Woodworking Workshop Upgrades
January 01, 2025
I've found my workshop layout to be inefficient lately, which is making it less fun to get out there and work on projects. Many tools haven't been available in arms length, and instead have to be retrieved from boxes inside drawers etc. Over the holidays I've spent a few days improving the workshop layout, and increasing the density of tools and supplies directly around the main workbench.
First up, this is what the new layout looks like. I neglected to take any "before" photos, because I always forget to.
Drill bit holder
I made this to get these (very expensive and very nice) drill bits out of the drawer and closer to the drill press. It took a few goes on the label maker to get the numbers to line up exactly, but we got there in the end.
I like the contrasting myrtle as the base, and it also made it easier to build as I could just drill holes all the way through.
Forstner bit holder
Same as above, though I dont use these nearly as often as they are pretty dull, and I rarely need to drill large diameter holes. Still, more convenient than storing them in a drawer
Drill holder
This one has been a long time coming. Previously all the drills lived in a work cart drawer, so getting them out and swapping between them was a huge pain. Now they are directly within arms reach, and in the same orientation in which you'd use them. I can also leave all the batteries attached so they are ready to go as soon as I grab one. I never understood mounting them upside down on fake battery brackets.
Calculator holder
This is a bit silly. It's an interference fit specifically for the calculator I keep in the shop. Using my phone just to quickly calculate some dimensions was getting tiring so a dedicated calculator has been more efficient than you'd think.
Hairdryer holder
I've been using a hairdryer a lot more lately. Getting stickers/labels off is so much easier if you heat it up a bit first; almost no adhesive is immune. They also seem to leave less residue after some light heating. Then a quick wipe with wax and grease remover and its like it was never there.
The hairdryer is also really handy for quickly drying paint, filter or shellac.
It's mounted in an interference fit right on the nose. It looks a bit weird, but it's very secure, and its in the correct orientation to use immediately. Love it.
Hammer holders
I use hammers surprisingly little, but they're still handier to have out of the drawer. I already had the claw hammer holder, so I made one in a similar style from some old silky oak for the japanese hammer. I want to start using my japanese plane a bit more so this is essential.
Marking gauge holder
I've had these for a while, but only recently moved all the marking/mortice gauge holders to a central location. Right near the bench vice at a low height, I'm reaching for these very often.
Plane holder
Something else I've had for a long time. No real changes. I think it needs to be closer to the bench but I'm not sure how to do that exactly.
Sandpaper (disc) holder
Previously these were all jumbled in a cardboard box, so I never knew how many of each grit I had left. A morning with some plywood and a tracksaw and I knocked this shelf together. Works great!
Sandpaper (roll) holder
This has been languishing in my drawer for years. Finally had the room to put it back up. Great to have all the rolls out of their messy cardboard box. Each grit is also clearly labelled and in order.
Random other brackets
