My new shop setup

I recently moved into a new home, my old shop was quite comfortable for me but sometimes things change. My old Shop had 2 work benches, but was smaller, I figure I’ll make another work bench here in a while after I figure things out and get more comfortable. My new shop space in total is about 700 square feet including prop and supply storage.

I moved my workbench which is 7.5 feet in width and about 2.75 feet in depth. It uses legs from 2×4 basics they are very strong and once assembled can hold a huge amount of weight. The top is 3/4 inch plywood and the 2 lower shelves are 1/2 inch plywood. I mounted the power strip on the front of the bench so I wouldn’t have cords dragging across the surface when using a Dremel tool or glue gun. I also have 2 duplex outlets at the rear of the bench on the wall.

I found a small metal rolling table (free) that I put my airbrush compressor on and my air brush manifold, (right side of pic) I now can roll it around and paint where ever I want. I love this feature. In the middle of the bench I have a 2 tiered spice rack that rotates I use it to store paint bottles and ink bottles, this works really well helping save space and keeps the paints handy.

I am anti-pegboard. I find that most tools don’t stay affixed to it very well and the hangers come detached and fall behind the workbench. I keep the majority of my tools in the craftsmen tool chest on the left of the picture. This helps me keep the workbench free of tools as well, every night after working I put them all away in there if I remember.

As far as lighting I have a dual tube fluorescent rig up top as you can see. I also use multiple single point light sources when sculpting and painting, just the clamp on type. This allows me to get the light where I want it at the time.

Notice the aprons on the left wall. I frequently forget to use them, thus dirtying my clothes. One of my favorite aprons is the Fire Hose Apron from Duluth Trading quite durable.

Tagged as: Studio, Tools, Workshop