✅ HOW TO SUPPORT MY CHANNEL SUBSCRIBE : ruclips.net/user/mwawoodworks JOIN my Patreon community: patreon.com/MWAWoodworks GET project plans: bit.ly/download-project-plans ✅ TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO: Small Parts Containers - amzn.to/3kLgFr7 Woodpecker Cubby Drawers - www.woodpeck.com/woodpeckers-cubby-drawers-2998.html Label Maker - amzn.to/3LAbQfM *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
This press has worked like a charm for my projects ruclips.net/user/postUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!
God level organized workshop. I’m 54 and want one of these when I grow up. Massively helpful video and compliments on the workshop. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
You have a beautiful shop, it is so clean. You can add a #12 to your list, "take time to clean your shop on a regular schedule, and put things away daily." Your cabinets are master level pieces with great practical design features. Good video with many helpful organization ideas and tips.
Excellent lesson. I didn't learn this lesson til I started working in a pro shop, but to put it another way, "cleaning up afterwards is a step of the project. Projects not done til you do all the steps."
Good information. All you woodshop blokes have it easy. Try having a metal shop / car building shop. Fasteners, nuts and bolts will take up a whole wall. Then you have machinery. Panel beating tools. Welding, grinding, painting. Paint storage. Big parts storage. Wheels, axles, Body parts. It goes on and on. I see why woodwork is fun. Its simple and clean. ;)
I worked on planes for three yrs in the Navy. I never wanted to do any of that again. Sure, I've worked on cars some but only when I had to. GB Utube, it's saved me $100"s
This is what it's all about. And the first several minutes of the video apply to more than just a shop. If there is such a thing a "middle class poverty," it's that condition where you know you have something, but you give up looking for it and buy it again. Organization is key; thank you for the video.
Excellent video. Over the years I've developed most of the ideas that you bring up in this video. The one thing that is very important in my shop (about the same size as yours) that you didn't mention: If it's practical to put something on wheels, do it. And use four swivel casters, not two swivel and two fixed. If I need to clear a large amount of floorspace for project assembly I can re-arrange much of what's in my shop in a minute or two.
Having a pleasant, well-organized shop is perhaps the most important tool a woodworker can have. 1 year ago, I purchased a replacement table saw guard/splitter/dust collection accessory. I thought that was the last thing I needed. But it got me thinking about all the dust control, safety protection & efficiency updates I could make. The result is that most of the time I've spent in the shop since then has been to change out cabinets, replace several tools and their installations, add precise fences & guides, replace one workbench & rebuild the top & vises on another, add a dust extractor, reroute my dust collection pipes & add a cyclone, organize all my little stuff into the far greater number of drawers I acquired (basically using your criteria) . . . well, you get the idea. But I considered it time well spent -- and enjoyed. I've done hobby woodwork for 30 years in a hacked together space. This rebuild/reorganization is an investment in making my shop more pleasant, safer and clean for the fewer years I have left to use it. Excellent presentation & ideas in your video, too, BTW!
For fastener bin storage, another helpful and easy thing you can do is to take one of each of the fasteners and glue it to the front of the bin so you can actually SEE what is in them at a glance insted of having to read among all the same looking labels. Also, you can color code your labels according to type like red for screws, green for nails, yellow for nuts and bolts, etc.
Great tips for sure. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted looking for things because my shop was a cluttered and disorganized mess. Takes the motivation right out of you.
"A place for everything and everything in it's place" I have used this advice for a couple years now, and it changes not only you workflow, but your life in general. Having everything visually organized, making the most out of your space, and knowing what you have, makes things so much easier. Of course, it took me a looot of time to get into the habit of organizing (and re-organizing...), but it was worth it.
This is a great video on organization! I am a scrap hoarder by nature and having a space where you say ‘It doesn’t fit, so it goes in the fire’ is really important
Step one get a 1000sft space to work in. No christmas decorations No halloween decorations No unfinished project materials No bicycles No camping gear No power wheels No long-term storage No cars No other hobbies other than wood working. No scuba gear No 3d printers No laser etchers No welding gear No legos No computer workstations No electronics No books No fishing gear Then you might have enough space to have a well organized shop. I really need to clean out my garage. Sigh
I feel ya, man! I have a two car garage with: 2 cars in it, two engines, 3 trannies, driveshafts, a rear axle, a tool chest, three wall cabinets, a wall organizer, white board, two shelving units, tires, bins, suspension parts..etc. I’m sure I forgot a few things! Oh, the storage loft above the garage with tons of auto parts!
We’ve got a 2 car garage that needs to hold at least one car, two bikes, camping and fishing gear, two golf bags and golf sundries, yard equipment including the mower because we have no place to build a shed on our very sloped lot, two saws, a large tool chest, and …. My furniture restoration habit/hobby that requires a ton of stuff by itself plus room to keep the furniture and a spray tent. I’m trying to get everything off the ground and on wheels and looking for innovative storage solutions that utilize every inch of vertical wall space and can tuck neatly into 19 inches of horizontal space 😂😂😂😂. Sometimes there just isn’t enough room and we have seriously considered selling our suburban style family house to buy one with a separate workshop just to accommodate all of our hobbies! Seriously!
@mysweetlouisvillehome my well to do brother in law built a garage and new house. My house is 30x60. His garage is 40x80. I was like, why did you bother with the house once you got the garage up?
