6 Tips For a Better Shop Layout

[@woodwhisperer]

Have any tips you'd like to share for setting up the perfect shop? Let's hear 'em!

[@AndrewArndts]

As you stated, as you work in the area you move stuff around to suit what you are building. Paul Sellers only has his work bench and tools within a few steps or in an arms reach. I'm a wood turner, just need my lathe but other tools are 12 feet away like my Drill press & band saw... it works but there is certainly much needed improvement. The one absolute NEED in any shop is a cabinet for the paints & finishes and other items that are flammable. For what little I have a small two drawer file cabinet works, but I know I will need to upgrade down the road.

[@je7630]

What about putting the dustcollection "upstairs", in that weird attic kinda area behind those red doors? I can imagine that the accessibility to that area can be pretty hard (for example emptying the dustbin).

[@jppianoguy]

Build a loft above your miter saw station for your dust collector.

[@joshmagrum3552]

I agree an elevated DC is great for keeping floor space free

[@glrider100]

I have to agree with others.. You have altitude, think in 3 dimensions, not just 2. The only thing that needs to be at human accessible height is the dust bin itself. BTW, your dust bin doesn't have to be a round barrel, it could be rectangular, to better fit the space. You could put big wheels on it, if you want, for better mobility.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

As a fellow woodworker and KZbinr, I have to smile at the out takes. I know that I spend more time filming and getting it on disk to edit than woodworking. My ratio is beyond 10:1. Shooting, editing, and posting about 1 hour for 1 minute of the finished video. I am not complaining as I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it. I do envy your space😎🤙

[@JohnWilliams-vf5bt]

Just laying out a workshop in the UK for first time so your video is much appreciated. The tip about electrical supplies immediately had me realising I’d made a big error. Really useful stuff, thanks!

[@ThomasG1971]

I always love when people put in the bloopers ... it shows just how much time and frustration goes into making even a short video ... loving it

[@jaywilson6628]

Great video and excellent tips, Marc. Only tip I'd add is don't be afraid to try something new. Along the lines of your live with it for a bit tip: don't be afraid to try something that doesn't immediately seem right. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it can trigger another thought that does work.

[@woodwhisperer]

Very true!

[@emperialserver5552]

I didn't realize until seeing this video that you are actually local to me. This is too cool!

[@richhubert1260]

came for the sic "dad jokes" stayed for the sweet sweet bloopers!

[@TrapDoorWoodworks]

I've worked wood professionally for over 40 years, and the layout for the main dimensional tools you showed is right on the money. I like to use lumber carts as well that the wood rides on throughout the machining process all the way to the assembly area. I'm finally setting up a new home shop after quite some time without one. I still have most of my machines, but finally got around to building the space. I am currently putting the ceiling in my new 32' x 36' shop, and will be doing the wiring next. Cant wait to machine some wood though 😊

[@gte717v]

People can easily obsess over the distance between tools, but they sometimes forget that setting up is where most of the time is actually spent before you start cutting. Making sure everything you need as far as accessories, blades, bits and stuff that are accessible at the tool will save you more time than making sure all of the tools are close to each other.

[@Archania]

Ah wow. Watched the whole thing just for Marc's dancing! Totally worth it.

[@alanr745]

Marc, good points. The types of tools that can go along the wall should also be pointed out - bandsaw, drill press, router table, sanding station, and miter saw can all be grouped to go on opposite walls. That leave dust collection a bit simpler to run as well (two branches off the main with drops for every tool). Beyond that, I have found it a blessing to have a L-shaped shop. It made layout and dust collector location a no-brainer.

[@jeffreysmith5018]

I’m really enjoying watching you entire move process - very cool new space and really appreciate the insight on your thought process.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thank you very much!

[@justplanebob105]

The weather has been so nice the last week or so. It's been nice to have the doors open.

[@philcrannick7383]

I have been following for several years, and have incorporated several of your processes along the way. Including your layout processes. Thanks for all you do for all of us.

