I've never done a woodworking project in my life. I turn 76 in a week and started the WW course a few weeks ago. I've made two BMW workbenches, a casual outdoor table, a harmony garden bench, two "extra fancy" paper trays, and am now finishing up a Sonoma vineyard coffee table.....all part of the course. In addition, I've made two benches for our guest bedrooms, not part of the course. I've installed two hanging air filters and hooked up a dust collector, and now park my truck outdoors. I can't remember having this much fun working. Needless to say, I've learned a ton, both about skill and safety. SR is an amazing teacher....perfect for a beginner.
So many people invest money into their shop by buying more tools. It's really evident from the 2020 tour that you can vastly improve your shop by just investing some time and thought into your shop. Making the shop an ENJOYABLE place to be... I hope as Steve gets more time to make videos he considers going back in time and making more Mere Minutes. Those videos weren't CZcams metric friendly, but I'll put them on in the background while working in my shop. It came from a time when Steve really enjoyed just making CZcams videos and just being in his shop.
Oh how I agree with you; i remember the time when it was real fun to watch Steves videos but now it's too commercial and nowhere near the fun it use to be for viewers but since it's become a full time business enterprise it has lost that friendly, personal fun time that is once was and that's a shame.
I don't agree John, plus Steve had been sick for some time. I think he still enjoys making videos, but maybe with a diff approach. Thank you Steve for all your years of experience, knowledge and fun videos.
@@as7river This past year has been bad for lumber prices anywhere. I used to think like Y B up there and figured why buy a rack/cabinet when I could build one for lower cost that will be sturdier and plus then I can say I built it... I mean it is a woodshop after all. With lumber prices today? I found myself looking at Husky or other brands for racking because it would cost me $100+ in lumber to make from what I can buy for $50.
Pro tip. Make every table surface the same height! Need to cut something long in the miter saw? Use the work bench it's the same height. Need to drill something long in the drill press? Use the work bench or the miter saw station as support, it's the same height! You get the point..
Been doing that myself. I'm actually building everything off the height of my table saw. My rolling work benches (2- 2ftx4ft and 1- 4ftx4ft) can each be used as an out feed table for table saw or for assembly. Miter saw rolling cart is just low enough so work benches can be wings.
@@tonyvindett87 I did that as well, the table saw is really the centerpiece of the shop and the only thing I didn't build a stand or table for myself. So I based everything else on that, and yeah it's awesome being able to use any of the carts or benches as feed tables for each other.
I truly love how you have ‘real’ tools and not all the latest and greatest and biggest models of everything. One thing that really demotivates needs is watching videos of people building awesome things using the best tools around. For the average DIY’er and woodworker it’s great to see ‘normal’ tools being used to build great things.
@@SteveRamsey I also like that you have the Ryobi tools. I've had people in the store preach at me that I should get DeWalt, usually using the mantra "buy once, cry once." I use my Ryobi tools every day and haven't cried yet.
@@fainjoe I've never had great luck out of ryobi. I like them, and they work well, I've just never had one last. Other than my biscuit joiner, it wont die.
Love steve's videos, and do believe that the right quality depends on how much you use a tool (or how precise it needs to be). For example, My table saw - it was not cheap, but is a good one (old craftsman) and it is a workhorse going on over 10 years strong. My drill press - ryobi was plenty fine for that. My battery tools - the ryobi 20volt system is great for me. My belt sander? not even remotely precision and is a simple device - harbor freight model for $40 with a coupon, and has lasted years. It all depends on what you need, and how much use it will get. Love the channel.
Steve Ramsey - Woodworking for Mere Mortals I would Iike to send you a suggestion/comment on your ‘tool list’. How can I get in touch? Can’t find an email address anywhere.
@john taylor What an achievement Steve has made by stripping down his garage and dedicating the space to woodworking, while still being able to park a car in there. Look past everything you see in this shop and look at the subset of projects that he does that you're interested in, and what tools you can get away with or substitute for those projects. Surprisingly, it's not a whole lot if you're willing to put in more time, but a little less accurate, and alter the design to work with the tools you have. I own a corded circular saw, old battery powered screwdriver from my grandfather, corded screwdriver, mini cordless screwdriver, a random orbital sander, a hand saw, two plastic sawhorses, speed square, t-square, level, tape measure, an array of drill bits, 2 dozen clamps, push broom, and a leaf blower. It's about all I can fit in my 2 car garage with my other hobbies and storage and 2 cars. A handful of projects have come out of my shop, and while none are perfect and took considerably more time to make than if I had a table saw or miter saw, I'm proud of what I've made with my hands with such little space and tools. "It's not about the tools" is a good motto to live by, and I always appreciate seasoned woodworkers showing how a project can be done with suboptimal electric hand tools. Making a beginner box is really hard for me. I don't have a workbench--I lay fence boards down my sawhorses for a work surface. I don't have a fence--I clamp my speedsquare onto my project as a guide for my circular saw. Everything comes out plus or minus 1/16-1/8". I only make butt joints since other joins are too tedious or unsafe with the equipment that I have. I can make a box with only butt joints, and that's good enough for me. Next purchase might be a battery powered jig saw, as Steve recommends as part of a beginner workshop. Sure would be nice to have a table saw, miter saw, and shop vac, but that will have to wait until I move to a place with more space.
@@johntaylor1359 you mean manual, old shool, tools ? In this shop there maybe 1-3 tools that i wouldn't probably get .. Not in the beginning (around the first 5 years..).
I've been struggling with drinking too much recently, been trying to find something to take my mind off it, went back to my childhood dream of woodwork. Every time I get the urge to go buy drink I'm gonna put that money aside into a fund for a log cabin or big shed. Once I get that, time to buy tools. I'm really glad I found your channel. Thank you!
Can I suggest you an improvement? At the Drill and Driver Cabinet, round those edges that your power tools hangs. It will be easier to put them without the danger to make a dent on it. Your shop is very nice (were already before), I hope someday we can meet. I consider you a teacher since I've learned so much from you. Thank you, Steve!
I am a recently retired history teacher who is in the process of putting together a wood shop. Your videos have been an invaluable guide to what I am learning to do. Your straight forward advice about what is needed (and what is not needed) in the type of shop I am putting together is appreciated. It's evident from your videos that you put a great deal of time, effort and thought into what you post on this channel. Thanks for all that you do.
I was just thinking the same. Bought 11 Everbilt casters at Home Depot to pick through the ones that had good breaks. Ended up finding about 7 good ones. Should have kept all 7, and not just 4 for the project.
Says, "everything but the kitchen sink" with a literal sink 3 inches away. LoL. Awesome video dude. Been watching for years. Nice to see all the super old stuff getting use.
I've built mine using leftovers from work. I'm in the cabinet and countertop industry and we get a slew of cancelled projects and rejected pieces. I recently got two 68" countertops from a cancelled project as well as a square filler piece (covers a built-in dishwasher or wine rack) and a full island with a double stainless sink for free. I gave one top to my sister to replace her makeshift microwave stand and gave the sink to my buddy for his home. I used the square piece as a corner shelf and turned the other top into a nice workbench, complete with splashes. I cut the excess off the island where the sink sat and used the cutout to surround my table saw. It is now my outfeed/sidefeed table for longer pieces. It's just sitting on 2x4 scrap lumber for now since prices are so high on building materials, but I'll make it a rolling saw cabinet when I no longer need a 36 month loan to buy wood. It's hilarious to walk into my garage and see a Ryobi table saw with a laminate outfeed table. Unfortunately, we don't get free cabinets. They send those to Habit for Humanity who refurbishes them and resells them. I'll just build my own cabinets that are better quality.
Interestingly enough, to me not even wooden walls can compete with white painted walls. I don't know, it is brighter of course, but also it seems to me to create a more distinct background, and feels more open in a way, than even shops with wooden walls.
Smallest Workshop Contender : Workshop in the Corner of my Lounge. !! I live in a retirement complex, no garage, no shed, but I didn't want to give up my hobby, I just make smaller projects with smaller tools, Proxxon, Dremel etc. Even my wife promotes/supports me in my goals as long as I clean up frequently and she doesn't get splinters whilst sitting on the sofa!
