Small Shop, Big Results: 7 Tips for Organizing Your Woodworking Shop

Hey there, everybody... Sometimes small spaces really suck. Hey, I'm Stephen from Wind and Fire Woodwork, and today I'm gonna share seven tips to successfully organize a very small woodworking shop. If you're working in a small space, then you know how challenging it can be to keep everything organized and maximize the limited space that you have. So let's dive in and learn some tips and tricks that will help you optimize your space and make the most of your woodworking experience. The first tip I have for you to successfully organize your small woodworking shop is to declutter. Just start by getting rid of all the tools and materials that you don't use or need. Donate, sell, or discard anything that's been sitting in your shop, taking up space and collecting dust. Just keep the essentials. You'll be surprised at how much space you manage to free up.

It's possible that I've never really been all that good at this one. The second tip is to create a layout that maximizes the available space. Identify the areas in your shop that you can use for storage, and then plan your workspace around them. Consider installing drawers in your workbenches and place shelves and French cleats on the walls to keep your tools organized and accessible. The third tip that I have for you is to put everything on wheels. When you're working in a small space, it is essential to be able to move things around easily, so invest in or build portable workstations that you can use for different projects and move around your shop as needed. And this is on wheels, and this is on wheels. This cart's on wheels, and this cart's on wheels. And well, guess what? Over here, too, my workbench is also on wheels.

So yeah, wheels everywhere. Hey, if you're enjoying this content, can you do me a big favour and click that like button down below and maybe even consider subscribing? Thanks so much! Let's get back to the video. The fourth tip for you is to use your vertical space. When floor space is limited, you need to go up. Utilize the walls and the ceiling of your shop to store tools and materials; your filter install, hanging racks, shelves, custom tool holders and cabinets to utilize your vertical space. The fifth tip I have for you is to have multiple uses for as many things in your shop as possible. When space is limited, consider combining your router table into your table saw wing, using your outfeed table as a workbench, an assembly table, and a storage cabinet. If you've got tools that come with some sort of open base, add shelving or modify the base into a cabinet to maximize the space that you've got available to you. My sixth tip is to keep your shop clean and tidy. Regularly sweep and vacuum your shop to keep it free of dust and debris. This is gonna help to prevent accidents and create a safer workspace. Additionally, cleaning as you go will save you time and will make your woodworking experience far more enjoyable.

My seventh tip is to keep things really well-lit. Seriously, nothing makes a small space feel smaller than not having enough light. Pick up some inexpensive led light bars or set up your workbench by a window or both. This'll not only make your shop feel more open and airy, but it's also gonna make it easier to see what you're working on and get a really nice finish on things.

Well, that's it for today's video. I hope you found these seven tips helpful in organizing your very small woodworking shop. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more woodworking tips and tutorials. And if you made it to the end of this video, let me know by commenting, "go up." I read every comment and pay special attention to those who stick around. Now, until next time, make sawdust, not excuses.