[@woodwhisperer]

Awesome, thank you!

[@projectmanager982]

On your HVAC unit with the white return air grille. You may want to consider adding a pre-filter box that you can use a cartridge-type filter just behind the grille. Much easier to replace pre-filters.

[@clickster1883]

Jay Bates has a great video (maybe two?) on his dust collection and shop air filtration/climate control set up that utilizes pre-filters also, and it’s seems to work like a charm for him as well as prolongs the functional life of the mechanical systems (e.g. mini-splits).

[@joeysawdust]

Marc, great video. When I was moving my shop from NJ to upstate NY, I enjoyed using Excel for designing it as I was very familiar with Excel from work and didn't have to buy/download anything. Simply resize each cell into a square small enough so that your entire shop fits on the screen. For me, each square was a square foot (easy to visualize a square foot especially for in/outfeed purposes) and my basement shop was about 35'x30'. Make boxes with thicker borders/infill color for machines/benches/toolchests even lights. Obstructions like lolly columns/radon vent pipe/stairs are easily placed using different border/infill colors. I went through at least six major interations with weeks/months between (it took us about 2 years to move) and learned from each one. Infeed and outfeed space got a major emphasis, and I focused a lot on dust collection with long straight runs for the planar/band saw/table saw/drum sander on the G-700 and the jointer/drill press on the cyclone. Electrical circuits (6 110V and 6 220V) were run along walls and overhead through 3/4" conduit for flexibility and a 30-slot mostly empty panel was just feet away. Eighteen 4' LED lights provide plenty of shadow-free light along with an 8' set of windows on the walk-out side of the basement. Since I'm retired and only do woodworking for fun, I put very little emphasis on efficiency or speed or even workflow (I know some folks do, but I'm glad that I don't). Best of luck in your new place!!!!

[@gmmeier321]

Of course, that nice light finally behind the camera imparts a nicer glare on the host’s glasses 🤓

[@sunflowerdeath]

Just looking at the thumbnail, I can see a very neat tip - to own an eight time larger shop than mine 😆

[@lundyswoodcrease5876]

The new shop’s evolution is looking great Mr. Spags. And I appreciated the explanation on holding off on dust collection until the time was right.

[@kristian1638]

Congratz on your firehouse Marc, I love following you and your family. Humor, learning and good sound advice - thank you for keep on making 💪🏻

[@stevenmcglynn3773]

I get a kick out of your outtakes! It’s amazing how much time is required to film and edit a 10 minute video!

[@paramediclee1]

Marc. Love the journey. Great use of the old fire station. Hope your open to guests stopping by! Love to see it.

[@richs5422]

Jay Bates has a dust collector more or less in the middle of his shop, or did at one time. Good way to keep runs short. I make "power poles", lapped 2X4s to make a 4X4 pole. This allows me to run electrical and exhaust down the pole to a group of machines. This also groups the blast gates.

[@michaelault3180]

My tip about shop layout is if you build a shop in an old fire house you scatter Ghostbusters references and collectibles around the shop. It really helps with the Feng shui.

[@HarrisonFord11]

I used the JKM layout tool when I did my shop layout and it was very beneficial for my back. Because like any woodworker I have rearranged my shop around a good 1,456,278 times.

[@jefffarris3386]

I have completely abandoned the idea of central dust collection. Your evaluation covers most of the reasons I'm dumping the idea. I've found that portable units located in "zones" where they can service 1, 2, or 3 machines are working better for me. Working the secondary market, I've been able to purchase several quality small dust collectors for considerably less than the cost of a large central system with effective ducts.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I just moved my shop around again. Maybe the 4th time in this space. Or… the 8th. Who’s counting? My husband doesn’t understand. But… I have added tools. I have changed what my workflow is. I have changed the types of projects. In this last move I had everything just about set when I realized that I had things blocking infeed. So I had to pivot. I think I’m really liking the new layout. Makes me feel more productive.