This changes everything for me. For a while I've been sold to set up my own shop, once I get settled in the future, but space was always a concern. I really think you've outdone yourself, and you've given me more hope for the future. Thanks :D
I'm still learning the hard way. That simpler. Is more productive than elaborate. Sometimes I ask myself " is my hobby woodworking or shop optimizing?" Nice setup BTW!
The cut-off can is my "Smores" can. I put my small scraps of real wood (no plywood) in there, and whenever it gets full I do a smores cookout with the family. a bucket of scraps last just long enough for a few smores and only leaves a small pile of coals!
14:14 Crystal Lake, the lake I learned to fish on at 4 years old. I moved to Fla at 8yo. I don't remember too much of California's sights, but I sure do remember that lake. Now I'm 32 with a wife and she's asking for furniture, shelves, a kitchen remodel, a 2 bathroom to 1 concatenation/remodel, I have a miter saw on the way from home depot. From what I gather while watching your videos, I'll be able to do a lot of what she's asking for on the miter saw. With your input, I chose a 10inch sliding. I appreciate all the info you provide! A true craftsman!
I see you will be my best friend in the coming years. I just bought a house with a huge shop and this video is exactly what I need for getting it set up. I especially like the mobile miter saw setup.
I'm still in the early days of wood working, and have made about 10 projects total for my house. All custom planned. My biggest issue is I don't have a garage or a cement pad of any sort. I work out of a canopy covered car port in my rocky driveway. Though I have done a few things to make it more bearable over the years. I use a construction site table saw close to the entrance so it's easy for me to carry out and work safely. My miter saw is also close to the entrance and on a sturdy store bought folding stand that I can drag out when I need room for longer stuff. One of the thing's I've done for lumber storage, is affix bolts between chains that anchor the carport to cement buckets, and use those as resting points for boards. It hasn't been the most ideal workspace, any large projects have to be assembled on my deck (pretty much the only level space I have) But, as I'm saving up for having a garage built. I'm grateful for videos like yours that can give me incite into the dream workshop.
Steve, you just save me years of learning. Again and again. I was planning some of your steps, but you are so much further and accomplished. You reached mortal woodworker enlightenment!
My workshop is shoehorned into our tiny basement that I share with an oil-burning furnace and its tank, a water heater, and a litter box. Total, it's about 400 square feet with a 6'6" ceiling, but with too much unusable space. The walls are the stone foundation with crumbling stucco and the floor is hardly level. Still, I make it work. I guess what I envy most when I watch this are your walls! You can mount things on them and get them off the floor! I guess my biggest takeaway from watching is is that I need to buy a lot of casters. Thanks for the videos. Your channel is the first I recommend for anyone starting out.
Great idea with the wheels. I put wheels on all of the stuff in my condo and now I can easily move anything around to make space. I wish I did this years ago.
I normally don't watch shop tour videos for shops so large as yours. But, I'm really glad I watched this one. (I only watched it because it was yours). Your shop tour wasn't a typical, tour. Yours is more educational in the organization, cabinetry etc. You did say you tested your own course on it, LOL. That, I think, is what makes it the most useful shop tour ever. My shop is 8' wide and less than 100 square feet. I sometimes have to roll some tools outside for larger projects. The biggest thing that stands out for me is your fold-down workbench, but there is more, still important, tool stands, too. A variation of your BMW is on my short-list along with the now added fold-down bench. What I didn't see, and you probably don't need, is a rolling tool station. You have individual spaces for your tool types and their accessories. What I need to do is build a vertical cabinet on wheels with the tools in the different sides. I can either roll it outside when I'm working there, or turn it around to get to the different tools. If I can keep the tool cabinet with me, I'm more likely to put the tools where they belong instead of setting them down. that will keep my shop clean and, like you said, it's discouraging to walk into a cluttered, disorganized shop that needs to be rearranged before being useful. My usable shop area is only 8' x 8' with a 3' area I can roll things into out of the way. I have a 2 foot deep workbench/table on each of opposite walls so my standing room is about 2 to 3 foot 6 feet long. I love your work. Thank you so much for sharing.
I've been around this channel for quite a while, the changes are extraordinary no clutter and a big bright space to work with the necessary tools. I work in a small space and is my pride and joy for small projects I can't wait one day to have a bigger space and have something like this. You are awesome Steve!!!
Looks really good. Just a thought: you need a retractable extension cord unit to hang on a center joist to access when firing up one of your machines. Thanks for the video!!!
WOW! I hope this trend of smaller / more productive shops catches on. For the last 15 plus years we have watched as CZcams woodworkers have built mega shops and like you I work out of a 2 car garage and wouldn't have it any other way. Nice job!
This looks so amazing. The best part is that it's going to be super easy to clean, too - speaking from the perspective of someone who despises cleaning, haha! The only thing I feel like could possibly improve this, is some form of labeling...though that springs from my many years of "I know where it is" and then not being able to rely on anyone ELSE to know where it is!! Having labels is an absolute necessity if you're letting anyone else touch your workshop stuff! I'm super forgetful, especially when I'm in the throes of designing something. If I didn't label all my tiny drawers and boxes I would be utterly doomed. I have said this before I'm sure, but I really, REALLY love the 70+ drawers piece. I have easily a couple hundred pounds worth of itty bitty teeny pieces to store (I make jewelry) and THAT is a dream come true. I'd probably build two or three of them, even! Having everything on casters does seem to be helpful, but do you ever struggle with stability issues? I mean, it seems obvious that you would use casters that come with locks or brakes (my apologies if I have the wrong technical term there), but are those always sufficient? I've encountered a few situations where wheels would not have been helpful - working with big, unwieldy things like doors, mostly...
Great tour.I am new to wood working and I too like to have my work space compact and tidy.But most of my hand tools and clamps hang from the walls and all my nails , screws , nuts and bolts are neatly organized in small uniform glass bottles in a cabinet.No time lost at all in finding the right item.Cheers from India 🇮🇳.
I actually have that Rigid work stand. I do like it, but not as much for longer pieces. The work supports that extend to the sides aren't exactly providing a flat platform. With the Rigid saw, you can add a supplemental fence to give you extended stop blocks, but that can't stay on when the cart is in the "storage" configuration. Also, I was thinking of combining this with his flip-top model. I can have the solid in/outfeed section and have my metal saw mounted underneath to allow me to flip between saws in the same space. Yeah, I'm probably going to be making this out of metal instead of wood, but it will be to support my woodworking....
I’m a bit on the younger side of the “woodworkers” age spectrum, but I find this channel much more relatable and inspiring to watch than that of other folks. It’s awesome to see experience put into action.
My shop is a separate outbuilding that's only heated during winter when I'm in it working. Anything freezable like paint, glues etc. has to be moved into the house for the frigid months.
Jason M exactly why I have collapsable tables. Here in PA it can get cold enough to keep me out of my unheated workspace. If it doesn’t roll around or collapse I can’t use it. It’s great when it warms up enough to open the door and roll out into the ☀️
@@simpleminded5215 I often thought there should be challenges like the "i'm so cold i can't feel my fingers" and the i can't see my workpiece over my breath" build offs. I also thought about build offs while your kids are breaking things and your wife is yelling about how much dust you made.
Hi Steve! After watching this video I decided that I'm just going to move next door to you and borrow your workshop. Cool? That would be a great space saver for me.
You don't look old enough to have 40 years of any kind of experience. I loved that shot of the original shop. Would like to have seen it a bit more of that. Helps to see what isn't that good a set up. What struck me was how cluttered and dark the old one looked and how clear, clean and bright it looks now. I wish you worked in miniature as a lot of what you do is simply too big for me. But I still learn a lot from your basics videos. And you just seem like such a nice fellow. Thank you!
Great shop updates. I feel you really missed an opportunity on calling the finishing station. Ultimate Finishing Organizer would have been had a nice play on UFO.
