New Shop

[dave_person]

Thanks guys,
We had a pretty hard winter but the snow is fine. I used to compete in biathlon (skiing and shooting) so I just break out the skiis and head out. The pictures show the shop just after completion so I assure you it is no longer that clean. But I do keep a clean and organized shop. I simply work better that way. The pad on the floor is actually 2 slabs of old soapstone lab bench top. They are extremely heavy. The floor is wood so I used them to shield the floor in the metal working area. That way if I drop a red hot spring or lockplate, etc, I don't risk burning the floor. I also polish metal using oil and stones so the bench tops protect the wood floor from the oil as well. The shop started as a 2-car garage/barn.

I had a builder convert it to the shop up to the point where the inside was sheetrocked and mudded. At that point I took over by myself. I trimmed, painted, and finished the inside, built some cabinets with drawers, installed the wall cabinets (a gift from my brother's previous kitchen remodel), and built the benches. I have about 40 linear feet of bench space. I used very few screws in them, all the major joints are morticed, tenoned, and pinned with oak dowels. They will long outlast me. The photos below show my main woodworking bench shortly after I built it. The last picture shows how I use it to hold a stock blank for barrel inletting.

Take care and thanks,

dave

 

[ohio ramrod]

nice shop dog!. But if is a shop where is the saw dust! :idunno: :idunno:

 

[coloradoclyde]

Those who choose to create instead of destroy ”¦have my respect.

Those who create with grace and artistic talent”¦have my admiration.
:hatsoff:

 

[MSW]

that's one of the nicest shops I've seen in six decades!

do you have a plan for the bench, or did it go as you went along? if so, would you be interested in selling me a copy?

Thanks (and thanks for the post ... now you inspired me to go spend some time in my own shop, which is complete dump compared to yours!)

 

[dave_person]

Hi MSW,
Thanks for the compliment. The bench is styled after those made in France beginning in the 17th century and continuing until the 20th. Search the internet for "Roubo workbench" and you should find a lot of info. Chris Schwarz's book on workbench design and construction highlights this bench and considers it the best workbench for using hand tools. I modified the basic design for my gunmaking needs (as well as furniture making needs). If you can't find free plans on the internet I would be happy to draw up some plans and give them to you, no charge.

dave

 

[porchdog48]

Dave,
I am in the planning stages of a new shop and had a few questions. What is the overall size of your shop, and is the wood floor over cement. Wish I was going to build a shop of dreams like your, but I will be happy with more room than 10ft.x 9ft. in the basement I have now.

Dave

 

[mooman76]

Can't be a shop. It looks too neat. :blah: Whish my shop looked half that good. I just got a spot in the garage with so much junk I have to move stuff every time I do something. Maybe some day though. Gives me something to shoot for.

 

[dave_person]

Hi Dave,
I am sorry. I realized that I never answered your question. I guess better late than never. The shop is 24' x 26'. The half wall is exactly centered so each side is 312 sq feet for a total of 624 sq ft.

dave

 

[sean30ber]

Hey Dave, dont let em give you manure about a clean shop. I get harped all the time, but I know where everything is, all the time. Im jealous though, Puts mine to shame.

How do you like the green Pattern maker vises I see in the back ground. In reference to gun building that is.(disregard, I just saw another post with your answer)

Sean

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Stunning...The place suits the work, and the work suits the place.