[@glencrandall7051]

Talk about timing. I just today signed a contract for a new shop. I moved out of a 700 sq ft space but the new one will be somewhat bigger. That means I will probably change the relationship of a lot of components, or maybe not. So this video gives me a lot to think about. It will be interesting to see how many of the points presented here will be used. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe. 🙂🙂

[@HeliRy]

If you’ve got little kids, another way to plan your layout in great detail is with Lego. If you make each of those little 4-pin square pieces equal to one square foot, you can get really accurate and creative.

[@boatworkstoday]

Hey Marc, just went through a similar deal this past year moving into a new location and shop. One thing I did differently here compared to my old shop on ventilation and specifically dust control was to switch from the approach of pulling fresh air into the space while exhausting the nasty stuff (requiring the fresh air to be heated or else you're dumping all the heat in the building) to something that circulated the air inside the space while filtering it. No fresh air being pulled in. Similar approach to the PM air scrubber you have, but on steroids. No affiliation but take a look at Industrial Maid. I went with 3 of their T-3000i units with additional charcoal filters for the VOC's. They work extremely well. Think it might be a good fit for your space if you're looking for something like this. Note: Not a substitute for having the tools collected to a cyclone, but a belt and suspender approach to scrubbing anything that doesn't get caught at the tool ;-)

[@bobwebberkc]

I have built everything from toys chairs tables bed room suites and dressers in a 12X20 building so it’s more about work flow and material handling. Tool selection is has been critical. I have been lucky in that I have avoided the temptation to buy tools that get in the way. I have been in this shop over 20 years. Love your content!

[@viseerrdentsawl8494]

Tip: 1) always have more floor space than tool space. 2) don’t let the wife use your shop as her auxiliary storage area.

[@jreyman]

#2, definitely true.

[@bertaboy]

If only my kids were as cooperative. Every time I want to start a project, steps 1-... are move the bikes, the sports gear, etc...

[@joe_ferreira]

I am in the middle of retaking my garage back from my wife. 🤣

[@threegreencharms]

My shop is constantly under seige also

[@MasterOfNone2023]

#2 is the hardest for me. Between the Christmas boxes and the kids' bikes, skateboards, scooter, etc I barely have room to work

[@michaelpatrick6950]

Regarding dust collection. I see everyone get all freaked out over duct work layout. My bona fides are 40+ years of design and operation of pneumatic conveying system for dry powders up to 60,000 lbs per hour. Also, I designed and operated dust systems for control of explosive dusts, mostly starches, but also sugars, fibers etc. A general rule of thumb for a pneumatic conveying system is not to exceed 2 lbs of material per cu ft of air. This would be a heavily loaded pneumatic system. Since most woodworkers have dust collectors that run from 450 cfm to maybe 1200 cfm with most being around 600, you can see that even off of a planer, the chip/dust loading can almost be ignored. The controlling design factor is pressure drop across the system and air velocity. One can find a lot of engineering data on the net showing pressure drop in ducts. To determine velocity is simply divide volumetric airflow by duct cross sectional area. The goal is to have 2700-3000 ft/min at the pickup point. Any more than that and you'll have unnecessary pressure drop. Since it's a vacuum system, if it's picked up, it'll keep going because the velocity is increasing across the system. One can also construct a homemade manometer or purchase an inches water gauge to determine the fan's static pressure capabilities. In a 4" corrugated hose, the pressure drop for a 650 cfm Delta unit with 1micron bags on the top and bottom is less than a half inch of water over 25'. In a smooth 4" pipe, it's essentially unmeasurable. That gives a velocity of around 7500 ft/min or 3x the pickup velocity for wood chips. Even a cheap, Harbor Freight system will develop several inches of water static pressure. So, in most cases, a dust system can be laid out for convenience and aesthetics with almost no impact on performance. Also, I've been in this shop for 5 years with Powertec 1 micron bags on a Delta unit and a 40 year old no-name unit. There is essentially no layer of dust on flat surfaces that have been exposed to settling dust for 5 years. I mill all of my lumber that I use.