Very short, sharp and to the point.😊 as a noob, with a small amount of tools, these tips will form my basics and foundation, for later when I move into my own workshop with more tools. Thanks.
I found your video at the perfect time. Last month we finished converting our 4 car garage into an apartment for a relative. Nothing to rent available with in 20 miles due to the firestorms in Northern CA. They are now comfortable, however, it displaced my woodshop to an attached 20 X 20 garage and it is piled high. So last week we finished an attached 10 X 20 storage room to move items out of my shop space and get all the tools up and running. This helps get us in the proper mindset to organize the massive clutter. Thank you!
I'm a believer, thanks a ton for this one. It's exactly what I needed to implement to maximize time and efficiency through bottom to top shop (and truck) organization. I'm a pro handyman and infamous ADHD - addled OCD and I need to move to my business to next level through maximized tool and materials organization. I was also drooling over the Festool collections, but that's a different story. Thanks again. - Aaron at ABC Punchlist
A label maker is one of the best and most crucial tools any woodworker can own. Being organized is just as important as creating a good work of art. Beautiful shop man!
We recently had our garage insulated so that I can use my half for my woodworking shop. Your videos have been a big help as we're trying to figure out how to maximize space for me to work in. Thanks for all of the great tips and advice!
Thankyou for the informative video. I am an engineer working with 1000's of tiny components, so storage and efficient location and access is very important. Your 11 rules are equally valuable and pertinent to many different crafts and fields. Thanks again.
Great layout. Your wall cabinets are also good spots for mounting LED lighting to light up your work surfaces, which eliminates shadows from your ceiling lights
This was outstanding content. You had me at 11!! LOL I'm not a woodworker, just a handyman and DIYer but fight the organization battle like so many. Thanks for sharing what works for you and your great looking shop.
I just stumbled onto your site. This is the best video I have ever seen about shop organization. Having moved to a new location, I had quickly built a few cabinets just to put things away, without any comprehensive planing. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. Thanks.
Timeless Advice! Very well done! Don't know why I haven't seen this video before. It wasn't time yet, as I am finishing my new shop now, hanging sheetrock and finishing those inside-the-walls items like wiring and plumbing (air) changes. I REALLY like your cabinets! Obviously, I have much more on your channel to explore. Thanks Matt. Lowell
Man, you crushed it. I was planning to organize my shop today and came across your vid. I hate to buy cabinets rather than build… But, it gets me moving forward and as you stated, I can customize the cabinet accessories. Thank you for sharing some practical tips!
One of the best how-to videos I’ve ever watched! #1 YOU WERE CONCISE. I learned so much in 10 minutes. To many vids go on and on like we have an hour just for one topic!
Hands down the best video I have watched on Shop Organization. I think it's because you stayed "Concept Based" (three main rules and then how to maximize within them). Well done...
You have given such good suggestions. I only have a half wall to store my things. I have a gigantic narrow book case. It holds everything and in their own location. I use the packages that came in, and sit on a shelf. This is just an idea that made me think out of the box. Stay Safe and God Bless.
The most important principles I heard in this video are: keep things visible and/or stored with like items and/or in well-labeled cabinets/drawers - especially things that are not used often. They have a way of wandering behind other things and getting forgotten. I did research in one laboratory for 20 years and then moved everything upstairs to an identical room. I was amazed at all the things that had hidden themselves away and were forgotten. Most of those things were junk, and this reminds me of one principle you mentioned with respect to cut-offs but not tools and hardware: be realistic about what needs to be saved and what can be thrown away.
Just the video I needed to watch right now. All the issues you covered are very much real. I'm moving in 2 weeks and a perfect time to tackle this problem. Thank you
This is a great video. You used quality photos as you talked about each suggestion that you were offering AND you didn’t talk too much and you didn’t mumble while doing so. I’ll be watching more and subscribe to your channel. Thanks
Definitely love this type of video. I’d like to see more of what you custom built to store your drilling and router equipment. I’m trying to organize my own shop and it’s a huge PITA for me as I have to pull out a bunch of stuff to get to the one thing I need.
I started saving and using sandwich meat containers for small hardware. They are clear plastic with snap on lids. They stack well, and my Dymo labels stick on and stay on. Next, I wanted to maximize use of wall space so I made my own 30x30 inch cabinets, but with an open cubby below the closed cabinet, making the overall cabinet/cubby about 42” tall. I placed the cabinet a close to the ceiling as possible which still gives me plenty of space below the cubby so that I have open workbench top accessible for things like a bench grinder, sharpening station, etc.
I use those too for small parts and fasteners. They aren't all that sturdy, but last I checked they were 3 for a buck at Family Dollar. At that price who cares?
We're still old school. I screw jar lids on the underside of a shelf. Clean the label off and we can see super clearly what's inside. Plus it's super obvious when something isn't put away.
I have a two car garage that still has to fit a car in it...yes it is tight. I can agree with everyone of your rules/ suggestions. Ninety five percent of my cabinets and storage units are from recycled materials. Using them effectively has also been a challenge, but one that is enjoyable. I have utilised all the areas you have suggested and cabinets and doors have items on all sides of them. However, the other thing to remember is that each setup is only a version.....I rarely glue things together as it always gives me the option to disassemble and reassemble as my needs and ideas change. I will explore the rest of your channel now. Thanks
I've got to say your shop is nothing short of amazing, such great use of your space, I'm finding out in my small shop organization is key so I'm going to implement some of your solutions into my shop, thanks for sharing..
