One Stall, Not Small at All

When Andy Webster built his new home, he made sure to reserve one stall of the three-car garage for his workshop. Because he likes to work on smaller projects such as desktop clocks, he's perfectly happy in his approximately 300-square-foot space. Having his home builder bump out two walls created recesses for tucking in tools and cabinets, providing clear walking paths. Plus he has the option of temporarily expanding into the adjacent parking stall.

Wire shelving just inside the overhead door holds small power tools and accessories. Benchtop power tools on dedicated stands line up from the front to the back of the shop adjacent to the wire shelving unit. This layout separates the shop space from the two remaining garage stalls where he parks his vehicles.

You may notice that Andy's shop doesn't have a conventional woodworker's workbench. Instead, he uses the countertop at the back of the shop for small project assembly. A portable worktable made by Keter (keter.com) serves for clamping and workholding. It also serves as a temporary mounting spot for benchtop power tools that don't have dedicated stands.

Instead of a central dust-collection system, Andy uses a shop vacuum attached to an Oneida Dust Deputy cyclone separator. He has developed the habit of cleaning up as he goes and after a project is completed.

When Andy had the shop built, he specified two 20-amp circuits dedicated to just the shop. Each includes plenty of wall outlets. An outlet in the floor serves the tablesaw.

Two large windows provide natural light. And, on nice days, Andy opens up the garage door and instantly expands his shop space into the driveway.