✅ HOW TO SUPPORT MY CHANNEL SUBSCRIBE : ua-cam.com/users/mwawoodworks JOIN my Patreon community: patreon.com/MWAWoodworks GET project plans: bit.ly/download-project-plans ✅ TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO: Small Parts Containers - amzn.to/3kLgFr7 Woodpecker Cubby Drawers - www.woodpeck.com/woodpeckers-cubby-drawers-2998.html Label Maker - amzn.to/3LAbQfM *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
God level organized workshop. I’m 54 and want one of these when I grow up. Massively helpful video and compliments on the workshop. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
This press has worked like a charm for my projects ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!
You have a beautiful shop, it is so clean. You can add a #12 to your list, "take time to clean your shop on a regular schedule, and put things away daily." Your cabinets are master level pieces with great practical design features. Good video with many helpful organization ideas and tips.
Excellent lesson. I didn't learn this lesson til I started working in a pro shop, but to put it another way, "cleaning up afterwards is a step of the project. Projects not done til you do all the steps."
Good information. All you woodshop blokes have it easy. Try having a metal shop / car building shop. Fasteners, nuts and bolts will take up a whole wall. Then you have machinery. Panel beating tools. Welding, grinding, painting. Paint storage. Big parts storage. Wheels, axles, Body parts. It goes on and on. I see why woodwork is fun. Its simple and clean. ;)
I worked on planes for three yrs in the Navy. I never wanted to do any of that again. Sure, I've worked on cars some but only when I had to. GB Utube, it's saved me $100"s
I just counted- I have 351 woodworking tools in my 'shop. As well as lathe, milling machine, compressor, welding etc. All in 10m2. It just needs organization.
Excellent video. Over the years I've developed most of the ideas that you bring up in this video. The one thing that is very important in my shop (about the same size as yours) that you didn't mention: If it's practical to put something on wheels, do it. And use four swivel casters, not two swivel and two fixed. If I need to clear a large amount of floorspace for project assembly I can re-arrange much of what's in my shop in a minute or two.
Great tips for sure. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted looking for things because my shop was a cluttered and disorganized mess. Takes the motivation right out of you.
This was outstanding content. You had me at 11!! LOL I'm not a woodworker, just a handyman and DIYer but fight the organization battle like so many. Thanks for sharing what works for you and your great looking shop.
For fastener bin storage, another helpful and easy thing you can do is to take one of each of the fasteners and glue it to the front of the bin so you can actually SEE what is in them at a glance insted of having to read among all the same looking labels. Also, you can color code your labels according to type like red for screws, green for nails, yellow for nuts and bolts, etc.
This is what it's all about. And the first several minutes of the video apply to more than just a shop. If there is such a thing a "middle class poverty," it's that condition where you know you have something, but you give up looking for it and buy it again. Organization is key; thank you for the video.
I found your video at the perfect time. Last month we finished converting our 4 car garage into an apartment for a relative. Nothing to rent available with in 20 miles due to the firestorms in Northern CA. They are now comfortable, however, it displaced my woodshop to an attached 20 X 20 garage and it is piled high. So last week we finished an attached 10 X 20 storage room to move items out of my shop space and get all the tools up and running. This helps get us in the proper mindset to organize the massive clutter. Thank you!
I just stumbled onto your site. This is the best video I have ever seen about shop organization. Having moved to a new location, I had quickly built a few cabinets just to put things away, without any comprehensive planing. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. Thanks.
This is a great video on organization! I am a scrap hoarder by nature and having a space where you say ‘It doesn’t fit, so it goes in the fire’ is really important
Having a pleasant, well-organized shop is perhaps the most important tool a woodworker can have. 1 year ago, I purchased a replacement table saw guard/splitter/dust collection accessory. I thought that was the last thing I needed. But it got me thinking about all the dust control, safety protection & efficiency updates I could make. The result is that most of the time I've spent in the shop since then has been to change out cabinets, replace several tools and their installations, add precise fences & guides, replace one workbench & rebuild the top & vises on another, add a dust extractor, reroute my dust collection pipes & add a cyclone, organize all my little stuff into the far greater number of drawers I acquired (basically using your criteria) . . . well, you get the idea. But I considered it time well spent -- and enjoyed. I've done hobby woodwork for 30 years in a hacked together space. This rebuild/reorganization is an investment in making my shop more pleasant, safer and clean for the fewer years I have left to use it. Excellent presentation & ideas in your video, too, BTW!
Timeless Advice! Very well done! Don't know why I haven't seen this video before. It wasn't time yet, as I am finishing my new shop now, hanging sheetrock and finishing those inside-the-walls items like wiring and plumbing (air) changes. I REALLY like your cabinets! Obviously, I have much more on your channel to explore. Thanks Matt. Lowell
We recently had our garage insulated so that I can use my half for my woodworking shop. Your videos have been a big help as we're trying to figure out how to maximize space for me to work in. Thanks for all of the great tips and advice!
A label maker is one of the best and most crucial tools any woodworker can own. Being organized is just as important as creating a good work of art. Beautiful shop man!
Very short, sharp and to the point.😊 as a noob, with a small amount of tools, these tips will form my basics and foundation, for later when I move into my own workshop with more tools. Thanks.
"A place for everything and everything in it's place" I have used this advice for a couple years now, and it changes not only you workflow, but your life in general. Having everything visually organized, making the most out of your space, and knowing what you have, makes things so much easier. Of course, it took me a looot of time to get into the habit of organizing (and re-organizing...), but it was worth it.
One of the best how-to videos I’ve ever watched! #1 YOU WERE CONCISE. I learned so much in 10 minutes. To many vids go on and on like we have an hour just for one topic!