Love these organization videos. I always feel overwhelmed when trying to find a better way to store items. Especially in a garage that's part wood shop, part auto shop, and part miscellaneous storage.
WOW!!!! WHAT A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO!!!!! TOTALLY AWSOME WORKSHOP AND ORGANIZATION!!!!!THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH.
After tripping over junk I came to the conclusion I need to organise my workshop, alot. This was the first vid I found, most useful. Immediately noticeable is I need much more lighting.
Great video. I'm in the process of major reorg of shop that is collapsing from about 1700 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft., so challenging to say the least. Some of your solutions are already in the mix. Thanks.
Your shop is awesome. I had a nice setup at my last house, not as fancy but well organized. I was there close to 10 years, having been in a similar sized space (~300sq ft) 5 years before that. I now have a 30x40x12 building that I have loaded a bunch of great finds in. I have been here 5 years now and the shop is still a disaster. Functional, but messy. Everything has a home (or at least an area), but the storage solutions are very rudimentary as I am setting up work areas and haven't had the time to make any one area perfect. One important detail I keep telling myself is to be patient. Visual a plan, draw a plan, refine the plan, and chip away at the plan. It is easy to get overwhelmed and give up. I hope to have the shop squared up nice in the next 5 years, while still using the space for projects in the mean time.
Your shop is really nice. I have been a carpenter for over 45 years and still building and enjoy it. I like to mention a "real shop" that produces does not look anything like this shop. Nice job !
Awesome! If there was any one thing I really needed to hear, it was #11. I am constantly telling myself that I need a rule to deal with all the scrap lumber. I think you solved it for me. Thanks!
Thank you so much, your workshop it so organized and clean! Super!! Eso dice mucho de tu trabajo amigo🙂 Saludos y gracias nuevamente por invertir tu tiempo!!!
OUTSTANDING. Especially love the small part containers instead of boxes. Getting them. The table, WOW that is so funny. I think the very same way about dead space. I am looking for a table with storage for my Dremel station right now. I need a table and I need a place to store all my Dremel stuff. AWESOME
Labels. I have that exact same label maker. I think making labels is fun. If you have fifty little drawers for nuts and bolts, etc. like I do it helps to label them.
Wow, really nice shop and extremely organized and clean. Great video with lots of good tips. The only suggestion I would make would be paint your walls white. The cinder block is not very attractive. I recently painted my basement cinderblock with dry lock and the reflection of the many lights that I have really brighten the place up. Well done I’m glad I found your channel.
Very helpful ideas - I've got all the tools I've accumulated over a lifetime in one place, finally - and it's a mess. I've got a dozen each of hammers, measuring tapes, and rolls of brand new duct tape - i could go on and on with the money I've wasted buying things I already have. Thanks.
I really like your cabinets. I debated putting doors on mine but opted to just build open upper face frame cabinets with pull out trays and drawers but otherwise open for the lower cabinets. I like how they don't impede my work flow but it definitely appears a lot more cluttered (even though it's organized).
I built and acquired quite a few really cool shelf/storage systems in my woodworking shop that are without doors and boy does sawdust and just dust collect like crazy, which can lead to a rust situation in humid climates. Even cabinets I have with doors that maybe have gaps around the doors get heavily dusted. So yes! on the doors and yes on the dust collection too! My favorite piece is an old sheet metal built cabinet with shelves that has glass doors so I can see what is in the cabinet. I am sure it would be very expensive new but I found it on craigslist or similar.
fastener storage: I used empty country time lemonade containers. storage is a home- built rack on wall The containers just slide into 4" PVC. so 5" rings glued together into a shallow box. The containers don't rust, they don't shatter when dropped. you can write contents on top and the top works as a cup to hold a small quantity for projects. Happy building- Tyler
I've been retired for 20 years and do a lot of woodworking. Most of my woodworking is changing my shop. I'm right now building out Shop 37.2. I'm designing my miter station for the 13th time. I just like designing I guess. Tool wall yes, cabinets no. I got a bunch of particle board office cabinets for free. Wow these have been great. I reconfigure these and they make great bases. Because I have so many I can put 1 power tool in each draw which make pulling and putting the tool easy...no tangled cords.
Good ideas, thank you. As for scraps if its shorter than a 1' 4" or screwed up in some ways its firewood. But I do have a stack of 1' 2x4 that are my third hand in building, attach then to hold a board up, board down, hold a tarp, etc.
Good vid with lots of ideas to help organize the shop. Surely I’m not the only one with fairly expensive tools and boxes that won’t close. Thanks for sharing.
Nice job and some great ideas. I can't say that I learned anything, but it was fun to see the order you put them in. I agree with most of all your rules. I agree with 3frogltd cleaning is very important and much safer than working in a messy shop. ALL of my accidents have come from being messy and then getting in a hurry. I do not have a cleaning schedule, but I make sure I clean the shop after or before every new job. Again, nice video. PS I was just thinking about hanging more stuff. I need space to store stuff that I am working on, I am often surprised at how often customers delay in picking up stuff or getting back to me with the details I need to continue the project. PPS all my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling.
So many great tips. Love the cleanliness of your shop. I'm currently looking for ways to maximize the area of my half of a 2 car garage. Either that or talking my wife into parking in the driveway.