[@JasonRSpenny]

One thing I've come to love is that since I work out of a garage, and I like having the door open ANYWAY, that's a great area for JOinter/planer/table saw/band saw - the garage door open makes for a TON of outfeed runway.

[@dennispope8160]

I always like the jointer next to the planer with a drill press (or two) in the middle of them. It’s a super space efficient setup and works well to joint then plane a board, the drill presses between them use the space that would be normally forgotten about. I also like back to back sawstops! I had the opportunity to do this where I work and the dust collection and electric came from the basement so no interference in that aspect. Usually keep a dado stack on one and a general purpose blade on the other. Works well because the the second saw becomes the outfeed of the other saw. Doesn’t work for every one though.

[@kencoleman7762]

My son and I are planning on constructing a new shop so this is very timely and useful.

[@woodwhisperer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattrinne]

Sometimes people say I have no filter. I appreciate you sharing some so I can consider them more. 🤬

[@truegrainwoodcrafts]

Never realized just how important shop layout was until we got our first actual shopspace. We went through almost every step you mentioned. After a lot of headache we finally realized we had to start with our main tools. Basically we put everything in a triangle area, just like you said. Mitersaw, jointer, planer, table saw. I guess what I'm saying is, *I needed this video two years ago!* My only tip would be to use wall space as much as possible. Build french cleats, and some sort of lumber rack on the wall. That's helped us a lot. Great vid!

[@pmelchman]

Best thing I did was to run 220v from the ceiling for my TS, J/P, and BS. Around the exterior are 120v / 220v boxes. Great video Marc. Love the bloopers

[@FearsomeWarrior]

My shop is in left of three garage stalls. My left wall has a dust collector run with bandsaw, drill press, sanders, planer, jointer all lined up. Table saw in middle of stall. Made the run way easier. Collector sits to side of garage door, kind of in front corner. Basically like Mark said but condensed the tools into one row.

[@aaronblackford981]

I forgot to say earlier. Welcome to Mo. Trying to remember what area your in. Check out the whiskey barrel plant in Lebanon and take the wife through the wine trail sometime. Both are pretty cool and maybe some great wood finds while doing it.

[@eddieroy8037]

I’m relaying out my shop currently thank you for the tips

[@Robyrob7771]

Nice to see it coming together!

[@jeremymcclanahan2389]

On putting the dust collector outside....I tried this in my small shop here in KY....it was a quick way to raise the heating bill

[@csimet]

Great tips. I used Sketchup with just basic shapes for each tool/cabinet/bench and created a few pieces of maximum sized lumber that I could move around to make sure things fit. I have a very small L-shaped basement shop (~450 sq. ft.) and this worked out great... especially when trying to figure out where my cabinets would go around the perimeter since they are hard to move. The toughest part was figuring out how to work around the lally column that is in the middle of the floor. All major tools are on cart wheels so I can adjust as needed. I'm working on a shop-made air scrubber that fits into the ceiling joist cavity and uses several square furnace filters and a 420 CFM duct booster fan... just to knock back the floating fine dust (MERV13). My biggest tip... always run twice as many electrical receptacles as you think you need and space them out everywhere. ;) I have them every 4 feet along the walls (top/counter height *and* bottom) and a bunch in the ceiling.

[@TsugaPNW]

I have seen for DC in other videos the Gyro Air Dust Processor. The size and capacity and design seem to be top notch.

[@blizatrex]

Jason is doing a great job being hawkeye.