The mobile miter saw station is exactly the solution I've been looking for. Do you happen to have a plan you'd be willing to share? Having this 1 piece will completely change my shop.
I loved this video steve. I just can't get over the ability we have in the modern age to have access to so many different people who have gained experience in whatever field and then take the time to share it with those of us just starting. This video definition helped me in the development of where I would like my shop to head.
My workspace is a single garage without a back wall, that space is a laundry. It is doable if you are organised and use surfaces for multiple things. The most challenging part is walking space. Keep the main work table and saw at about 1/3 of the width and lengthwise rather than butted against a wall to give you room to access all sides. You may be sacrificing a little room and have a tight squeeze to get between the table and wall but it really is a worthwhile sacrifice to access all sides of your work. Storage space and other tools, etc can then fit against the wall with the other 2/3 of the room in front of it. If you have a back wall that could also be storage or tools, etc. If you can store things at roof height that is a way to go too. My garage is under the house so there are beams I can utilize by storing timber in planks attached to the beams, hooks to hang clamps and straight edges, etc. You just need to think outside the box, plan your space to maximize it's usage and not get slack with putting things where they go or it will quickly become hazardous and difficult to traverse the area.
@@patersonplays Yep - my challenge is also a single garage that I have to share with the heating boiler (that's "furnace" in the US!), 4 pushbikes and a cycle workstand and bench. I'm just remodelling my workshop and the cabinets/benches on castors are going to feature.
I have a single car garage. 5.7m x 2.7m. So less than half the size of Steve's. Hopefully I can make it work. I dont think I will build the mobile mitre station. I am thinking that a built-in mitre station with drawers underneath will be better for my situation. But the rest of the projects are tempting.
Check out "Woodshop Junkies" and the playlist for an "All-in one, woodworking Bench Assembly table". Its definitely worth the watch. Also has many other ideas for best use of a small space. I believe the dude is from South Africa.
@@rotorhawg8052 yeah, he has a great channel and great ideas. I am not entirely convinced that a workbench of that size makes sense in a workshop of that size unless you are unable to mount things to the wall (which I think was the case for his previous rented garage). To me, the most efficient way is to have storage on the walls, builtin cabinets or shelves on the sides and a central small workbench that is mobile along with making the larger machinery mobile.
The thing I like here is that you love wood work. You would probably do it even if it had less return. Thanks for the unofficial mentorship over the past months. Love from Nigeria
I know it is a year late but... When I made mine I didn't quite have the knowhow to make one like his. I instead went a slightly more space using yet still mobile cheater way. I bought a cheap universal stand with expandable support arms and put it on a dolly. A few pieces of scrap screwed on to the corners keeps the stand from sliding off the dolly and the locking casters keep the dolly from moving when in use.
I just went back and watched your shop tour from 11 years ago. It makes me happy to see that you are still using a lot of the same equipment like the Ridgid bandsaw, t small belt sander and the Ryobi drill press. I use a lot of prosumer tools like Ryobi, Ridgid, and Delta. I realize that if I do not abuse them and take care of them they will last a very long time. Your shop has transformed so much over the years. I'm sure it is fun for you to look back and appreciate all of the steps it took for you to get to where you are today. Thank you for the great content.
Awesome. I like the concept of dedicated spaces for everything drill and everything sanding etc. I can imagine starting a project by taking the dolly around to each dedicated space and loading up what you need instead of walking back and forth. When I was learning housing design I liked the way architects solved the work flow in kitchens and space saving in bathrooms and closets. I would definitely take those ideas into a shop design. I'm big into fishing and since I'm retired I can buy up all the stuff I want but it was driving me nuts with so many bits and bobs so I built a rack where all my rods are arrayed horizontally on top and handy storage containers for each type of fishing and even smaller boxes that go inside with everything labeled. Then for fishing trips I have an extra box labeled GO Fishing and I can just load up exactly what I need from the various other boxes very quickly. The only drawback is I don't have a robot to put everything back when I come home.
My ole lady just says multiple times she wants to use my shop to park the car, but, when I do clean it for the occasional storm, it never gets parked inside.
YEs why can't they park outside? I do. But then I own 3 cars she has one, one of my 3 cars is in the garage. But her side was my workshop, I had to move into the basement, then my 38 and 37 year old kids moved back home, and Now I can't even use that too much shit in my basment. He's got a lot of empty space up high in that garage he could use for stuff.
Looks like you somehow managed to offend 60+ weak minded people. Not sure how someone could dislike this video. You produce very good content, and deliver accurate information. I enjoyed the tour of your shop very much. Thank you for all the hard work.
I would say Steve Ramsey is the only woodworker on CZcams that delivers excellent content that does not have a lot and expensive tools. Almost every other woodworking CZcamsrs after some time upgrade shop and invest in some super expensive machines that I doubt any one watching would go out and buy.
Working in a small shop is very doable i have a 16x12 foot shop and thanks to tips for this guy i dont even notice how small it really is great job keep it up! And for anyone that doesn't have a space at all i built my entire shop for 1500$ you can do it too!
@@TheOne-ql6cf Yes you are right. I spend a year on my workshop before I actually got started with my first project for sale. Having things on wheels in a small space is essential.
Also would like to recommend workbench casters on everything. I can’t stand the way things wobble when on casters with brakes engaged. Workbench casters lift your workbench or cart or whatever off of the ground for movement via footpedals. Disengaging the casters drops the cart or bench to the ground, providing a mobile workstation that is as stable as possible when stopped. Love this channel.
If things will wobble very much depends on the weight of the items on the casters and the quality of the casters you use. Although my workshop is quite a bit bigger than this one I have the vast majority of my tools storage etc on casters the only things I have lifted off the casters are my two sheet goods racks as the weight on them will destroy the casters in time, 16 full sheets of 20mm MDF and plywood are really heavy for just 4 casters
I LOVE that miter saw solution. I've been considering workbench/mitersaw station hybrid designs for a year - never landing on anything I felt confident enough in to build. BUT... that would be the perfect fix so I could just build a workbench to suit my needs and keep a separate miter saw station... THANKS!
I watched Adam Savage's shop tour and really took the "tools need to be visibly accessible" concept to heart, pulling as many tools as possible out into the open and organized by use. You're either setup for doing work or storage. The latter is not conducive to productivity.
Ah a fellow brother of the church of first order retreivability! I think watching both videos about their respective workshop helps a lot in finding your own style. I love them both :)!
Good points on both sides. In my case, I have both auto and woodworking tools, and originally was of the opinion "those guys with tool caddies and organizers are just going overboard" then I'd spend 30 mins looking for my socket wrench or test light. I guess "having a system" leads to the real efficiencies. Having frequently-used tools available and having a "documented home" for other tools so you can stay organized and optimized.
@@dubCanuck1 I think the best systems will come organically by A maintaining it and B starting to enjoy it. What I like the most about Adam and Steve is that you can play around with it easily and see what feels right. The more you enjoy your time doing stuff, the higher chance you get of actually finishing and doing more and that used to be a huge problem for me.
I enjoyed your layout of the workshop. My only issue is that for those of us that have Lawn equipment, mowers, weedeaters, etc. , there would be no room for those. Maybe consolidating some of the mobile stands would allow for space for the "non workshop" items? Also I noticed that you have a very large wall space from the end of garage door to the side wall. Most garages may have one foot if your lucky. Definitely good food for though on arrangement.
Usually small things that my wife asks for. I just made a really dorky lint box for our laundry room for instance. I have no idea why we needed one, but now we have it! 😂
Man, you are such an inspiration, I have been watching you since I was 8, I am now selling custom furniture to family members. I really appreciate everything you have done on CZcams. You have inspired many people
@@antonsworkshopco I don't remember hearing that (on some past video?), but it agrees with what I see at 2:04. I'm not a car guy, but that grill looks Ram-ish.
