: Hello everyone,

: Firstly I'd like to say that I've been watching this forum with great
: interest for the past several months and have picked up a lot of great
: tips. Thanks to everyone here for sharing your invaluable knowledge. Your
: information made my decision of which boat to build much easier -- today I
: ordered my first kit -- an Osprey Double from Pygmy Boats (and can't wait
: to get started!).

: My question is this: I've seen a number of photos of several work spaces on
: this forum but am wondering what would be the best, or recommended size
: and height for building a work bench for building my new boat? Any help
: would be much appreciated.

: Thanks.

: Dan

The size and length of a kayak present a unique problems for using and getting to your tools.

I have electrical outlets on the ceiling so I won't be tripping over cords or wrapping them
around the strongback supports. I also use a coiled extension cord (like the cord on a phone
headset) hanging from the ceiling which I can move to different nails to use my hot glue gun
for stripping without my tripping.

You're going to waste a lot of time walking around the boat and shop, tool hunting
if you leave your hand tools in the boat, along the strongback or on benches on either
side of the boat.

If you use a tool belt or a good shop apron with lots of pockets, you will have your most
used tools with you all the time.

Yes, it takes a little getting used to the feeling you're packing six guns and an ammo belt,
but once you get over it you will wonder why you ever stood there for ten minutes scratching
your head wondering where you left your block plane.

The tool belts the have today are pretty cool too! What an excuse to buy a new tool!

You see Norm Abrams wearing a tool belt in the shop from time to time on his show.

He knows. Anyone who has worked housing construction knows. Time is Money.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com