[@meatwhisperer]

Great tips! I look forward to getting my tools out of storage and utilizing these tips

[@petecomps7260]

At the very end of the video, you show a small alcove high in a wall. That may be a good spot to put the dust collector motor/impeller and cyclone separator. Put the bin on the floor, with a long pipe from the bottom of the cyclone. Since cyclone separators capture the vast majority of the dust, the dust filter shouldn't need much maintenance, so it can be up high, too. If the filter is in that alcove, cut a large hole in the doors and install some furnace filters. That will cut down on the dust in the air (that gets through the dust collector filter). In fact, if you don't care about conditioned air, you could forego the dust filter entirely, and just vent straight outside (assuming you use a cyclone separator). That's what I've done with my dust collector / cyclone. My shop is in my unheated barn, so I don't care about sending the inside air straight outside. (It also boosts my CFM since there's no filter to reduce airflow.)

[@johnbhancock]

Perfect for me since I am near the end of my new shed build. As usual you have some great info here and I will probably steal your ideas ;)

[@GageDrums]

This is perfect as I'm in the process of setting up my shop

[@DarrensWorkshop]

I used to have two "Centralised" dust extractors in my shop, but being a two car garage there wasn't a lot of space to spare. One of the extractors took up more space than many of my machines. My solution was to replace the large extractors with smaller vacuum cleaner style extractors. one for each machine. Believe it or not this has freed up a lot of space, eliminated the need for ducting and makes for smaller loads when emptying. This may not be the best solution for everyone, but it works well for me.

[@driftlessjoinery5059]

I've moved my current space around completely 3 times now in about 7 years. Each time it's better, but there's always something. My last move was to condense my tools into smaller space so I wasn't walking around needlessly. I still have great layout, but core tools are closer to my bench and with a better flow from raw materials to stalled-unfinished-projects. I created a 'Pod' with my bandsaw, planer and jointer, dust collection and a 50 amp subpanel mounted to a shopbuilt hollow post. One big thing I ran into was which direction I could go with my new cyclone. I had planned on a 'right hand' unit, however with my cyclone when I ordered their larger diameter impeller fan, you can only get it with the inlet on the LEFT of the cyclone. That required that I completely change it's location to the only other corner that would work. Something to also think about, just because ya wanna, doesn't mean you can. Space is looking great.

[@irhgsy]

So jealous of the space! From a home garden shed DIYer . Thanks

[@tomim7187]

Good tips. You have the advantage of airspace so, hang that dust collector in the ether and run a longer hose to the bin. The bin can go under a worktable or the corner by the two doors and be out of the way. That's were mine lives.

[@craigscott7760]

You did not show the other bay in the video, but that seems like another location for dust collection and/or maybe a finishing booth or any less commonly performed operations. The door between the bays is not large, but anything big could go out one garage door and into the other or maybe enlarge the man-size door which may pay for the increased heat/cooling bill as you lose conditioned air opening both large doors. I love the space.

[@johnhupp8444]

In my shop I have 120 and 240 volt outlets in the ceiling. I anchored my power drops to the hard duct drops and mounted receptacles to pieces of plywood that are zip tied to the lower end of the duct. No cords to trip over and cords basically follow the path of the dust collection hoses.

[@donaldpyles2891]

Not sure if I can explain this in words but here goes. Like you I am putting my jointer on the fixed end of my table saw, but I am putting my planner between the jointer and the table saw. I can start with the jointer, one edge, one flat side, go to the planner second flat side and then to the table saw. With all three located n one spot it will simplify dust collection. I am bringing one 6" drop down for the three pieces of equipment and using blast gates to open just what is in use. I am a single person shop so usually no more than one will be open at a time. Just my idea

[@jonathanmelancon3021]

Mister Mark. I have your mugs, books and dvd. Now running a 4500 square feet shop. Nothing is more accurate than you are not gonna get the best layout first try. I found running a business more more enjoyable once i got rid of my fear of not getting everything perfect the first time and enjoying small improvements. It's all about the journey folks!

[@thomlipiczky9021]

You have all that height in the firehouse. Why not suspend the dust collector from the ceiling and have the can that holds the dust on a pulley so it can be lowered and detached when full. Then your duct runs across the ceiling to the various tool locations can avoid an unnecessary 90 degree turn. Good luck with setting up the new shop! I love watching your stuff!