I rent a small flat in London UK. Thankfully there's basement storage with a door that gives access to outside, so I can just about wheel out the Evolution table saw, and use the modded router table. On the downside, it's a pain to have to move and set up for each session. On the upside, being outside, I have to worry less about dust and can physically blow around each cut as I make it. So, where there's a will, there's a way...But, oh, for a dedicated workshop space! Garage envy! Thanks for everything you've posted so far, you've saved my fingers and my face more than once. Cheers!
Your shop has changed so much since I started following you....so much for the better. I use a one car garage as my shop and have been following your advice by getting everything on castors. Not quite there yet but am getting there. Love every one of your projects. Your still the best Steve......Keep er lit in 2020 and beyond.
Hi Steve! Great to see your videos. I got most of my woodworking skills and knowledge from my late father. He's gone but his tools are still here to remind me of the great times we had in the workshop. Just wanted to suggest to you to spruce up your workshop floor by having it epoxy resin coated (like what you see being done in multiple-level mall parking lots, IKEA, etc). I DIY epoxy coated my studio room 2 years ago with a light grey color and it's great! It comes in a set; a primer and the epoxy paint with hardener. Clean and bright!
@@jamesrodgers3132 Here is Wisconsin, woodworking is almost impossible for some of those winter months in the garage. For Christmas my MIL gave us a patio heater and my wife is like, 'what the hell are we going to do with this?' I was like, 'great, a space heater for the garage!'
I like to keep my tools and supplies scattered all over my 900 s.f. shop. Running around looking for stuff is probably the only exercise I get. I like to think of it as contributing to my overall health regimen.
I agree with putting everything you can on wheels. Helps with cleaning or if need to rearrange due to large projects. I must say of all the tools you have figured out you don't really need, looking at you my dovetail jig, I hope you didn't abandon your lathe all together. Been quite awhile since I remember seeing it in your videos.
At one point I had a shop set up in a 12x18 storage building. No dust collection and I did alot of lathe work. Sawdust and chips were usually about 2 inches deep across the entire floor and several feet deep under the lathe and table saw. Everything was on wheels but with so much crap on the floor it didnt really help. I made alot of money in that little shop. Built several kitchens worth of cabinets. Assembly was a nightmare, but I figured it out. Averaged 12 craft shows a year in that time frame as well. Mostly woodturning and toys. Looking back I have no idea how I did it. But its proof that you can do alot in a small space if you are determined.
Thank you for "everything on wheels" tip! For years everything but my workbench had wheels because I wanted stability. Well it's the biggest thing in my shop. You convinced me so I put on wheels and my shop feels twice as big!
steve ive enjoyed your videos for many years now and have learned an awful lot from you. i have PTSD and find it very hard to concentrate on anything for too long, but your videos are just the ticket for me and i love it that you inject humour into it. especially microjig ones. in your last video you stated about the negative if not angry response to the biscuit jointer and i cant understand why people do that sort of thing. rest assured there are thousands upon thounds who love your videos, especially me. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is exacly what ive just finished doing, i stripped all the crap out and sold all the tools i dont use re arranged everything and i feel so much better working in there and already seen the benefits whilst building my customers projects
@@SteveRamsey wow wasn't expecting the man himself to reply lol ye it certainly is more enjoyable and less stressful I have a 1 car garage that I use as my workshop and here in the UK a normal 1 car garage can get 1 car in but you cant get out of it Haha so need to be savvy with the space
I subscribed to the first two courses and learned a lot. Unfortunately, life happening, I won't be able to get this one. For anyone on the fence, I strongly recommend his courses. They are well worth it! Thanks Steve
Steve, I saw this at a most opportune time. The ground will be broken for my new shop in a few hours. The floor area will be 19x20; virtually identical space. I've been stressing a little because the woodworking and general area of my last shop building was 24x24 and the total area including my reloading room, gunsmith machinery area and her art studio was 36x36. I've planned on everything being mobile. Fortunately, I don't have to share with cars. Thanks!
My BMW was carjacked by my wife. It's now a GSW which stands for Grocery, Soda, Water! And I love the lumber rack I got from your Weekend Woodworker course. Can't wait to sign up for the shop series. Also, I never thought to get an air filter for my small garage. Hmm, that's a great idea. Thanks Steve.
I've never done a woodworking project in my life. I turn 76 in a week and started the WW course a few weeks ago. I've made two BMW workbenches, a casual outdoor table, a harmony garden bench, two "extra fancy" paper trays, and am now finishing up a Sonoma vineyard coffee table.....all part of the course. In addition, I've made two benches for our guest bedrooms, not part of the course. I've installed two hanging air filters and hooked up a dust collector, and now park my truck outdoors. I can't remember having this much fun working. Needless to say, I've learned a ton, both about skill and safety. SR is an amazing teacher....perfect for a beginner.
So many people invest money into their shop by buying more tools. It's really evident from the 2020 tour that you can vastly improve your shop by just investing some time and thought into your shop. Making the shop an ENJOYABLE place to be... I hope as Steve gets more time to make videos he considers going back in time and making more Mere Minutes. Those videos weren't CZcams metric friendly, but I'll put them on in the background while working in my shop. It came from a time when Steve really enjoyed just making CZcams videos and just being in his shop.
A lot of people also "invest" money in buying Husky benches and tin metal cabins that are weaker and more expensive than 3/4 plywood.
Oh how I agree with you; i remember the time when it was real fun to watch Steves videos but now it's too commercial and nowhere near the fun it use to be for viewers but since it's become a full time business enterprise it has lost that friendly, personal fun time that is once was and that's a shame.
I don't agree John, plus Steve had been sick for some time. I think he still enjoys making videos, but maybe with a diff approach.
Thank you Steve for all your years of experience, knowledge and fun videos.
All my money goes to lumber. Lumber is anything but cheap in my country and city. :(
@@as7river This past year has been bad for lumber prices anywhere.
I used to think like Y B up there and figured why buy a rack/cabinet when I could build one for lower cost that will be sturdier and plus then I can say I built it... I mean it is a woodshop after all.
With lumber prices today? I found myself looking at Husky or other brands for racking because it would cost me $100+ in lumber to make from what I can buy for $50.
Pro tip. Make every table surface the same height! Need to cut something long in the miter saw? Use the work bench it's the same height. Need to drill something long in the drill press? Use the work bench or the miter saw station as support, it's the same height! You get the point..
Great advice, if I would've known that a few years ago...I will try to remember that for next time!
Been doing that myself. I'm actually building everything off the height of my table saw. My rolling work benches (2- 2ftx4ft and 1- 4ftx4ft) can each be used as an out feed table for table saw or for assembly. Miter saw rolling cart is just low enough so work benches can be wings.
@@tonyvindett87 I did that as well, the table saw is really the centerpiece of the shop and the only thing I didn't build a stand or table for myself. So I based everything else on that, and yeah it's awesome being able to use any of the carts or benches as feed tables for each other.
Don't do it blindly though, there may be a few things that you want a little higher or lower than your main work surfaces
My problem is the concrete slab in my shed is uneven, cracked and wasn't laid flat when it was done. The shed also leaks like a sieve when it rains.
I truly love how you have ‘real’ tools and not all the latest and greatest and biggest models of everything. One thing that really demotivates needs is watching videos of people building awesome things using the best tools around. For the average DIY’er and woodworker it’s great to see ‘normal’ tools being used to build great things.
I'm too cheap to upgrade! 😂 I only buy a new tool when one completely dies. Old tools work fine.
@@SteveRamsey
I also like that you have the Ryobi tools. I've had people in the store preach at me that I should get DeWalt, usually using the mantra "buy once, cry once." I use my Ryobi tools every day and haven't cried yet.
@@fainjoe I've never had great luck out of ryobi. I like them, and they work well, I've just never had one last. Other than my biscuit joiner, it wont die.
Love steve's videos, and do believe that the right quality depends on how much you use a tool (or how precise it needs to be).
For example, My table saw - it was not cheap, but is a good one (old craftsman) and it is a workhorse going on over 10 years strong.
My drill press - ryobi was plenty fine for that.
My battery tools - the ryobi 20volt system is great for me.