Great looking shop. I noticed a little mishap with the cabinet door. Forgot to account for the slide out. It's nice to know that you can make mistakes too. I don't mean that in a bad way at all. it's just some of the guys on here like you are so good at what you do it can be a little intimidating when I watch you make something perfect and then I try to emulate that and it comes pout looking like something Homer Simpson built. I know the skill will come and you have been doing this for a long time and have developed your skills. It's just nice to know you make mistakes too and I will get there eventually and I hope someday I can have a shop as nice as yours. Looks Great.
Just starting to organize my shop of clutter, but right now everything is sitting on a floor in the corner of the shop until my aunt and uncle finally decide to come over and take all of my grandfather's old tools that they seemed to want....weather is getting nicer, so here pretty soon all that stuff will get put outside if they don't come get it, so I can actually start on my shop layout the way I want it. I have the rest of the floor to install first, but can't do that with all the cluttered up tools in the way LOL. Labeling and storing stuff in an organized fashion is the best thing to do....if you could see how stuff is at my place right now you'd go crazy LOL. Can't do much until the family gets their stuff out of there though.
Awesome...could use you in my home shop for a few days..i suck at this and have years of working and fixing literally Everything...soooo..lots of stuff...great vid thanks...and I'm jealous if all the soft close doors and drawers..
Excellent tips, Matt! Thanks! 😃 Something you didn't mention, but I want to do is to put the shop vac on a remote. Makes it much easier to in fact use it! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Great tips. I have reorganised my workshop many times and not really got there with organising it efficiently. I am having to move my workshop so I think when I find a new one I will utilise your tips and get it right from the start. I am a sucker for keeping offcuts so that is certainly one area I need to be more disciplined. Andy UK
Great tips. I used your link to get the little plastic bins. I’m about to redo my storage for fasteners and such like these. I also have a little clamp envy. Well… actually… alot. 😂. Just watched your assembly table video before this. And like I said there… there are tons of videos out there about assembly tables. Same with shop cabinets. I’ve used plans from Fix This Build That and Make Something. I think one thing that comes to mind when I see your shop is that I like the style. I like the way everything looks. I am personally struggling with my shop organization in a big way. I have been extremely blessed with having my dream shop as far as size and tools. I love my space. But it’s not set up well. In the last year I added two big things. A laser (GF) and an MFT3 table. I also have an xcarve. And the layout… just isn’t working for me. And even though I have a large shop… I’ve managed to clutter it pretty bad, storing things that don’t belong in there. So I’ve been on a kick to reorganize and purge. I think one helpful way to do this is to redefine my shop furniture. I’ve pieced things together. Some are relevant still and some are not. But what I would really like to do is have something cohesive. With that said… off to watch more of your videos on building shop furniture. Thanks for sharing.
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This press has worked like a charm for my projects ruclips.net/user/postUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!
God level organized workshop. I’m 54 and want one of these when I grow up.
Massively helpful video and compliments on the workshop.
Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
You have a beautiful shop, it is so clean. You can add a #12 to your list, "take time to clean your shop on a regular schedule, and put things away daily." Your cabinets are master level pieces with great practical design features. Good video with many helpful organization ideas and tips.
Thank you for all the kind words! 😀
That “shop” has never ever been clearly used, and some of those tools are worthless. He made a shop, but does not use the shop.
@@cobes11 What a wonderful negative "worthless" comment.
@@bms5535 good comment 😎
Excellent lesson. I didn't learn this lesson til I started working in a pro shop, but to put it another way, "cleaning up afterwards is a step of the project. Projects not done til you do all the steps."
Good information. All you woodshop blokes have it easy. Try having a metal shop / car building shop. Fasteners, nuts and bolts will take up a whole wall. Then you have machinery. Panel beating tools. Welding, grinding, painting. Paint storage. Big parts storage. Wheels, axles, Body parts. It goes on and on. I see why woodwork is fun. Its simple and clean. ;)
I worked on planes for three yrs in the Navy. I never wanted to do any of that again. Sure, I've worked on cars some but only when I had to. GB Utube, it's saved me $100"s
This is what it's all about. And the first several minutes of the video apply to more than just a shop. If there is such a thing a "middle class poverty," it's that condition where you know you have something, but you give up looking for it and buy it again. Organization is key; thank you for the video.
Excellent video. Over the years I've developed most of the ideas that you bring up in this video. The one thing that is very important in my shop (about the same size as yours) that you didn't mention: If it's practical to put something on wheels, do it. And use four swivel casters, not two swivel and two fixed. If I need to clear a large amount of floorspace for project assembly I can re-arrange much of what's in my shop in a minute or two.
I dont have very much on 4 casters but i have added some of those Rockeler removable side-mount casters to move things around if needed.
Having a pleasant, well-organized shop is perhaps the most important tool a woodworker can have. 1 year ago, I purchased a replacement table saw guard/splitter/dust collection accessory. I thought that was the last thing I needed. But it got me thinking about all the dust control, safety protection & efficiency updates I could make. The result is that most of the time I've spent in the shop since then has been to change out cabinets, replace several tools and their installations, add precise fences & guides, replace one workbench & rebuild the top & vises on another, add a dust extractor, reroute my dust collection pipes & add a cyclone, organize all my little stuff into the far greater number of drawers I acquired (basically using your criteria) . . . well, you get the idea. But I considered it time well spent -- and enjoyed. I've done hobby woodwork for 30 years in a hacked together space. This rebuild/reorganization is an investment in making my shop more pleasant, safer and clean for the fewer years I have left to use it. Excellent presentation & ideas in your video, too, BTW!