[@billfarkas8247]

Hi Marc, I noticed a lot of different looking tools in the shop? Is this because of the sponsorship deal? We’re you required to return the tools and purchase new ones. Exited to see what’s coming up!

[@woodwhisperer]

Go back to some of the videos prior to the move. I talked extensively about the sponsorships and tool choices. To sum up, no, I wasn't required to return anything but the loss of a sponsor opens up a lot of new opportunities to experience other brands.

[@KeyvanJuanez]

I actually had to unlearn a few popular shop organization tips, or at least put them into context in my most recent garage reorganization. Namely: 1: Even you're tight on space, sometimes bigger actually IS better. 2: You want like 1-2 things that can serve as a table saw outfeed but not EVERY bench 3: Mobile stuff should be mobile but some things work better when they don't move. This goes for (IMO) most benchtop tools, compressors, chargers, etc. I upgraded some tools in my 2 car garage and had the usual cascading problem of "nothing fits in its old spot anymore". So I did the graph paper and scaled cardboard cutouts thing and pored over that for WEEKS but just could not find an orientation that worked well and still packed away to park the cars at night. What seemed to solved the problem was adding another big bench, specifically a taller mitre saw station across the whole back wall of the garage. It gave me a ton of counter space for benchtop tools (and fewer tool carts as a result), it's tall enough to shove all the other benches underneath so I can pack everything away better, and I actually use my grinders and compressor more now that they just stay plugged in instead of having to unpack the cart and plug them in every time I want to use them.

[@TheTrullGallery]

I can't tell you how many times I've said "I'm never moving the shop again." I quit saying that about three shops ago. The next shop is still in the hands of our architect, and my tool layout is done in Sketchup. In the old days I used a homemade Colorforms. The shop drawing and tools were covered in clear contact paper allowing me to tape the tools in place and move them around until I liked the layout. And I always include walking / working areas for each tool, so I have room to move.

[@mccarthydesign1429]

You already mentioned it but the biggest tip I have is to stay flexible and mobile. After working in a space for a while or getting a new free standing tool, you may decide to move some stuff around. If your tools aren't on casters or the dust collection piping is glued/riveted together, this can be a huge pain to deal with.

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐Another really good and informative video on a subject that can never be overstated or over analyzed. I hope to get converting my garage into my shop really SOON and I've already sketched up more than one iteration of it. Thanks for the video and the info, I will definitely come back to this one as a reference before settling on a layout. Take care and have a good one, Adios!👊

[@dennispope8160]

I can speak a small amount about exterior central dust collectors… the school I am a tech teacher at got a new one. We have a “Sternvent Vibraclean” 7.5hp unit at the school. The school opted to put in a spark detection unit, blast gate etc… but the sternvent units are designed to be outside in the elements, can have multiple barrels and if you don’t recirculate the air back inside would be very quiet. Recirculating the air back in creates some noise.

[@vulgarwoodworks]

Along the lines of videography, would be a space for photos of completed projects. Pull down backdrops, a dedicated "feature" wall, etc. Not necessarily a major consideration in shop layout, but definitely something to consider

[@wilsonroadwoodworks]

Nearly every shop layout video talks about designing for "workflow". I certainly understand how this is going to be important for large and/or production shops. On the other hand it is a waste of time to get too tied up in workflow design for a smaller space. My recently converted shop is in a 14'x20' gambrel roof shed. In that shed I have a full suite of woodworking tools - tablesaw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, router table, oscillating sander, floor drill press, CNC, dust collector, assembly/outfeed table, and more. Sure, I tried to lay them out so they make sense but it is more about making everything FIT with room to work and not about workflow. Everything goes on casters for mobility! Wall space for storage is a super premium because with a gambrel roof my side walls are only six feet tall and most of the wall space has equipment in front of it. Nothing is far away because it is less than 280 square feet of total space. I'd like to add a nice SuperMax 16-32 drum sander but have no idea where I would put it!

