Shop organization hints

[mklotz]

In my time on the forum I've offered a number of shop organization hints. I thought it would be useful to create a single post that points to the more important ones in one place for the benefit of newcomers.

Always put tool chests and storage chests on blocks of wood to raise them above the surface on which they sit. On workbenches this ensures that the bottom drawer will clear most material lying on the bench. On non-workbench surfaces this provides space for another "drawer", a tray or box in which flattish material (e.g. sandpaper) can be stored.

The best way to increase storage is to go vertical. A lazy susan, commercial or homemade, will store many tools vertically and provide easy access. Lengths of plastic pipe can be glued into a roughly pyramidal shape and mounted on a board attached to a ball bearing roller frame available in craft stores and online.

Hanging stuff from overhead rafters is a great way to get seldom used stuff out of the way yet easily accessible. Make yourself a tool hanging hook like this...

Tool hanging hook

to make hanging and retrieving things easy.

Another vertical solution...A woodworker's bar clamp can easily be modified to use as a hanger for various types of tools. I used one to support a Foredom flexible shaft and its associated speed control as shown here...

Foredom tool bench hanger

Foredom handpiece hanger

The bar clamp is rigid and unaffected by the weight of the tools it supports and can easily be moved from one location to another. With its adjustable gape, it can be attached to almost any bench or sawhorse, etc..

Make a plywood tray with raised handles and a low (~0.25") fence to prevent roll-offs, something like this...

https://www.amazon.com/Acacia-Wood-S...9&sr=8-34&th=1

only with lower fences. Keep it on your bench top and get in the habit of placing tools frequently laid on the bench in it when they're laid down. Now, when the littered bench needs to be vacated for a larger project, simply pick up the tray and lay it aside nearby. The tools can still be used on the larger project and, once done, the bench can be restored to its reassuring messiness by simply moving the tray back onto it. Making a fold-up table as detailed here...

Garaj Mahal accessory table

will provide a place to put that tray when the bench needs to be cleared.