You’ve finally commandeered space in the garage or basement to set up a real workshop. Now you have to address a list of items you need to get your workshop up and running.
Electricity
Having enough power in the home workshop is essential. You don’t want to draw from household needs or blow circuit breakers or fuses. If you’re planning on using power tools extensively you may want to review your home’s electrical system and consider upgrading.
Outlets
You’ll need a 20-amp circuit with 12-gauge wire for your outlet needs. Use a GFI breaker to protect yourself and your equipment from shocks. You can also use a GFCI outlet in a series of up to four outlets (code for many areas). You can attach a separate power strip directly on your workbench to keep cords out of the way of your work.
Lighting
Good lighting is a necessity. Depending on the size of your workshop, use one or more ceiling fixtures with the common four-foot fluorescent “workshop” lights. Add some task lighting near where your workbench will go.
Workbench
You can buy a ready-made workbench, or you could make the workbench your first real project! How-to plans can be found in books and magazines, or you can find them out on the Internet.
Storage
Hang pegboard on the wall with hooks to hold hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers. Store power tools in their cases. Simple racking, either made or purchased, can hold lumber, and shelves can store miscellaneous tools. For all those screws, nails, picture hooks, and other myriad small items, get one or two multi-compartment units containing lots of drawers that you can labeled. On a budget? Save old jam jars with screw on lids. Nail the lids to an overhead shelf, fill the jars, and screw them to their lids.
Power Tools
You get what you pay for – especially in tools. Buy the best tools you can afford. Take care of them and they will give you years of good service. Purchase your tools at a Chase-Pitkin store and not only do you get quality tools, you also receive a Lifetime Tool Warranty.
A list of basic tools for your workshop might include:
- Cordless screwdriver
- Cordless drill
- Miter saw
- Sander
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- and a shop vacuum to handle the cleanup
Now you and your workshop are ready to tackle all those projects!