[@MrBertstare]

I saw on NYC CNC they use a scale model of the shop that they 3D printed so thats what I did. you can print lumber and sheet goods to double check in and out feed and as you bring in new equipment you just print a new model.

[@egbluesuede1220]

I built my first shop 6 years ago and spent about 6 months planning it out using sketch up. I'd say my shop is about 90% accurate to my original design. I happened to just check it today because the last piece of my grand plan arrived today (shout out Andy Klein for my sweet twin turbo vice). My two biggest tips for people are to really pay attention to lighting and learn to run some calcs on how many lumens you want to certain activities. I also have a bank of directional lights with a really high CRI lamp in them so you can see colors accurately without having to take your work outside and view it in sunlight. If I changed one thing, it would be to have more outlets. It's amazing how many things need power and the up front cost is minimal rather than expensive after thoughts.

[@rkrzyston]

love the bloopers!

[@DreamingTree-vo9lj]

Keeping tools on the same work elevation makes moving materials around easier and allows for tables/benches to be used as outfeed if needed

[@Dale1205]

Welcome to Missouri. !

[@jgalvezluna]

beautiful space! I like too much! I would like to see a Felder combo machine or something like that, you would have more free room. Best wishes!

[@Hangs4Fun]

Would love to see more on your electrical and dust collection ductwork! I'm building out a similar size building and finally getting to shop layout. My wall height is 16 foot and I am very curious about more details on the electrical drops you did (or had did). I'm thinking you probably did 10 gauge from panel to ceiling spot above the drop into an electrical box and then changed over to a black flexible cable and ended with a proper NEMA L6-(15A, 20A, 30A depending on tool)? I'm also designing my dust collection ductwork which seems to require a math and science degree (lol). Will be starting out at 8 inches to get out of the soundproof "utility room" and up to the distribution height. As I drop down, if the tool has dual 4", I will drop down with 6" and then split into 2x4" to service the tool. But I'm really curious to learn more about your duct work design considerations. I can't afford Nordfab, but may be able to swing metal spiral pipe. Worst case, I'm using PVC for all of the main runs, switching down to clear flex just before the tool and of course using metal blast gates (wish I could swing the new iVac system that wirelessly communicates to all necessarily blast gates once a tool is turned on). Oh, and one other item I have to design for is my air compressor loop and drops. Yes I know cordless is here, and I have a large set of them. But there are instances I prefer compressed air (plus on my metal fab side of the shop, things like my CNC plasma, have to have compressed air), my blast cabinet, my spray booth, etc; so for the compressed air circuits I'm running all 3/4" RapidAir MaxLine and their drops. Would love to see more on your electrical and dust collection ductwork!

[@peterbreese2575]

You said in a video you posted after getting the fire house you wonder what to use the huge space up top. What about putting the dust collector up there and extending the hose to the catch can below

[@arthurgriffin1210]

Thank you Mark great demonstration

[@aestheticsinger]

Great vid mark!! Love seeing the shop progress!

[@mikedwyer5509]

where you store your timber would be a good place to put your dust collector no noise in the main shop

[@dtoux]

Experience is usually not about knowing what to do but rather about knowing what NOT to do 😉

[@grahambarnett6107]

You have a high ceiling area, you could always put the dust collection on a stage that you could build high up. Good for the central machines you have to tube up too as they would already be above head hight. Just need to sort out how to empty the bin.

[@jlinker7]

Marc, could you put the dust collection (and if you have a large air compressor it as well) in the small garage bay and either cut a hole through the interior wall (I know the vermiculite) or as someone else suggested connect through the door? That would keep it inside and in another room to reduce noise.

