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With imagination and planning, almost any spot in a home can become a workshop. Think of the tasks you perform most often and organize the shop around those tasks.

Arrange your tools so that they are out of the way but easy to reach. Pegboard offers handy, easily rearranged storage, but a hanging cabinet with locking doors better protects tools and prevents their unauthorized use.

The Workbench

This is the heart of the shop. A free standing bench is best because it is accessible from all sides and very stable. Allow sufficient room to more easily around the bench and to accommodate large projects bristling with clamps. If space is limited, a sturdy drop-leaf bench on any vertical surface, even on the inside of a closet door. A door-mounted bench is suitable only for light projects; put a board under the door to avoid straining the hinges.

Lighting

 For general light, overhead fluorescent tubes are inexpensive and provide steady, even illumination. For task lighting, droplights or shaded clip-on work lights are portable and help dissipate shadows.

Minimize Clutter

Because of the danger inherent in all tools, observe the rule, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Provide storage for every item near its point of use. Develop the habit of putting tools down where they will be out of the way when no immediately in use, and store them safely when no longer needed.

Stationary power tools should be surrounded by enough space so that the work can be maneuvered freely and nearby objects won’t obstruct-or fall on-the tool. Each tool should be plugged into an appropriate circuit. Standard outlets can be replaced with outlets that have built-in fuses to protect power tool motors from overload.

Provide dust control for all power tools. Sawdust and hot filings from a power grinder are serious fire hazards. Chemical fumes are also a danger. To reduce these hazards, be sure your shop is properly cleaned and ventilated. A wet-dry vacuum can be used to collect dust and cool filings. Open doors and windows; use a fan to move dangerous fumes away from you. Store flammable substances in a fire-resistant area where they will stay cool and dry and be out of the reach of children.

Caution

Extinguish gas pilot lights before using flammable substances indoors; do not smoke. The fumes as well as the liquid, can ignite.

Article Reference:
Reader’s Digest, New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual.