawer organizer is clever.
@StevenAndrews6 жыл бұрын
Awesome ideas. Soon as I finish putting up the osb on the inside I'm gonna take a weekend and make a bunch of cleats.
@dustyhush6 жыл бұрын
cool shop , nice work, awesome dogs, you got it all .
@srihcadi53836 жыл бұрын
I learned long ago to "mount" everything on the walls of my shop with french cleats (I prefer to call them freedom cleats)....I find that I am regularly moving stuff around and this makes it very easy to do so. Although its great to have everything out and accessible, for those of us without dust collection that can be a nightmare to keep everything clean.
@wb_finewoodworking6 жыл бұрын
Your new shop is coming along well. I’m working on shop organization as well. While it takes time, energy and money getting the shop organizes, as you said, makes me happier to work out there. Enjoy your new shop.
@videogame12914 жыл бұрын
Those sounds you made when the pegboard was falling is an entire mood
@GeoFry36 жыл бұрын
you can get a bunch of TP-LINK plugs that can be controlled from your phone or an Alexa (Amazon) app/device. You can set up profiles that let you group the various plugs to work together. I have mine hooked up to the lights and garage AC
@Aelanna6 жыл бұрын
I often have to do tasks by myself in my shop. I would suggest with the pegboard if you tacked those legs to the wall temporarily with some brads that would have helped hold them in place until the pegboard was up.
@dannyyoung55426 жыл бұрын
Bravo to u for not cussing up a storm when that peg board came crashing down! Ha u have more will power than I! Awesome vid tho with great ideas, thanks!
@kennystress21906 жыл бұрын
Oh I love the cleat hanging method, very simple to just bring all of the tools you might need to where you need them! Good video :)
@MrWkmp6 жыл бұрын
Great job on the shop! One note of interest with those cord reels, when you use them for larger power tools, pull them all the way out. We messed up a couple of those reels at the Rockler store I work at by not doing that. The emf from the reeled cord when being used messes up the cord reel.
@andysse39296 жыл бұрын
So much nicer when everything is organized!
@joshuaerwindelossantos19876 жыл бұрын
When the pegboard fell, I can't help myself but just laugh when you bow your head down knowing how much work you put the pegboard together
@mrtim19596 жыл бұрын
What a fantastic shop that is going to be!...Look forward to continue to follow your progress with it....
@Grunt496 жыл бұрын
You had a Tim Allen moment when you turned on the table saw! Shop looks great.
@M0nsieurX Жыл бұрын
This has been a big topic in my mind lately, definitely not as much space more than a garage and your tips are amazing! There's always a better way :)
@AprilWilkerson Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.
@robertwilson71436 жыл бұрын
Sweet puppies! I have that tool box and use it at work. thanks for sharing. it is motivational. time to get me organized.
@guyjones49366 жыл бұрын
I'm glad to see you getting your shop up and running. Looking forward to new projects soon. The pegboard scene was funny but I'm surprised you didn't just screw the spacers to the wall temporarily until the board was up.
@tonyalways71745 жыл бұрын
Some really clever ideas there. Thanks for sharing. Excellent
@jessejohnson1595 жыл бұрын
Welcome to my world of 'doing it myself'! I do know you had the right idea with that peg board!
@Cienega322 жыл бұрын
Pegboard slips, knocks tools off their stations, they hit the floor. April's reaction? "Darn it!" Kudos.
@mikestitzinger67216 жыл бұрын
So satisfying...and also motivating for me to get my shop organized. Glad you shared.
@joeleonetti89766 жыл бұрын
Wow. That clamp rack was compact. Good design.
@Yetimon5 жыл бұрын
Genuinely inspiring... (as he looks around the dreadful mess that is his study and workbench)
@rubenzikarsky51956 жыл бұрын
I would recommend you buy or hire some sort of plasterboard lifter. This would help you handle vast sheets of any material when hanging it up on walls or ceilings. Just be sure you buy a lift with locking grips, 360 Degree cubic rotation, and one built with enough lifting capacity and strength. Or you could even make one yourself.
@kimmy_future42656 жыл бұрын
i love the french cleat bit holders! thats a great idea! i'd hate to trip and fall into that wall though lol.