[@JimHester]

Seems like Todd found the best place for that dust collector. At least the loud parts of it, that is.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you . i tried to figure out space to move cut an 8ft board in my layout

[@patricksquires77]

Impacts to shop layout in my own mind - no particular order. I am not a pro but I have experience in blueprints for commercial shops and public high school. 1)Tools laid out to accommodate -Order of operation for your biggest projects. 2) Storage related to operations. 3) Chip/dust control. 4) Electricity requirements per station. 5) Lighting per station. 6) Noise! (Overlooked that once.) 7) Temperature/HVAC/Climate control of location/area. 8) Location of tools relative to multiple stations that may require. 9) Serviceability in relation to non-movable objects. 10) Visibility and working interference if working with others. 11) Pallet jack navigation of equipment in and out. 12) Pneumatics 13) Egress requirements Don’t do any of this permanently. Thus - Wheels and cords and flexible conduit and flexible dust collection is your friend. Change it fast and move on. Shop size.

[@MrSharper802]

Good video. I think workflow is overrated. In most modest sized shops the distance isn't really an issue and the processing of stock is not so linear. It's common to go from rough layout to milling, back to layout for joinery, and back to milling/sizing of parts. I'm on my fifth shop. Dust collection is probably the top issue unless you want duct work all over your shop. Finding a way to group your tools to limit the number of runs off your dust collector seems paramount. Followed by electrical if you have some 220V machines. Then there are some natural things such as a table saw in the center because you need space in front of the table saw and typically an outfeed table +/- a router table in the extension. And as Marc pointed out there are machines like miter saws and band saws that lend themselves to be up against a wall because you work in front of or alongside those tools not behind them.

[@davidstuart4489]

Dust Collection Tip: Yes, put the cyclone outdoors, but modify one of your doors so you can connect/disconnect through an opening in a door, rather than through a wall. And, yes, this is more work, but it meets your requirement of minimal movement when the time to empty the bin arrives. Of course I have no idea which door, because I have no idea how many doors, or windows you have in the space. But you don't need to bust a hole through a wall in order to do this.

[@joeg8200]

Depending on the codes of the area, you may not be able to do that through an exterior door. I was having a similar thought through a window. Halve the window so you still have the natural light, but don't have to bust through a wall. This usually doesn't effect codes either. I saw the window in the "office" area behind the one door. Easier to duct through the drywall to that window then out. Course, if I was standing there I'm sure I would have millions of things going through my mind for all the options to work. Good luck and looking good.

[@brentfrench752]

Although important, I don’t necessarily think the location of the tools are the difficult job, but electrical, lights, dust collection, heating and possibly A/C is where the challenges really begin. I have a small garage shop and almost think it would be easier to set up a larger shop as you have to stuff so much into such a small space in the garage, although it would be cheaper.

[@jarodsown2596]

My shop is so small that while I’m using the chop saw, I’m sitting on the table saw, and using the jointer as a footstool 😁.

[@paulhume8083]

Great video.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great tips.

[@MrStrizver]

"Shop layout is always evolving"....My wife: "You're moving that *AGAIN*?!?"

[@NASTYcraftX]

Definitely consider dust collector in wood storage bay.

[@danielsanders9508]

I was expecting to see a new Oliver thickness planer in the video. Hoping for a review.

[@robertvaughan1331]

You moved to Wentzville? I lived in Wentzville for 8 years prior to moving to California. Great people and an awesome school system in Wentzville. Good luck!

[@jronmanbuilds]

I know this probably isn't an ideal option either but you could get a dust collector where the bin has casters on it. I think Felder has one. You could possibly retrofit your existing bin to include casters. Being able to roll it around would make taking it to the dumpster slightly easier. Just throwing out ideas here not sure if they will be of any help or not.

[@joeychgo]

I think the long term plan for the dust extraction would be best to build the outdoor structure. Perhaps your not ready for it now, but I would suggest making that the long term solution for many reasons I am sure you already know. You might also consider insulating the doors for sound improvements.

[@kreparAZ]

great video! excellent ideas on shop layout.

[@steveferguson1232]

Great video Marc. Is it wired being in your first commercial shop and not at home in garage. I’d bet to say you love it or really like it a lot. Lol

[@JyB818]

For security reasons, have you considered covering the windows in the roll-up doors?