For fastener bin storage, another helpful and easy thing you can do is to take one of each of the fasteners and glue it to the front of the bin so you can actually SEE what is in them at a glance insted of having to read among all the same looking labels. Also, you can color code your labels according to type like red for screws, green for nails, yellow for nuts and bolts, etc.
Great tips for sure. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted looking for things because my shop was a cluttered and disorganized mess. Takes the motivation right out of you.
Another useful tip, and I know it goes without saying that you've obviously done this, but, this is my mantra "Don't put it down, put it away".
"A place for everything and everything in it's place"
I have used this advice for a couple years now, and it changes not only you workflow, but your life in general. Having everything visually organized, making the most out of your space, and knowing what you have, makes things so much easier. Of course, it took me a looot of time to get into the habit of organizing (and re-organizing...), but it was worth it.
I am an absolute beginner and find your advices very helpful!
This is a great video on organization! I am a scrap hoarder by nature and having a space where you say ‘It doesn’t fit, so it goes in the fire’ is really important
Step one get a 1000sft space to work in.
No christmas decorations
No halloween decorations
No unfinished project materials
No bicycles
No camping gear
No power wheels
No long-term storage
No cars
No other hobbies other than wood working.
No scuba gear
No 3d printers
No laser etchers
No welding gear
No legos
No computer workstations
No electronics
No books
No fishing gear
Then you might have enough space to have a well organized shop.
I really need to clean out my garage. Sigh
I feel ya, man! I have a two car garage with: 2 cars in it, two engines, 3 trannies, driveshafts, a rear axle, a tool chest, three wall cabinets, a wall organizer, white board, two shelving units, tires, bins, suspension parts..etc. I’m sure I forgot a few things! Oh, the storage loft above the garage with tons of auto parts!
yep.. forgot a few things: engine hoist, a couple of floor jacks, jack stands, hardware.. misc auto parts
I'm pretty sure that's a basement shop and not a garage.
We’ve got a 2 car garage that needs to hold at least one car, two bikes, camping and fishing gear, two golf bags and golf sundries, yard equipment including the mower because we have no place to build a shed on our very sloped lot, two saws, a large tool chest, and …. My furniture restoration habit/hobby that requires a ton of stuff by itself plus room to keep the furniture and a spray tent. I’m trying to get everything off the ground and on wheels and looking for innovative storage solutions that utilize every inch of vertical wall space and can tuck neatly into 19 inches of horizontal space 😂😂😂😂. Sometimes there just isn’t enough room and we have seriously considered selling our suburban style family house to buy one with a separate workshop just to accommodate all of our hobbies! Seriously!
@mysweetlouisvillehome my well to do brother in law built a garage and new house. My house is 30x60. His garage is 40x80.
I was like, why did you bother with the house once you got the garage up?
We moved 2-1/2 years ago and I have been overwhelmed with organizing the shop. Thanks for the inspiration.
Everything has a place. Only took me 58 years to figure that out. Now I just need to do it.
Just dive in!
Reminds me of me Lol
Brilliant
Yea I know!! I said I’ll get to it..
Me too, me too!!!!!!
Theres still more of us 😂🙄
Very short, sharp and to the point.😊 as a noob, with a small amount of tools, these tips will form my basics and foundation, for later when I move into my own workshop with more tools. Thanks.
I found your video at the perfect time.
Last month we finished converting our 4 car garage into an apartment for a relative. Nothing to rent available with in 20 miles due to the firestorms in Northern CA. They are now comfortable, however, it displaced my woodshop to an attached 20 X 20 garage and it is piled high. So last week we finished an attached 10 X 20 storage room to move items out of my shop space and get all the tools up and running.
This helps get us in the proper mindset to organize the massive clutter.
Thank you!
Awesome! Stay safe!
I'm a believer, thanks a ton for this one. It's exactly what I needed to implement to maximize time and efficiency through bottom to top shop (and truck) organization. I'm a pro handyman and infamous ADHD - addled OCD and I need to move to my business to next level through maximized tool and materials organization. I was also drooling over the Festool collections, but that's a different story. Thanks again. - Aaron at ABC Punchlist
A label maker is one of the best and most crucial tools any woodworker can own. Being organized is just as important as creating a good work of art. Beautiful shop man!
We sure need more of these videos, keeping an organized garage whe you have lots of tools is always a challenge, liked your video
We recently had our garage insulated so that I can use my half for my woodworking shop. Your videos have been a big help as we're trying to figure out how to maximize space for me to work in. Thanks for all of the great tips and advice!
Thankyou for the informative video. I am an engineer working with 1000's of tiny components, so storage and efficient location and access is very important. Your 11 rules are equally valuable and pertinent to many different crafts and fields. Thanks again.
That's definitely a situation for controlling the small parts before they control you!
Great layout. Your wall cabinets are also good spots for mounting LED lighting to light up your work surfaces, which eliminates shadows from your ceiling lights
This was outstanding content. You had me at 11!! LOL I'm not a woodworker, just a handyman and DIYer but fight the organization battle like so many. Thanks for sharing what works for you and your great looking shop.