My belt sander? not even remotely precision and is a simple device - harbor freight model for $40 with a coupon, and has lasted years.
It all depends on what you need, and how much use it will get.
Love the channel.
Steve Ramsey - Woodworking for Mere Mortals I would Iike to send you a suggestion/comment on your ‘tool list’. How can I get in touch? Can’t find an email address anywhere.
5:57 for easier identification, you can tape one screw or nail on the front panel of each drawer so you know what's where.
Oh, I like that idea a lot
You can even nail it in :D
The thing I enjoy most about this channel is the lack of fancy tools. I am definitely signing up for this course. Thanks!
Thank you! Looking forward to having you on board!
Jesus Alvarez "lack of fancy tools" the place is full of them.....try watching Paul sellers ...he only uses a few tools
It's all relative.
@john taylor What an achievement Steve has made by stripping down his garage and dedicating the space to woodworking, while still being able to park a car in there. Look past everything you see in this shop and look at the subset of projects that he does that you're interested in, and what tools you can get away with or substitute for those projects. Surprisingly, it's not a whole lot if you're willing to put in more time, but a little less accurate, and alter the design to work with the tools you have.
I own a corded circular saw, old battery powered screwdriver from my grandfather, corded screwdriver, mini cordless screwdriver, a random orbital sander, a hand saw, two plastic sawhorses, speed square, t-square, level, tape measure, an array of drill bits, 2 dozen clamps, push broom, and a leaf blower. It's about all I can fit in my 2 car garage with my other hobbies and storage and 2 cars.
A handful of projects have come out of my shop, and while none are perfect and took considerably more time to make than if I had a table saw or miter saw, I'm proud of what I've made with my hands with such little space and tools. "It's not about the tools" is a good motto to live by, and I always appreciate seasoned woodworkers showing how a project can be done with suboptimal electric hand tools. Making a beginner box is really hard for me. I don't have a workbench--I lay fence boards down my sawhorses for a work surface. I don't have a fence--I clamp my speedsquare onto my project as a guide for my circular saw. Everything comes out plus or minus 1/16-1/8". I only make butt joints since other joins are too tedious or unsafe with the equipment that I have. I can make a box with only butt joints, and that's good enough for me.
Next purchase might be a battery powered jig saw, as Steve recommends as part of a beginner workshop. Sure would be nice to have a table saw, miter saw, and shop vac, but that will have to wait until I move to a place with more space.
@@johntaylor1359 you mean manual, old shool, tools ?
In this shop there maybe 1-3 tools that i wouldn't probably get .. Not in the beginning (around the first 5 years..).
I've been struggling with drinking too much recently, been trying to find something to take my mind off it, went back to my childhood dream of woodwork. Every time I get the urge to go buy drink I'm gonna put that money aside into a fund for a log cabin or big shed. Once I get that, time to buy tools. I'm really glad I found your channel. Thank you!
Good for you. I quit drinking about 7 years ago...it changed my life. I have more energy, sleep better, and am excited to start every new project! ✊👊
Can I suggest you an improvement? At the Drill and Driver Cabinet, round those edges that your power tools hangs. It will be easier to put them without the danger to make a dent on it. Your shop is very nice (were already before), I hope someday we can meet. I consider you a teacher since I've learned so much from you. Thank you, Steve!
I am a recently retired history teacher who is in the process of putting together a wood shop. Your videos have been an invaluable guide to what I am learning to do. Your straight forward advice about what is needed (and what is not needed) in the type of shop I am putting together is appreciated. It's evident from your videos that you put a great deal of time, effort and thought into what you post on this channel. Thanks for all that you do.
Wish I had a neighbor with your profile: history and woodworking! My wife would love the projects but hate the conversations. LMBO!
Steph margarine tub on a pine shelf?
2 minutes in.... "Man I really need to buy more casters..."
@@explorer_hollis2911 awesome!
This video brought to you by the caster industry! Lol I just picked up two sets myself
Amazon buy in bulk been there done that
I was just thinking the same. Bought 11 Everbilt casters at Home Depot to pick through the ones that had good breaks. Ended up finding about 7 good ones. Should have kept all 7, and not just 4 for the project.
Harbor freight has very cheap casters!
Says, "everything but the kitchen sink" with a literal sink 3 inches away. LoL. Awesome video dude. Been watching for years. Nice to see all the super old stuff getting use.
Kyle Kennedy I thought he would say holds everything but the slop sink.
I thought the same thing! Only slightly disappointed he didn't make that joke. I am a big fan of the Steve/Dad joke genre. #IfTheyDontGroanItAintFunny
I've built mine using leftovers from work. I'm in the cabinet and countertop industry and we get a slew of cancelled projects and rejected pieces. I recently got two 68" countertops from a cancelled project as well as a square filler piece (covers a built-in dishwasher or wine rack) and a full island with a double stainless sink for free.
I gave one top to my sister to replace her makeshift microwave stand and gave the sink to my buddy for his home. I used the square piece as a corner shelf and turned the other top into a nice workbench, complete with splashes. I cut the excess off the island where the sink sat and used the cutout to surround my table saw. It is now my outfeed/sidefeed table for longer pieces. It's just sitting on 2x4 scrap lumber for now since prices are so high on building materials, but I'll make it a rolling saw cabinet when I no longer need a 36 month loan to buy wood.
It's hilarious to walk into my garage and see a Ryobi table saw with a laminate outfeed table. Unfortunately, we don't get free cabinets. They send those to Habit for Humanity who refurbishes them and resells them. I'll just build my own cabinets that are better quality.
One of the most important items you forgot to mention WHITE paint on the walls brightens the whole room up
No kidding. I knew a guy who painted several rooms purple, and it felt incredibly dark in those rooms.
Interestingly enough, to me not even wooden walls can compete with white painted walls. I don't know, it is brighter of course, but also it seems to me to create a more distinct background, and feels more open in a way, than even shops with wooden walls.
Smallest Workshop Contender : Workshop in the Corner of my Lounge. !!
I live in a retirement complex, no garage, no shed, but I didn't want to give up my hobby, I just make smaller projects with smaller tools, Proxxon, Dremel etc. Even my wife promotes/supports me in my goals as long as I clean up frequently and she doesn't get splinters whilst sitting on the sofa!
This changes everything for me. For a while I've been sold to set up my own shop, once I get settled in the future, but space was always a concern. I really think you've outdone yourself, and you've given me more hope for the future. Thanks :D
I was waiting for the grippppeeerrrrrrr ad when you pulled out the half lap cart 😂
Shallow drawers, that's what I need!
That flip tool stand is genius! I love the ultimate finishing cabinet as well!
I'm still learning the hard way. That simpler. Is more productive than elaborate. Sometimes I ask myself " is my hobby woodworking or shop optimizing?" Nice setup BTW!
Steve, it is very clear from your tour that your Weekend Workshop course has plenty of brilliant ideas for us to learn from. Sign me up!
Thanks Clifton!
As a man working with with a single car garage I cannot stress this enough. This is totally doable if you have the brains for it.
The cut-off can is my "Smores" can. I put my small scraps of real wood (no plywood) in there, and whenever it gets full I do a smores cookout with the family. a bucket of scraps last just long enough for a few smores and only leaves a small pile of coals!
Thanks for the idea! I been looking for a use for my small scraps.
14:14 Crystal Lake, the lake I learned to fish on at 4 years old. I moved to Fla at 8yo. I don't remember too much of California's sights, but I sure do remember that lake. Now I'm 32 with a wife and she's asking for furniture, shelves, a kitchen remodel, a 2 bathroom to 1 concatenation/remodel, I have a miter saw on the way from home depot. From what I gather while watching your videos, I'll be able to do a lot of what she's asking for on the miter saw. With your input, I chose a 10inch sliding. I appreciate all the info you provide! A true craftsman!
I see you will be my best friend in the coming years. I just bought a house with a huge shop and this video is exactly what I need for getting it set up. I especially like the mobile miter saw setup.
