Two-Car (no-car) Shop
When Ed Kassof converted his two-car garage to a woodworking shop, he exiled the family cars to the driveway, a decision he hasn't regretted.
The shop features many creative solutions for storage, mobility, and multipurpose use. For example, the hideaway tablesaw (see below) and mitersaw workstation with flip-up wings both store small, but work big.
Ed designed his shop with lots of open floor space. Putting casters under benches, a lumber bin, tool cabinet, and clamp rack means that "no tool in the shop is ever in the way of any production," Ed says.
Two custom-made workbenches fill specific needs. The top of the tablesaw workstation consists of a hollow-core door sandwiched between two layers of plywood. At the front of the bench, an outlet strip nestles between the plywood layers. Large drawers hold tablesaw blades and accessories.
The main workbench provides a rock-solid project-assembly worksurface. Its sturdy 2×4 frame supports the 21⁄4 "-thick solid-wood top; a pair of vises and rows of dogholes add secure work-holding options.
Ed framed in a series of wall cabinets before the drywall was hung. Securing the cabinets directly to the wall studs and ceiling joists increased their weight-holding capacity. Sliding 1⁄4 "-plywood doors hide the contents and create a clean look.
You won't see much sawdust in Ed's shop. He keeps things tidy using a shop vacuum attached to a Dust Deputy miniature cyclone system. This assembly rolls where it's needed on a cart Ed made.
A 24" wall-mounted Air King fan helps circulate air when the garage door is up. "But it's still warm when the temperature hits 100 degrees outside!," Ed quips, as he reaches for his glass of sweet iced tea.