I just stumbled onto your site. This is the best video I have ever seen about shop organization. Having moved to a new location, I had quickly built a few cabinets just to put things away, without any comprehensive planing. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. Thanks.
Awesome!
Timeless Advice! Very well done! Don't know why I haven't seen this video before. It wasn't time yet, as I am finishing my new shop now, hanging sheetrock and finishing those inside-the-walls items like wiring and plumbing (air) changes. I REALLY like your cabinets! Obviously, I have much more on your channel to explore. Thanks Matt.
Lowell
🙌
Man, you crushed it. I was planning to organize my shop today and came across your vid. I hate to buy cabinets rather than build… But, it gets me moving forward and as you stated, I can customize the cabinet accessories. Thank you for sharing some practical tips!
One of the best how-to videos I’ve ever watched! #1 YOU WERE CONCISE. I learned so much in 10 minutes.
To many vids go on and on like we have an hour just for one topic!
OMG that cabinet with the planes and other hand tools looks incredible.
I built that years ago (before video making) from plans I got on Fine Woodworking's website. It was a fun build!
Hands down the best video I have watched on Shop Organization. I think it's because you stayed "Concept Based" (three main rules and then how to maximize within them). Well done...
You have given such good suggestions. I only have a half wall to store my things. I have a gigantic narrow book case. It holds everything and in their own location. I use the packages that came in, and sit on a shelf. This is just an idea that made me think out of the box. Stay Safe and God Bless.
I have re-bought so many things. I don't think I'll ever run out of some consumables. Thanks for this. I actually wrote down notes while watching.
The most important principles I heard in this video are: keep things visible and/or stored with like items and/or in well-labeled cabinets/drawers - especially things that are not used often. They have a way of wandering behind other things and getting forgotten. I did research in one laboratory for 20 years and then moved everything upstairs to an identical room. I was amazed at all the things that had hidden themselves away and were forgotten. Most of those things were junk, and this reminds me of one principle you mentioned with respect to cut-offs but not tools and hardware: be realistic about what needs to be saved and what can be thrown away.
Yes very very helpful thank you so much, I need to subscribe to watch more of your awesome videos
Many have already shared the same thoughts. Outstanding content and I love your simple and straight to the point presentation style. Thank you!
Great stuff! Everything has a home has been my mindset for years… Now if I can get the wife to watch this just so she will understand!.
Just the video I needed to watch right now. All the issues you covered are very much real. I'm moving in 2 weeks and a perfect time to tackle this problem. Thank you
Thank you for watching!
This is a great video. You used quality photos as you talked about each suggestion that you were offering AND you didn’t talk too much and you didn’t mumble while doing so. I’ll be watching more and subscribe to your channel. Thanks
Definitely love this type of video.
I’d like to see more of what you custom built to store your drilling and router equipment.
I’m trying to organize my own shop and it’s a huge PITA for me as I have to pull out a bunch of stuff to get to the one thing I need.
I started saving and using sandwich meat containers for small hardware. They are clear plastic with snap on lids. They stack well, and my Dymo labels stick on and stay on. Next, I wanted to maximize use of wall space so I made my own 30x30 inch cabinets, but with an open cubby below the closed cabinet, making the overall cabinet/cubby about 42” tall. I placed the cabinet a close to the ceiling as possible which still gives me plenty of space below the cubby so that I have open workbench top accessible for things like a bench grinder, sharpening station, etc.
That's maximizing space!
I use those too for small parts and fasteners. They aren't all that sturdy, but last I checked they were 3 for a buck at Family Dollar. At that price who cares?
We're still old school. I screw jar lids on the underside of a shelf. Clean the label off and we can see super clearly what's inside. Plus it's super obvious when something isn't put away.
I have a two car garage that still has to fit a car in it...yes it is tight. I can agree with everyone of your rules/ suggestions. Ninety five percent of my cabinets and storage units are from recycled materials. Using them effectively has also been a challenge, but one that is enjoyable.
I have utilised all the areas you have suggested and cabinets and doors have items on all sides of them. However, the other thing to remember is that each setup is only a version.....I rarely glue things together as it always gives me the option to disassemble and reassemble as my needs and ideas change.
I will explore the rest of your channel now. Thanks
I've got to say your shop is nothing short of amazing, such great use of your space, I'm finding out in my small shop organization is key so I'm going to implement some of your solutions into my shop, thanks for sharing..
Good luck!
Love these organization videos. I always feel overwhelmed when trying to find a better way to store items. Especially in a garage that's part wood shop, part auto shop, and part miscellaneous storage.
I have the same issue in my garage where I keep everything else not related to woodworking
My battle is the adult manchildren that work in the family biz. We keep holding on tight to them putting things back once everything has a place.
WOW!!!! WHAT A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO!!!!! TOTALLY AWSOME WORKSHOP AND ORGANIZATION!!!!!THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH.
Great set of rules! A daunting task to start when the shop is full and almost totally disorganized…
After tripping over junk I came to the conclusion I need to organise my workshop, alot. This was the first vid I found, most useful. Immediately noticeable is I need much more lighting.
Yeah have as much lighting as you can 👍
I know all these things but needed to hear someone say it and show me a picture of what it could look like. Love the pull out trays.
Glad I could help🙌
Great video. I'm in the process of major reorg of shop that is collapsing from about 1700 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft., so challenging to say the least. Some of your solutions are already in the mix. Thanks.