I'm still in the early days of wood working, and have made about 10 projects total for my house. All custom planned. My biggest issue is I don't have a garage or a cement pad of any sort. I work out of a canopy covered car port in my rocky driveway. Though I have done a few things to make it more bearable over the years. I use a construction site table saw close to the entrance so it's easy for me to carry out and work safely. My miter saw is also close to the entrance and on a sturdy store bought folding stand that I can drag out when I need room for longer stuff. One of the thing's I've done for lumber storage, is affix bolts between chains that anchor the carport to cement buckets, and use those as resting points for boards. It hasn't been the most ideal workspace, any large projects have to be assembled on my deck (pretty much the only level space I have) But, as I'm saving up for having a garage built. I'm grateful for videos like yours that can give me incite into the dream workshop.
Steve, you just save me years of learning. Again and again. I was planning some of your steps, but you are so much further and accomplished. You reached mortal woodworker enlightenment!
My workshop is shoehorned into our tiny basement that I share with an oil-burning furnace and its tank, a water heater, and a litter box. Total, it's about 400 square feet with a 6'6" ceiling, but with too much unusable space. The walls are the stone foundation with crumbling stucco and the floor is hardly level. Still, I make it work. I guess what I envy most when I watch this are your walls! You can mount things on them and get them off the floor! I guess my biggest takeaway from watching is is that I need to buy a lot of casters. Thanks for the videos. Your channel is the first I recommend for anyone starting out.
“On of my favorite” you’ve paired down everything to your favorite!
Great idea with the wheels. I put wheels on all of the stuff in my condo and now I can easily move anything around to make space. I wish I did this years ago.
I appreciate your time spent on explaining your process and thinking. It helps save the headaches by learning from your experience! Thanks Steve!
I wish I could like this video twice. LOTS of smart and efficient ways to use space. Excellent! I especially liked your miter saw cart!
so we arent going to talk about the bloody pentagram with the skull above the sink? the idea of steve as a low key metal head brings me so much joy.
Came here to say the same thing! Or maybe I should say "Sllllaaaaayyyyeeeeerrrr!"
YES!! It was the first thing I noticed as he panned out and now I can't stop thinking about it!
Someone said it 👏
I normally don't watch shop tour videos for shops so large as yours. But, I'm really glad I watched this one. (I only watched it because it was yours).
Your shop tour wasn't a typical, tour. Yours is more educational in the organization, cabinetry etc. You did say you tested your own course on it, LOL. That, I think, is what makes it the most useful shop tour ever.
My shop is 8' wide and less than 100 square feet. I sometimes have to roll some tools outside for larger projects.
The biggest thing that stands out for me is your fold-down workbench, but there is more, still important, tool stands, too. A variation of your BMW is on my short-list along with the now added fold-down bench.
What I didn't see, and you probably don't need, is a rolling tool station. You have individual spaces for your tool types and their accessories. What I need to do is build a vertical cabinet on wheels with the tools in the different sides. I can either roll it outside when I'm working there, or turn it around to get to the different tools.
If I can keep the tool cabinet with me, I'm more likely to put the tools where they belong instead of setting them down. that will keep my shop clean and, like you said, it's discouraging to walk into a cluttered, disorganized shop that needs to be rearranged before being useful. My usable shop area is only 8' x 8' with a 3' area I can roll things into out of the way. I have a 2 foot deep workbench/table on each of opposite walls so my standing room is about 2 to 3 foot 6 feet long.
I love your work. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow that mobile miter saw stand! That looks awesome! Long time fan, you are such a source of inspiration!
I've been around this channel for quite a while, the changes are extraordinary no clutter and a big bright space to work with the necessary tools. I work in a small space and is my pride and joy for small projects I can't wait one day to have a bigger space and have something like this. You are awesome Steve!!!
Looks really good. Just a thought: you need a retractable extension cord unit to hang on a center joist to access when firing up one of your machines. Thanks for the video!!!
Great idea!
WOW! I hope this trend of smaller / more productive shops catches on. For the last 15 plus years we have watched as CZcams woodworkers have built mega shops and like you I work out of a 2 car garage and wouldn't have it any other way. Nice job!
Thanks Denny. Yeah, massive CZcams workshops are pretty popular.
This looks so amazing. The best part is that it's going to be super easy to clean, too - speaking from the perspective of someone who despises cleaning, haha! The only thing I feel like could possibly improve this, is some form of labeling...though that springs from my many years of "I know where it is" and then not being able to rely on anyone ELSE to know where it is!! Having labels is an absolute necessity if you're letting anyone else touch your workshop stuff! I'm super forgetful, especially when I'm in the throes of designing something. If I didn't label all my tiny drawers and boxes I would be utterly doomed.
I have said this before I'm sure, but I really, REALLY love the 70+ drawers piece. I have easily a couple hundred pounds worth of itty bitty teeny pieces to store (I make jewelry) and THAT is a dream come true. I'd probably build two or three of them, even!
Having everything on casters does seem to be helpful, but do you ever struggle with stability issues? I mean, it seems obvious that you would use casters that come with locks or brakes (my apologies if I have the wrong technical term there), but are those always sufficient? I've encountered a few situations where wheels would not have been helpful - working with big, unwieldy things like doors, mostly...
Great tour.I am new to wood working and I too like to have my work space compact and tidy.But most of my hand tools and clamps hang from the walls and all my nails , screws , nuts and bolts are neatly organized in small uniform glass bottles in a cabinet.No time lost at all in finding the right item.Cheers from India 🇮🇳.
As usual, you got me thinking about what I can build, and formulating a plan. Thanks for coming back
the upside down pentagram on your wall just earned you 1 million points in my book
I love that miter saw station. I think I'm going to have to make one of those. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching. I love that miter saw station!
Ridgid has a miter mobile work-stand that folds up with wheels that stores upright when not in used. What is the advantage of having a cart?
I actually have that Rigid work stand. I do like it, but not as much for longer pieces. The work supports that extend to the sides aren't exactly providing a flat platform. With the Rigid saw, you can add a supplemental fence to give you extended stop blocks, but that can't stay on when the cart is in the "storage" configuration. Also, I was thinking of combining this with his flip-top model. I can have the solid in/outfeed section and have my metal saw mounted underneath to allow me to flip between saws in the same space. Yeah, I'm probably going to be making this out of metal instead of wood, but it will be to support my woodworking....
I’m a bit on the younger side of the “woodworkers” age spectrum, but I find this channel much more relatable and inspiring to watch than that of other folks. It’s awesome to see experience put into action.
You should try setting up a small shop in a winter city :) all that extra space you get from opening the door is only available half the time :o
My shop is a separate outbuilding that's only heated during winter when I'm in it working. Anything freezable like paint, glues etc. has to be moved into the house for the frigid months.
Jason M exactly why I have collapsable tables. Here in PA it can get cold enough to keep me out of my unheated workspace. If it doesn’t roll around or collapse I can’t use it. It’s great when it warms up enough to open the door and roll out into the ☀️
@@simpleminded5215 I often thought there should be challenges like the "i'm so cold i can't feel my fingers" and the i can't see my workpiece over my breath" build offs. I also thought about build offs while your kids are breaking things and your wife is yelling about how much dust you made.
My favorite part? The Camp Crystal Lake sign. Enjoyed the video ...always nice to see how other people arrange their shops, stuff to consider!
Hi Steve! After watching this video I decided that I'm just going to move next door to you and borrow your workshop. Cool? That would be a great space saver for me.
You don't look old enough to have 40 years of any kind of experience. I loved that shot of the original shop. Would like to have seen it a bit more of that. Helps to see what isn't that good a set up. What struck me was how cluttered and dark the old one looked and how clear, clean and bright it looks now. I wish you worked in miniature as a lot of what you do is simply too big for me. But I still learn a lot from your basics videos. And you just seem like such a nice fellow. Thank you!
Great shop updates. I feel you really missed an opportunity on calling the finishing station. Ultimate Finishing Organizer would have been had a nice play on UFO.
Nice...UFO
I like it!
