Home workshops or workspaces are something every gearhead or techie needs to some degree. Sometimes it’s a wish that, due to space restrictions or limited funds, never quite gets off the ground, but the truth is, you don’t need as much money as you might think and, if you get creative, you can fit one into limited space.
These photos are from one guy’s continually changing and evolving series of workshops, different depending on the focus of his work at any given time, some mechanical, some woodworking and some electronic, but always filled with creative solutions for storage and tool availability, places you could easily lose yourself for many hours at a time. Just sitting in a shop like this could get you started, how could you NOT do something?
As I write, we’re in a long stretch of cold weather and what would be nicer than having a shop like any one of these, all warm and filled with just what you needed to build or repair something, … anything, just to be able to sit there and work for a while.
No matter what kind of work you do, if you’re a hands on guy or girl, these have to set you thinking about what you could do with some unused space around your house. Check out the whole set of photos to get the juices flowing.
Sportster Mike says
so wheres the fridge with the beer in?
Ho Ho
kneeslider says
Must have been an oversight.
fast eddie says
they say , “A clean shop is the sign of a sick mind ” I showed my son that picture and
he said , ” it’s sick ” . Where can I find a link to the translation ?
lloydy says
That is the workshop of a “workshop enthusiast” nobody with a serious interest in anything else can have a place like that.
Phoebe says
I’m in the process of making part of my basement (which connects to my garage) into a workshop. It’ll be nice to not have to work on the floor or an improvised workbench, and have much better organization than I have now. I definitely have an appreciation for a nice workshop =)
Gitan says
No milling machines ?
But anyways… Let’s come back in a year to see what’s happen !
kneeslider says
@lloydy: That is the workshop of a “workshop enthusiast†nobody with a serious interest in anything else can have a place like that.
You may be right. The funny thing is, I understand that and many of us can relate. Sort of like a GSX-R with every race component installed but licensed on the street and parked at the local watering hole. Some may race but some just enjoy the ride.
Workshops can be therapy, putting together something like the one pictured above is a project of its own and it creates a nice space, just tinkering on any small project can be relaxing, tunes down low in the background, a few tools next to you on the bench, check this, adjust that, thoughts wandering a bit, … nope, nothing wrong with that at all.
FREEMAN says
I think I just died and went to heaven.
Tin Man 2 says
As with many things on this site, The Work Shop gives us something to aspire to. Im happy to have my heated shop, with all the tools I need, But I had to equip my wifes car with the Auto Starter to avoid Divorce when I made my Garage into a Bike Shop.
todd says
Luckily, where I live I don’t need a heater or an air conditioner. The real problem for me is that I’ve built, repaired, and restored about 10 bikes between when I started putting together my garage and now. No, I’m not finished but I do finally have one of two benches finally put up. I still work on the floor and have to tip-toe around scattered parts and tools. I use any time I get to actually work on the bikes. Spare time is used for cleaning and organizing the garage. Obviously I don’t have much spare time.
This is a beautiful shop, one that no one uses apparently. It only serves to convict me about how messy I am.
-todd
FREEMAN says
Hey, you can have a beautiful workshop and use it, too. Sounds more like you guys are jealous. Well, you should be. I know I am.
Joe S. says
It looks like there are almost more outlets than things to plug into those outlets. I wonder what his circuits are like.
tim says
maybe he tidied it up for the photos? Just saying.
tim says
maybe he tidied it up for the photos? Just saying.
Also I have tool envy in a bad way.
dave432 says
I count 12 electrical outlets but I’m sure there’s more.
I like the tv in the corner, nothing safer than a distracted mechanic.
The desk on cinder blocks is cool.
If I had a garage that clean I would never get anything done.
Reminds me of a buddy who was such a perfectionist he is now a crackhead. This guy
needs help!!
Jack says
It is funny how it happens that a collection of tools is acquired, then used to build a workshop and then build shelves for all of the tools and supplies. When it’s all done it feels like you just bought a new car and have nowhere to go. I still feel this way when I’m between projects. My shop gets very clean and polished looking towards the end of winter. I keep thinking, I need to make something! Perhaps another shelf…
tim says
just come round to my garage, it has bits of VFR400 and tools strewn round willy nilly. Once i get it back together I will tidy up, honest……
B*A*M*F says
This is really inspiring me to get my basement/garage organized. I need to get all of my tools back in order so I can find them all when needed. A drive in basement would also make offloading kegs of beer into a kegerator significantly easier.
My basement is limestone, and has a very cool fireplace built in. I need to get a set of gas logs back into the hearth so I can keep warm whilst tinkering away the next winter.
