Sage advice requested...setting up new shop.

[George K]

Finished first kit from KM, turned out great (thanks KM). You can check it out at my build log if you so desire. Ordered second one and can't wait to get started. However, I have relocated from the Hoosier State to faire Eugene, Oregon and have to set up a new shop from ground zero. I have a 20 x 20 "carport" with three walls and a roof that I am getting a fourth wall built and doors installed.

I did a search of the site to make sure I wasn't starting a new thread (I hope), so the central question is, does anyone know of a good resource for guitar shop layout? And, any key learnings that you have found setting up your own shops and then setting them up again.

I will not have heavy duty air handling equipment because I use pretty much all Festool gear for power tools. Yes, it is too expensive, but they really do a good job on dust collection, so I don't have to worry about that. And, I try to use hand tools as much as possible.

Thanks in advance!

George K

[John Parchem]

Being an ex-Hoosier myself and a current northwestern I can say you have left behind most of the bad humidly issues you faced in Indiana. It is never really too humid or too dry in Eugene.

I do not know if there is a definite answer for layout; make a space that works for you style of building. I try to minimize the time I need to spend setting up and breaking down tools and equipment for common activities. For example my sharpening system is always set up and ready to go on my bench. I will use a dull tool if I have to setup to sharpen.

Do you plan to have any larger size pieces of equipment like a band saw, drum sander, drill press, belt sander ...? You may want to plan for those in any case.

I have a shop just a bit narrower than yours. I used part of the width for a four feet deep spray booth the rest of that wall I have a utility closet for a clear view dust extractor and my compressor. The rest of the wall has floor to ceiling set of drawers and cabinets.

I can work on all sides of my bench (actually two benches end to end) it runs lengthwise in the middle of the shop. Basically that gives me three to four work spaces. I can leave a glue up and work on another component.

I also have a built in bench along the wall opposite the cabinets for my router table, micro milling machine and my belt sander.

[Kevin in California]

I have a bunch of magazines that have small shop layouts, if I have time I'll try and find some and scan and post.
However, my 5 grandkids come tomorrow for 2 weeks sooooooooooooooooooooooo

[George K]

Thanks so much, John and Kevin for the responses. I found this article by J.S. Bogdanovich that had some helpful notes. As I do my research, there seem to be some general themes: http://www.jsbguitars.com/guitar-making ... /the-shop/

1) Good lighting. Gotta have a good electrical plan and put the lights on a separate circuit
2) Flexible layout. Big equipment (if you use it) should have locking casters and be able to move out of the way.
3) Maximum storage on walls. Lots of folks have nice workbenches and floors that are covered in....stuff.
4) Plan for finishing ventilation. Every approach has tradeoffs, but life will be better when the "ultimate" water-based finish is found
5) Dust/filtration/air handling. Gotta choose between source (Festool, etc.) or general (room).
6) Humidity. Very, very big deal in certain parts of the country.
7) Wood storage.

What am I missing?

George K

[Dave Bagwill]

The most important thing!

[John J]

Absolutely. You need to make sure to get rid of all the cats! ;-)

[Dave Bagwill]

Oh, hahahahahaha ;-)