: I put my vote in for lighting as one of the bigger shop concerns. I'm an
: in-the-apartment-living-room builder, and would like better lighting than
: the couple of floor lights and clip lights that I have. Put in some nice
: fluorescent lights on either side of the area where you expect to be
: putting the yak.

: Dean

Hey Dean

I'm with you in that the lighting is very important. I am installing two 8' banks of flourescent lights and have a Stand-up Halogen light for the close up stuff. Also, for heating in the cooler months. Those things will heat up a garage all by themselves. I'm putting my table saw on a rollaway stand to make it easy to move around and put away when not in use. The radial arm is already built into an old set of cabinets in the garage wall. Which leads me to a clearification on my earlier post. I am building a 10' x 12' barn style shed with a loft, in order to empty my garage out as I have a totally set up shop in there, that was burried a few years ago and is now in need of reclaimation. Too many other projects got in the way and I got away from woodworking for a few years. I can't build indoors because of a couple of good ole buddies that stay with me about everywhere I go. They can't wear respirators or the like, so, the sanding would do them in.

I'm getting close to my goal and will be able to build soon. Just too hot to be out working on a building now. Next week, back down in the 90's again so I will be able to work. I will have no problem working in the winter months, and only glassing problems this time of year.

I have drawn up plans for a 12' x 24' shop to go in the back yard, but, that will be next years project. Electrical ( 110 and 220 ), plumbing ( to wash up before going to house ), Cooler ( for this weather ), and Heater ( for the winter months ). All my tools will be out there except the table saw, radial arm and Bandsaw. The big work can still be done in the garage and also the stock racks. Then I will be able to park a car in there for the first time since `75.

I don't believe you have a need for an air compressor. The staplers that use air would bury the staples and with most compressors, they have filters for moisture, but, still get a little out the hose. You don't want the moisture or the contaminates from spraying off the dust. You don't HAVE to have any of the big tools, as you can purchase anything you want in any stage of completion. ie. strips, forms and the like. Most get along with the plane, ROS, scraper, fairing board, and jig-saw, but you can get buy without the power tools if need be. Oh yeah, lots of sand paper and elbow-grease.

As for shop space, you only need about two or three feet on either side of the boat, and a couple of feet on the ends if possible. A work area on either side is desireable, such as a bench or floor space for materials and tools. However, you can build a bench under the forms and use that for easy access of stuff. I have recently seen a photo of a boat built in a room like my garage ( now ) and only enough room for the boat and a squeeze space around it. You use what you have. It would also be desirable to have enough room to be able to turn pieces around in if you decide to use something in a different place.

It's all relative and depends on just how comfy you need to be in your work area. Look forward to hearing and/or seeing your ideas.

Rehd