Horizontal storage is where the most efficient use of tools. Great video!
Yes! Thank you!
Very well organized and a masterful presentation. Good job. These ideas will work for my metal shop.
Awesome 👍
Great advice and video mate. Completely enjoyed scanning your workshop for ideas, however your tips were super valuable....
Thank you
Excellent video, thanks very much. I like the pull out saw blades and the charging station for the drills
OMFG... this is insane neatness! drooool.
Setting up my brand new 20x48 shop and this is the first actual useful video I’ve found in how to set it up, so thanks. New sub.
You earned another subscriber by your quality shop, cleanliness, and well put together video. Thank you.
Thanks for the sub!
Thanks, this is going to help me get my shop organized.
Really nice shop.
Funny how a guy knows this stuff but doesn't take the time to do it.
Ain't that the truth 🤣
Your shop is awesome. I had a nice setup at my last house, not as fancy but well organized. I was there close to 10 years, having been in a similar sized space (~300sq ft) 5 years before that. I now have a 30x40x12 building that I have loaded a bunch of great finds in. I have been here 5 years now and the shop is still a disaster. Functional, but messy. Everything has a home (or at least an area), but the storage solutions are very rudimentary as I am setting up work areas and haven't had the time to make any one area perfect.
One important detail I keep telling myself is to be patient. Visual a plan, draw a plan, refine the plan, and chip away at the plan. It is easy to get overwhelmed and give up. I hope to have the shop squared up nice in the next 5 years, while still using the space for projects in the mean time.
Your shop is really nice. I have been a carpenter for over 45 years and still building and enjoy it. I like to mention a "real shop" that produces does not look anything like this shop. Nice job !
Awesome video. Very helpful and informative. Thank you.
Have always admired how well organized your shop is, thanks for video!
You're welcome and I'm glad to inspire you as well. Hopefully you can take some tips and put them to use!
This was incredibly beneficial- practical and realistic-doable
Awesome! If there was any one thing I really needed to hear, it was #11. I am constantly telling myself that I need a rule to deal with all the scrap lumber. I think you solved it for me. Thanks!
You're welcome 😁
I'm in the process of building and organizing my shop/gym (I know) and this video got me to subscribe.
Thanks brother!
Wow! Such organization skills. Amazing shop. 🤩
Thank you so much, your workshop it so organized and clean! Super!! Eso dice mucho de tu trabajo amigo🙂 Saludos y gracias nuevamente por invertir tu tiempo!!!
OUTSTANDING. Especially love the small part containers instead of boxes. Getting them. The table, WOW that is so funny. I think the very same way about dead space. I am looking for a table with storage for my Dremel station right now. I need a table and I need a place to store all my Dremel stuff. AWESOME
Awesome!
Labels. I have that exact same label maker. I think making labels is fun. If you have fifty little drawers for nuts and bolts, etc. like I do it helps to label them.
Nice job on the shop organization, hopefully one day i get mine done.
Wow, really nice shop and extremely organized and clean. Great video with lots of good tips. The only suggestion I would make would be paint your walls white. The cinder block is not very attractive. I recently painted my basement cinderblock with dry lock and the reflection of the many lights that I have really brighten the place up. Well done I’m glad I found your channel.
Thanks for watching! 😁
Very helpful ideas - I've got all the tools I've accumulated over a lifetime in one place, finally - and it's a mess. I've got a dozen each of hammers, measuring tapes, and rolls of brand new duct tape - i could go on and on with the money I've wasted buying things I already have. Thanks.
I really like your cabinets. I debated putting doors on mine but opted to just build open upper face frame cabinets with pull out trays and drawers but otherwise open for the lower cabinets.
I like how they don't impede my work flow but it definitely appears a lot more cluttered (even though it's organized).
I'm going to build a cubby system similar to what you are describing on the very end of my station for my track saws and domino etc
I built and acquired quite a few really cool shelf/storage systems in my woodworking shop that are without doors and boy does sawdust and just dust collect like crazy, which can lead to a rust situation in humid climates. Even cabinets I have with doors that maybe have gaps around the doors get heavily dusted. So yes! on the doors and yes on the dust collection too! My favorite piece is an old sheet metal built cabinet with shelves that has glass doors so I can see what is in the cabinet. I am sure it would be very expensive new but I found it on craigslist or similar.
fastener storage: I used empty country time lemonade containers. storage is a home- built rack on wall The containers just slide into 4" PVC. so 5" rings glued together into a shallow box. The containers don't rust, they don't shatter when dropped. you can write contents on top and the top works as a cup to hold a small quantity for projects. Happy building- Tyler
Wow!
Definitely some great ideas here. I really like the small plastic containers for fasteners,
Yeah they are really nice!
First time designing my workshop. Never had the space or time before. Great suggestions. Gonna take this and run with the project! Thanks 👍
Have fun!
I've been retired for 20 years and do a lot of woodworking. Most of my woodworking is changing my shop. I'm right now building out Shop 37.2. I'm designing my miter station for the 13th time. I just like designing I guess.
Tool wall yes, cabinets no. I got a bunch of particle board office cabinets for free. Wow these have been great. I reconfigure these and they make great bases. Because I have so many I can put 1 power tool in each draw which make pulling and putting the tool easy...no tangled cords.