@TheSmartWoodshop6 жыл бұрын
April, you said the magic words, "I don't like things tucked away and hidden, I like things visible and easily accessible." Your statement is the mission statement for my channel😎🤙
@marcelogutierrez-canales6376 жыл бұрын
I really don't know anything about woodworking or DIY projects but I love her personality
@leahsdreams6 жыл бұрын
I love these small project, always inspires me to organize my spaces better and more efficiently.
@littleshepherdfarm21286 жыл бұрын
April: Here's a tip for when you're alone and struggling to hang up long items like that pegboard: First, mark your bottom line, then tack a 2x2 to it and then level it. Secure it with screws or nails. Then just place your long item (pegboard) right on top of the 2x2 and drive in your screws. I used this method a lot when I was doing T-111 barn siding on buildings years ago. It makes the job faster and a lot easier. Love your show too by the way!
@manfredschmalbach90236 жыл бұрын
That peg board hanging tho .... Working alone meant building jigs and learning how to combine those to get the best use outta 'em buggers for YEARS for me. Once it started to pay off though, I usually wouldn't want to bother around with clumsy helpers any more about three or four years into it (did it for 30 plus years now ...)
@zonalenhart90816 жыл бұрын
I love watching how a woman approaches construction projects. I just found your channel last week and I’m loving it.
@erisi62045 жыл бұрын
Re-watching your videos and noticed your DeWalt Tough System boxes for I think the first time! I use the DS400 as I have to transport bits and pieces to where I do any maker stuff, considering getting the DS150 to keep measuring and template bits and bobs safe from damage in transport.
@johnchan61915 жыл бұрын
Wow, gr8 organization system. W/ a layout 4 all the tools & bins 4 screws & nut, will save time & more productive. Thx 4 sharing on the internet. Keep on DIYing.
@johnm.evangelis6936 жыл бұрын
April W. you're truly a top notch individual, love your videos!!!
@robinr.7706 жыл бұрын
This is beautiful. Way to go, April.
@randomevents29796 жыл бұрын
Love your practical, innovative ideas and solutions. You have given lots of solutions for my storage in my new workshop. Thanks for sharing :) I will stay tuned to your channel !
@rla10006 жыл бұрын
Please keep us posted on how the Rockler cord reels work out (8:50). I've been looking for one with heavier gauge wire like the 12-ga., and I was going to order one until I read several reviews on Amazon and on Rockler's own website. Some reviews were positive but many were negative about how they fail in a relatively short time frame (one actually reported a fire), and the warrantee is only a year so after that you're out $100. Love your shop!
@BeachsideHank6 жыл бұрын
I'm in my last shop now, the one most likely to survive my coming dirt nap. You reach a point in life when you know for a fact that one has more yesterdays behind than tomorrows ahead, and that forces a change in perspective. I no longer lavish time on details and appointments to my projects, most of which are for my own shop use anyways, instead I find it challenging to simply stay on task and see a project through from start to finish, most often they are shelved for a while until I gather up the enthusiasm to carry on, so as a result I've got several in various stages of completion- or disarray depending on one's perspective. No regrets though, I've had my share of triumphal moments and near defeats, the distillation of which can be summed up thus: *Good enough, satisfactory, sufficient, acceptable, suitable, reasonable, agreeable, adequate, usable, all right; these words do not necessarily mean compromise in any endeavor, just a point at which nothing further of substance will be gained by additional effort. Don't let perfection be the enemy of good enough.* - Beachside Hank ☺
@GeneWaddle6 жыл бұрын
I know what you're saying. I don't do shop projects, but I sing. Only in the last 5 years (I"m 64) have I been able to record myself. Do I wish I could have done that 30 or 40 years ago? Of course, but I have to deal with what is, not what I wish was. I have a lot of friends in their 20s and 30s who have extraordinary talent and I'd love to be able to keep up with them, but mostly I have to go with good enough, and that's okay. I don't think most people mind a few imperfections and I hope when I'm gone my kids stop by my YT channel from time to time and smile a bit. 🙂
@tomtruesdale69016 жыл бұрын
Shop is looking great, really like the router/drill bit organizers