Eric says
Gitan, that is the first thing that came to mind as well… at least there would be a milling machine in my dream shop. You’d think he would at least have a drill press or some sort of band saw, though with all of those hand tools. Maybe they are to the right or left of the picture.
joe says
That’s the cleanest workshop/tool display i’ve ever seen.Looks like my local tool dealer with everything laid out like a picture book. I have a much bigger workshop but it’s loaded with bikes,parts and equipment.
I can only dream of ever having it so imaculate ! If I ever had the energy and time between project’s maybe, but in reality i’ts never going to happen
powermatic says
“Too many outlets” can only mean ‘not enough tools’. Seriously-you can not have “too many outlets”-needing to constantly plug-and-unplug tools because you’re short an outlet is frustrating as hell. Example-one of my cabinet workbenches has 12 wall receptacles, and 12 strip receptacles on the face of the cabinets. Always plugged in are 6 battery chargers, a bench drill press, Tormek sharpening system, a bench grinder, and and amp and tuner, which leaves the left overs for stuff like a soldering iron, heat gun, high-intensity lamp, dremel, etc. etc., depending on my work mission at the time. In other words, even that number of receptacles is barely adequate.
Obviously this isn’t a mechanics shop, but I love seeing other people’s ideas for shop space. Even if their plan isn’t specific to your needs, it’s always good to get a different perspective, and different ideas, to make your own work space neater and more organized. Personally, it’s worth my time to develop a cool space not just to work in, but to enjoy being in, and a bonus is that you don’t have to search endlessly for that 10mm box end you’re sure you left on the floor a couple of weeks ago.
PeteP says
Where’s the motorcycle go?
WillyP says
If you look at some of his other streams, the shop is brand new. There are pics of electronic gear, mostly, stage or DJ equipment, and a CanAm Spyder.
And a cat.
WillyP says
“thinking about what you could do with some unused space around your house”
If I had unsed space, I’d be using it. Already.
…just sayin…
Walt says
What are those big squeezy-clampy looking things above the giant slide rule?
hoyt says
there’s nothing wrong with cleanliness. I’m always impressed by the top race team garages and advanced engineering shops.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
Check out the tube amp! marantz?
Nicolas says
Could buy/restore at least 2 bikes for the cost of all this arrangement, but it’s very neat looking though … nice job
Jim Flower says
I think Mr Kneeslider has the point: It is the space, your place to think and even create something. Also known as the “mancave”
My shop is not only my business, it is my home (behind my house).
It is a product of collecting tools and machinery since 1976. People often ask, “Why is it so clean?” The answer is, when it is cluttered, so is my mind. I sweep to think. After a few hours of cleaning and organizing, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge.
Each man’s shop reflects the man. A guy who builds cabinets would have a large heavy table right in the middle. The guy who buils boats has the boat in the middle, etc. (Like Gibbs on NCIS)
My 2300′ shop features an overhead bridge crane, saving my back. That was one of the best things I could have done for myself!
I see many features of this mans shop that I might consider, but for the most part I’m very happy with my layout.
I would love to see other folk’s shop space as a continuing discussion here.
Thanks Kneeslider,
I’ve got to sweep up some chips now…
Jim
jimflowerllc.com
Scott says
Interesting look. I too wonder what does he actually do in there? My shop is pertpetually trashed. Metal shavings on the floor, grinder dust everywhere, tools left in place for continuing work, etc. I sweep up regularly and organize to my needs, but even between projects, bike and car, it is never that neat. Of course, I have a full time job and kids so I am always pressured for time…
I like it, but it seems unrealistic for a “real” garage.
Reflexx says
If you want to see some really nice shops, check out http://www.garagejournal.com
If you want to see the one I built, just search Reflexx.
Reflexx says
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/
Correction, search the forums, under Garage Gallery.
dave says
that was the before photo?
Sportster Mike says
If you want to see some nice garages and workshops check out Jay Lenos – his garage has its own website! Do a google. Cannot find the hanger full of motorbikes though..
Way to go though if you’re a petrol head..
Jason says
Yes, it is possible to have too many screwdrivers and too many pliers. Can you say hoarder?
kevan says
“Workshops can be therapy, putting together something like the one pictured above is a project of its own and it creates a nice space, just tinkering on any small project can be relaxing, tunes down low in the background, a few tools next to you on the bench, check this, adjust that, thoughts wandering a bit, … nope, nothing wrong with that at all.”
You have hit the nail right in the meat of the head. Spot on.