Beautiful does not do your shop enough justice. Great job!!!
Perfect timing! We just moved and the new shop, while large, is a total trash heap right now. Thanks!
I love moving into new spaces. A blank canvas!
Good ideas, thank you. As for scraps if its shorter than a 1' 4" or screwed up in some ways its firewood. But I do have a stack of 1' 2x4 that are my third hand in building, attach then to hold a board up, board down, hold a tarp, etc.
Yeah I always keep a few scraps around to help as "makeshift" tools. Very handy!
Good vid with lots of ideas to help organize the shop. Surely I’m not the only one with fairly expensive tools and boxes that won’t close. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I'm amazed at how many of those tips I actually am using. Good review.
Awesome
Nice job and some great ideas. I can't say that I learned anything, but it was fun to see the order you put them in. I agree with most of all your rules.
I agree with 3frogltd cleaning is very important and much safer than working in a messy shop. ALL of my accidents have come from being messy and then getting in a hurry. I do not have a cleaning schedule, but I make sure I clean the shop after or before every new job.
Again, nice video.
PS I was just thinking about hanging more stuff. I need space to store stuff that I am working on, I am often surprised at how often customers delay in picking up stuff or getting back to me with the details I need to continue the project.
PPS all my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling.
So many great tips. Love the cleanliness of your shop. I'm currently looking for ways to maximize the area of my half of a 2 car garage. Either that or talking my wife into parking in the driveway.
I did the latter when I first started 🤣🤣💪
Great looking shop. I noticed a little mishap with the cabinet door. Forgot to account for the slide out. It's nice to know that you can make mistakes too. I don't mean that in a bad way at all. it's just some of the guys on here like you are so good at what you do it can be a little intimidating when I watch you make something perfect and then I try to emulate that and it comes pout looking like something Homer Simpson built. I know the skill will come and you have been doing this for a long time and have developed your skills. It's just nice to know you make mistakes too and I will get there eventually and I hope someday I can have a shop as nice as yours. Looks Great.
Well done video. Very good ideas on storage and organization. Your shop cabinets could easily be installed in a kitchen, beautiful.
I made them as an example of kitchen cabinets and then put them in my shop 🤣🤣
All great ideas. I can't imagine what it would cost today for all the ply.
Just starting to organize my shop of clutter, but right now everything is sitting on a floor in the corner of the shop until my aunt and uncle finally decide to come over and take all of my grandfather's old tools that they seemed to want....weather is getting nicer, so here pretty soon all that stuff will get put outside if they don't come get it, so I can actually start on my shop layout the way I want it. I have the rest of the floor to install first, but can't do that with all the cluttered up tools in the way LOL.
Labeling and storing stuff in an organized fashion is the best thing to do....if you could see how stuff is at my place right now you'd go crazy LOL. Can't do much until the family gets their stuff out of there though.
Great video! Very helpful!!! Appreciate you taking the time to help!
wow i liked this video very good info for organizing. i have a large shop that needs all these upgrades ... lol thanks for this video please make more
Good advice! Yes, please continue to share these types of tips. Most everyone gets something beneficial out of them!!!
Will do!
Awesome...could use you in my home shop for a few days..i suck at this and have years of working and fixing literally Everything...soooo..lots of stuff...great vid thanks...and I'm jealous if all the soft close doors and drawers..
Thanks!
Hey my friend I like where you keep your straight edges for on your garage door that's pretty I never seen anyone do that before that's quite creative
Thanks 👍
Excellent tips, Matt! Thanks! 😃
Something you didn't mention, but I want to do is to put the shop vac on a remote. Makes it much easier to in fact use it!
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thank you!
Very valuable! Thank you!
I have another video like this coming out next Sunday 👀
Great tips. I have reorganised my workshop many times and not really got there with organising it efficiently. I am having to move my workshop so I think when I find a new one I will utilise your tips and get it right from the start. I am a sucker for keeping offcuts so that is certainly one area I need to be more disciplined. Andy UK
A blank slate to work with is a wonderful thing!
Great tips. Now on to implementing them in my shop, which is a mess right now.
Good luck! It's a good feeling when done
Some really sound principles here. Thank you for sharing them.
You're welcome
Belle organisation
C'est pour moi un atelier idéal... j'adore ! 👏👏👏
Thanks you for the kind words 😊
Great tips. I used your link to get the little plastic bins. I’m about to redo my storage for fasteners and such like these. I also have a little clamp envy. Well… actually… alot. 😂. Just watched your assembly table video before this. And like I said there… there are tons of videos out there about assembly tables. Same with shop cabinets. I’ve used plans from Fix This Build That and Make Something. I think one thing that comes to mind when I see your shop is that I like the style. I like the way everything looks. I am personally struggling with my shop organization in a big way. I have been extremely blessed with having my dream shop as far as size and tools. I love my space. But it’s not set up well. In the last year I added two big things. A laser (GF) and an MFT3 table. I also have an xcarve. And the layout… just isn’t working for me. And even though I have a large shop… I’ve managed to clutter it pretty bad, storing things that don’t belong in there. So I’ve been on a kick to reorganize and purge. I think one helpful way to do this is to redefine my shop furniture. I’ve pieced things together. Some are relevant still and some are not. But what I would really like to do is have something cohesive. With that said… off to watch more of your videos on building shop furniture. Thanks for sharing.
Wow thanks so much!