Shop organization

J

Jasonk

Participating member
After 12 years of renting, we will be closing on our own shop at the end of this month. It's pretty much a blank space so I'm looking for tips or pics of good ways to keep saws, gear, hand tools etc organized. Space has been a limiting factor for us for a long time, and that won't be a problem here. Any tips will be put to good use!
 
How about a space like a walk in closet that's well ventilated but with a fan and heat for drying out wet gear. Lots of shelving.. I've always been a fan of the NSF shelves suspended from the ceiling to keep the floor space open.
 
Keep a spot dedicated to maintenance. Keep shelving and flat horizontal spaces to a minimum, try cabinets and hooks for storage. Flat spots congregate crap and clutter. Try and keep gear you use regularly stored close to the main enterence to your new shop. That way you're less inclined to "just throw it in the shop and we'll deal with it tomorrow" after a long day. If you have a bunch of guys, lockers are not a bad idea but use chain link doors so you A; don't have trust issues, everyone can see what everyone else has and guys are less likely to hord gear. B; everyone keeps thier own stuff tidy if everyone can see it and you as management can see that any company supplied gear is treated w/ respect and not just thrown in at the end of the day.
 
Lighting

Zone lighting so you don't have to have the whole shop lit up at once. Get the right fixtures so that you have light that's easy on the eyes over the workbenches.

Power

LOTS of electricity! I've been in shops that have dual duplex outlets every 8-10' around the whole shop. You might need to run two circuits in order to have enough power. An electrician can advise you.

Storage

Find heavy duty four drawer file cabinets for parts storage. You can have easy access to a lot of space using drawers. Too often people build shelves and pile stuff on. The things in the back are lost. if you use shelving don't go more than two buckets deep.

Compressed air

Running an air line around the shop is a nice feature too. Black iron pipe is cheap.

Paint

Before you move the first thing into the new shop clean the ceiling, walls and floor. Buy or rent a Paint pot Paint every surface! I like using a semi-gloss egg shell color. Most pro paint stores sell primer that's made from mixing odd lots and mis-mixed paints. They're added together, blended and sold in five gallon buckets. Cheap too.

Habitat for Humanity ReUse stores have paint and other supplies.

Take pics so we can gloat along with you!
 
Great thread!

We need to get OldFart in on this one. Have you seen his shop in his videos? Immaculate! And obviously productive. I bet he'd have some good ideas.
 
For air lines in our shop I ran the pec plastic lines for air quick a nd cheap and put lots of outlets around same as hydro. Get bulk oil tanks washer fluid and storage to lock up grease bar oil . I also dedicated a parts room for truck and equipment as well as saws ropes and other new equipment that is bought,we run 2 full time mechanics and it is handy to have parts to keep equipment moving
 
Check local ordinances regarding storage of flammable materials and pesticides. Be sure to conform to them. Do a search on Hazard communication standards.
 
This is awesome! My dad just signed a lease for our first shop. I have a vision in my head but can't wait for pictures of other shops. I know limbwalker has put up pictures before on fb.

I will update with pictures.
 
Use a peg board to hang commonly used tools over work bench. Draw an outline and label tool placement. Easy way to keep track of tools and convenient storage, so long as the honor system is in place. Utilizing a Salvaged log from your job, stand it on end as a post and bore cut though the post to stow chain saws.
 
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