The mobile miter saw station is exactly the solution I've been looking for. Do you happen to have a plan you'd be willing to share? Having this 1 piece will completely change my shop.
CZcams life is great for you with two BMW's in the garage ;>) .. seriously you are a great inspiration. Keep up the good work and entertainment.
Haha...thank you!
@@lisa4264 Tesla these days! 😄
@@SteveRamsey Right!
I loved this video steve. I just can't get over the ability we have in the modern age to have access to so many different people who have gained experience in whatever field and then take the time to share it with those of us just starting. This video definition helped me in the development of where I would like my shop to head.
I'd love to see some single car garage setups!
My workspace is a single garage without a back wall, that space is a laundry. It is doable if you are organised and use surfaces for multiple things. The most challenging part is walking space. Keep the main work table and saw at about 1/3 of the width and lengthwise rather than butted against a wall to give you room to access all sides. You may be sacrificing a little room and have a tight squeeze to get between the table and wall but it really is a worthwhile sacrifice to access all sides of your work.
Storage space and other tools, etc can then fit against the wall with the other 2/3 of the room in front of it. If you have a back wall that could also be storage or tools, etc. If you can store things at roof height that is a way to go too. My garage is under the house so there are beams I can utilize by storing timber in planks attached to the beams, hooks to hang clamps and straight edges, etc. You just need to think outside the box, plan your space to maximize it's usage and not get slack with putting things where they go or it will quickly become hazardous and difficult to traverse the area.
@@patersonplays Yep - my challenge is also a single garage that I have to share with the heating boiler (that's "furnace" in the US!), 4 pushbikes and a cycle workstand and bench. I'm just remodelling my workshop and the cabinets/benches on castors are going to feature.
I have a single car garage. 5.7m x 2.7m. So less than half the size of Steve's. Hopefully I can make it work. I dont think I will build the mobile mitre station. I am thinking that a built-in mitre station with drawers underneath will be better for my situation. But the rest of the projects are tempting.
Check out "Woodshop Junkies" and the playlist for an "All-in one, woodworking Bench Assembly table". Its definitely worth the watch. Also has many other ideas for best use of a small space. I believe the dude is from South Africa.
@@rotorhawg8052 yeah, he has a great channel and great ideas. I am not entirely convinced that a workbench of that size makes sense in a workshop of that size unless you are unable to mount things to the wall (which I think was the case for his previous rented garage). To me, the most efficient way is to have storage on the walls, builtin cabinets or shelves on the sides and a central small workbench that is mobile along with making the larger machinery mobile.
The thing I like here is that you love wood work. You would probably do it even if it had less return. Thanks for the unofficial mentorship over the past months. Love from Nigeria
Steve, do you have any plans for your miter saw cart? I need to build one and i really like your design. Thanks
I know it is a year late but... When I made mine I didn't quite have the knowhow to make one like his. I instead went a slightly more space using yet still mobile cheater way. I bought a cheap universal stand with expandable support arms and put it on a dolly. A few pieces of scrap screwed on to the corners keeps the stand from sliding off the dolly and the locking casters keep the dolly from moving when in use.
@@yunofun Good thinking! 🙂
I just went back and watched your shop tour from 11 years ago. It makes me happy to see that you are still using a lot of the same equipment like the Ridgid bandsaw, t small belt sander and the Ryobi drill press. I use a lot of prosumer tools like Ryobi, Ridgid, and Delta. I realize that if I do not abuse them and take care of them they will last a very long time. Your shop has transformed so much over the years. I'm sure it is fun for you to look back and appreciate all of the steps it took for you to get to where you are today. Thank you for the great content.
Thanks Daniel. Yeah, basically all my tools are the same. I rarely have any need to upgrade anything, as long as they still work!
Love the look of the miter saw stand. How can I get the plans for just that project?
Awesome. I like the concept of dedicated spaces for everything drill and everything sanding etc. I can imagine starting a project by taking the dolly around to each dedicated space and loading up what you need instead of walking back and forth. When I was learning housing design I liked the way architects solved the work flow in kitchens and space saving in bathrooms and closets. I would definitely take those ideas into a shop design. I'm big into fishing and since I'm retired I can buy up all the stuff I want but it was driving me nuts with so many bits and bobs so I built a rack where all my rods are arrayed horizontally on top and handy storage containers for each type of fishing and even smaller boxes that go inside with everything labeled. Then for fishing trips I have an extra box labeled GO Fishing and I can just load up exactly what I need from the various other boxes very quickly. The only drawback is I don't have a robot to put everything back when I come home.
I hate when my wife parks her car in my wood-shop.
I've got a chain saw u can borrow , He He
Think yourself lucky; my workshop isn't big enough to get a car in it!
My ole lady just says multiple times she wants to use my shop to park the car, but, when I do clean it for the occasional storm, it never gets parked inside.
omg, I love it.
YEs why can't they park outside? I do. But then I own 3 cars she has one, one of my 3 cars is in the garage.
But her side was my workshop, I had to move into the basement, then my 38 and 37 year old kids moved back home, and Now I can't even use that too much shit in my basment.
He's got a lot of empty space up high in that garage he could use for stuff.
Man, great miter box table design. I will be building that, thank you!
Looks like you somehow managed to offend 60+ weak minded people. Not sure how someone could dislike this video. You produce very good content, and deliver accurate information. I enjoyed the tour of your shop very much. Thank you for all the hard work.
I would say Steve Ramsey is the only woodworker on CZcams that delivers excellent content that does not have a lot and expensive tools. Almost every other woodworking CZcamsrs after some time upgrade shop and invest in some super expensive machines that I doubt any one watching would go out and buy.
No jointer or planer? I thought those were a must.
Depends on the wood you use. If you buy rough cut lumber from a mill. It's a must, from the big box store, not so much.
I try to focus on projects for this channel that don't require them.
one of the cornerstones of any workshop is good lighting. glad to see you didn't skimp on it!
I'm 20 and I'm assured that you look better than me 😂👊 health is wealth🌈
He runs marathons in his spare time. (I've run 10 or so half marathons, the idea of getting to the end...and running back is too much for me.)
Working in a small shop is very doable i have a 16x12 foot shop and thanks to tips for this guy i dont even notice how small it really is great job keep it up! And for anyone that doesn't have a space at all i built my entire shop for 1500$ you can do it too!
First Golden Rule: "Everything should have a place, everything should be IN its place, ALWAYS." Unless it's in your hand of course.
Actually 1st golden rule, get a LOT of casters!
@@TheOne-ql6cf Yes you are right. I spend a year on my workshop before I actually got started with my first project for sale. Having things on wheels in a small space is essential.
5S 😉
Also would like to recommend workbench casters on everything. I can’t stand the way things wobble when on casters with brakes engaged. Workbench casters lift your workbench or cart or whatever off of the ground for movement via footpedals. Disengaging the casters drops the cart or bench to the ground, providing a mobile workstation that is as stable as possible when stopped.
Love this channel.
If things will wobble very much depends on the weight of the items on the casters and the quality of the casters you use. Although my workshop is quite a bit bigger than this one I have the vast majority of my tools storage etc on casters the only things I have lifted off the casters are my two sheet goods racks as the weight on them will destroy the casters in time, 16 full sheets of 20mm MDF and plywood are really heavy for just 4 casters
no shop is complete without a dedicated biscuit joiner station
For sure
Hahaahaaa!!
I KNEW I forgot something! 🤣
But, youi did see that nice little cabinet that holds his Kregg Jig.
I thought I saw a bag of biscuits in that tool cabinet
I LOVE that miter saw solution. I've been considering workbench/mitersaw station hybrid designs for a year - never landing on anything I felt confident enough in to build. BUT... that would be the perfect fix so I could just build a workbench to suit my needs and keep a separate miter saw station... THANKS!
I watched Adam Savage's shop tour and really took the "tools need to be visibly accessible" concept to heart, pulling as many tools as possible out into the open and organized by use. You're either setup for doing work or storage. The latter is not conducive to productivity.
I started to do this but discovered the hard way that this doesn't work until you have your dust collection very well setup first.
Ah a fellow brother of the church of first order retreivability! I think watching both videos about their respective workshop helps a lot in finding your own style. I love them both :)!
Good points on both sides. In my case, I have both auto and woodworking tools, and originally was of the opinion "those guys with tool caddies and organizers are just going overboard" then I'd spend 30 mins looking for my socket wrench or test light. I guess "having a system" leads to the real efficiencies. Having frequently-used tools available and having a "documented home" for other tools so you can stay organized and optimized.
@@dubCanuck1
I think the best systems will come organically by A maintaining it and B starting to enjoy it. What I like the most about Adam and Steve is that you can play around with it easily and see what feels right. The more you enjoy your time doing stuff, the higher chance you get of actually finishing and doing more and that used to be a huge problem for me.
I enjoyed your layout of the workshop. My only issue is that for those of us that have Lawn equipment, mowers, weedeaters, etc. , there would be no room for those. Maybe consolidating some of the mobile stands would allow for space for the "non workshop" items? Also I noticed that you have a very large wall space from the end of garage door to the side wall. Most garages may have one foot if your lucky. Definitely good food for though on arrangement.
Hey Steve how often do you just make something without the camera?
I would love to know that too
Yep, good question... looking forward to Steve’s answer
Usually small things that my wife asks for. I just made a really dorky lint box for our laundry room for instance. I have no idea why we needed one, but now we have it! 😂
@@SteveRamsey thanks for replying Steve I love your videos they got me into woodworking as a 12 year old almost 14 now.
Thank you, great time visiting your workshop. As always very amusing.
Great job, but Stuart Little is going to be upset when he sees you've used his car in your video! :)
I'm betting that's Wyatt's car.
The wife's car. She just loves that thing!
Man, you are such an inspiration, I have been watching you since I was 8, I am now selling custom furniture to family members. I really appreciate everything you have done on CZcams. You have inspired many people
When did you get rid of the pickup :(
looks like it might still be there, out in the driveway
I thought he sold it for a new ram pickup truck
@@antonsworkshopco I don't remember hearing that (on some past video?), but it agrees with what I see at 2:04. I'm not a car guy, but that grill looks Ram-ish.
@@dabeamer42 I think it's this video. czcams.com/video/7bzxhv_Q33Q/video.html
I still have my Ram from a few years ago. I had to get rid of the '76 Ford though. 😢
I rent a small flat in London UK. Thankfully there's basement storage with a door that gives access to outside, so I can just about wheel out the Evolution table saw, and use the modded router table. On the downside, it's a pain to have to move and set up for each session. On the upside, being outside, I have to worry less about dust and can physically blow around each cut as I make it.
So, where there's a will, there's a way...But, oh, for a dedicated workshop space! Garage envy!
Thanks for everything you've posted so far, you've saved my fingers and my face more than once. Cheers!
No shop is complete without a evil pentagram.
@Steve Ramsey. I saw that too, what is that about?
The 100% best tool a woodworker can buy are rolling casters for your tool benches. Thanks Steve for the incredible videos.
I can’t tell u how cluttered my garage is!
Same
GUYS!!! My garage is SOOOO cluttered, when I go out to clean it, I don’t know where to start, get discouraged, and just go back in the house!
Me too!
Your shop has changed so much since I started following you....so much for the better. I use a one car garage as my shop and have been following your advice by getting everything on castors. Not quite there yet but am getting there. Love every one of your projects. Your still the best Steve......Keep er lit in 2020 and beyond.
WHAT IS THAT HANGING ON THE WALL ABOVE THE UTILITY SINK?
Halloween decoration
Satanism
I know I was like, wow really?
Just painting the place like you did really makes a world of difference. I remember when it was just unfinished wood on the walls.
Don't let my wife see this.
Or my sister!
If my wife sees this, she'll never let me add another 10' to my detached garge
don’t let my husband see this!
Hi Steve! Great to see your videos. I got most of my woodworking skills and knowledge from my late father. He's gone but his tools are still here to remind me of the great times we had in the workshop. Just wanted to suggest to you to spruce up your workshop floor by having it epoxy resin coated (like what you see being done in multiple-level mall parking lots, IKEA, etc). I DIY epoxy coated my studio room 2 years ago with a light grey color and it's great! It comes in a set; a primer and the epoxy paint with hardener. Clean and bright!
It always blows my mind when people waste all that space with a car. What a stupid use of that square footage.
Except in winter, if you actually get real winters.
@@jamesrodgers3132 Here is Wisconsin, woodworking is almost impossible for some of those winter months in the garage. For Christmas my MIL gave us a patio heater and my wife is like, 'what the hell are we going to do with this?' I was like, 'great, a space heater for the garage!'
Your videos just keep getting better, and better, and better.
A car in a woodworker garage??? Obviously fake!!!!
CGI
That rotating sander table is really freaking cool.
My channel is ran out of the third stall of my garage, so I can totally relate and appreciate your tour!
My shop is 12x30, so I appreciate your shop tour so much. I'm going to build some wall mounted wood racks ! Thank you sir.
I like to keep my tools and supplies scattered all over my 900 s.f. shop. Running around looking for stuff is probably the only exercise I get. I like to think of it as contributing to my overall health regimen.
I agree with putting everything you can on wheels. Helps with cleaning or if need to rearrange due to large projects.
I must say of all the tools you have figured out you don't really need, looking at you my dovetail jig,
I hope you didn't abandon your lathe all together. Been quite awhile since I remember seeing it in your videos.
At one point I had a shop set up in a 12x18 storage building. No dust collection and I did alot of lathe work. Sawdust and chips were usually about 2 inches deep across the entire floor and several feet deep under the lathe and table saw. Everything was on wheels but with so much crap on the floor it didnt really help. I made alot of money in that little shop. Built several kitchens worth of cabinets. Assembly was a nightmare, but I figured it out. Averaged 12 craft shows a year in that time frame as well. Mostly woodturning and toys. Looking back I have no idea how I did it. But its proof that you can do alot in a small space if you are determined.
Thank you for "everything on wheels" tip! For years everything but my workbench had wheels because I wanted stability. Well it's the biggest thing in my shop. You convinced me so I put on wheels and my shop feels twice as big!
steve ive enjoyed your videos for many years now and have learned an awful lot from you. i have PTSD and find it very hard to concentrate on anything for too long, but your videos are just the ticket for me and i love it that you inject humour into it. especially microjig ones. in your last video you stated about the negative if not angry response to the biscuit jointer and i cant understand why people do that sort of thing. rest assured there are thousands upon thounds who love your videos, especially me. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is exacly what ive just finished doing, i stripped all the crap out and sold all the tools i dont use re arranged everything and i feel so much better working in there and already seen the benefits whilst building my customers projects
It's amazing how much more I enjoy working in an organized, less cluttered space.
@@SteveRamsey wow wasn't expecting the man himself to reply lol ye it certainly is more enjoyable and less stressful I have a 1 car garage that I use as my workshop and here in the UK a normal 1 car garage can get 1 car in but you cant get out of it Haha so need to be savvy with the space
I subscribed to the first two courses and learned a lot. Unfortunately, life happening, I won't be able to get this one. For anyone on the fence, I strongly recommend his courses. They are well worth it! Thanks Steve
Steve, I saw this at a most opportune time. The ground will be broken for my new shop in a few hours. The floor area will be 19x20; virtually identical space. I've been stressing a little because the woodworking and general area of my last shop building was 24x24 and the total area including my reloading room, gunsmith machinery area and her art studio was 36x36. I've planned on everything being mobile. Fortunately, I don't have to share with cars. Thanks!
That's it. Next week or the week after I am going to organize my shop.
My BMW was carjacked by my wife. It's now a GSW which stands for Grocery, Soda, Water! And I love the lumber rack I got from your Weekend Woodworker course. Can't wait to sign up for the shop series. Also, I never thought to get an air filter for my small garage. Hmm, that's a great idea. Thanks Steve.