Hands down the best video I have watched on Shop Organization. I think it's because you stayed "Concept Based" (three main rules and then how to maximize within them). Well done...
I've got to say your shop is nothing short of amazing, such great use of your space, I'm finding out in my small shop organization is key so I'm going to implement some of your solutions into my shop, thanks for sharing..
This is a great video. You used quality photos as you talked about each suggestion that you were offering AND you didn’t talk too much and you didn’t mumble while doing so. I’ll be watching more and subscribe to your channel. Thanks
Man, you crushed it. I was planning to organize my shop today and came across your vid. I hate to buy cabinets rather than build… But, it gets me moving forward and as you stated, I can customize the cabinet accessories. Thank you for sharing some practical tips!
I'm a believer, thanks a ton for this one. It's exactly what I needed to implement to maximize time and efficiency through bottom to top shop (and truck) organization. I'm a pro handyman and infamous ADHD - addled OCD and I need to move to my business to next level through maximized tool and materials organization. I was also drooling over the Festool collections, but that's a different story. Thanks again. - Aaron at ABC Punchlist
Thankyou for the informative video. I am an engineer working with 1000's of tiny components, so storage and efficient location and access is very important. Your 11 rules are equally valuable and pertinent to many different crafts and fields. Thanks again.
WOW!!!! WHAT A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO!!!!! TOTALLY AWSOME WORKSHOP AND ORGANIZATION!!!!!THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH.
Definitely love this type of video. I’d like to see more of what you custom built to store your drilling and router equipment. I’m trying to organize my own shop and it’s a huge PITA for me as I have to pull out a bunch of stuff to get to the one thing I need.
Step one get a 1000sft space to work in. No christmas decorations No halloween decorations No unfinished project materials No bicycles No camping gear No power wheels No long-term storage No cars No other hobbies other than wood working. No scuba gear No 3d printers No laser etchers No welding gear No legos No computer workstations No electronics No books No fishing gear Then you might have enough space to have a well organized shop. I really need to clean out my garage. Sigh
I feel ya, man! I have a two car garage with: 2 cars in it, two engines, 3 trannies, driveshafts, a rear axle, a tool chest, three wall cabinets, a wall organizer, white board, two shelving units, tires, bins, suspension parts..etc. I’m sure I forgot a few things! Oh, the storage loft above the garage with tons of auto parts!
We’ve got a 2 car garage that needs to hold at least one car, two bikes, camping and fishing gear, two golf bags and golf sundries, yard equipment including the mower because we have no place to build a shed on our very sloped lot, two saws, a large tool chest, and …. My furniture restoration habit/hobby that requires a ton of stuff by itself plus room to keep the furniture and a spray tent. I’m trying to get everything off the ground and on wheels and looking for innovative storage solutions that utilize every inch of vertical wall space and can tuck neatly into 19 inches of horizontal space 😂😂😂😂. Sometimes there just isn’t enough room and we have seriously considered selling our suburban style family house to buy one with a separate workshop just to accommodate all of our hobbies! Seriously!
@mysweetlouisvillehome my well to do brother in law built a garage and new house. My house is 30x60. His garage is 40x80. I was like, why did you bother with the house once you got the garage up?
Love these organization videos. I always feel overwhelmed when trying to find a better way to store items. Especially in a garage that's part wood shop, part auto shop, and part miscellaneous storage.
Just the video I needed to watch right now. All the issues you covered are very much real. I'm moving in 2 weeks and a perfect time to tackle this problem. Thank you
OUTSTANDING. Especially love the small part containers instead of boxes. Getting them. The table, WOW that is so funny. I think the very same way about dead space. I am looking for a table with storage for my Dremel station right now. I need a table and I need a place to store all my Dremel stuff. AWESOME
You have given such good suggestions. I only have a half wall to store my things. I have a gigantic narrow book case. It holds everything and in their own location. I use the packages that came in, and sit on a shelf. This is just an idea that made me think out of the box. Stay Safe and God Bless.
I started saving and using sandwich meat containers for small hardware. They are clear plastic with snap on lids. They stack well, and my Dymo labels stick on and stay on. Next, I wanted to maximize use of wall space so I made my own 30x30 inch cabinets, but with an open cubby below the closed cabinet, making the overall cabinet/cubby about 42” tall. I placed the cabinet a close to the ceiling as possible which still gives me plenty of space below the cubby so that I have open workbench top accessible for things like a bench grinder, sharpening station, etc.
I use those too for small parts and fasteners. They aren't all that sturdy, but last I checked they were 3 for a buck at Family Dollar. At that price who cares?
We're still old school. I screw jar lids on the underside of a shelf. Clean the label off and we can see super clearly what's inside. Plus it's super obvious when something isn't put away.
Great layout. Your wall cabinets are also good spots for mounting LED lighting to light up your work surfaces, which eliminates shadows from your ceiling lights
Good vid with lots of ideas to help organize the shop. Surely I’m not the only one with fairly expensive tools and boxes that won’t close. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! You’re shop design and layout is exactly what I want to do with my garage. Thanks for all of the tips and ideas. Subscribed and look forward to your other projects.
This is my first video of yours that I’ve seen but won’t be my last. Gotta subscribe as you & your shop really impressed me. Gotta go organize my shop now.
My wife got mad at me one time many years ago when I said “a place for everything and everything in its place .“ I’m sure it was not the right time to say something like that. I’m sitting here watching this one on the big screen and she happens to be here with me and the first thing you say is everything needs a home. Followed shortly by me saying “a place for everything and everything in its place .” I now feel justified after all these years and she heard it from someone besides me. Thanks brother ;-)
Great video. I'm in the process of major reorg of shop that is collapsing from about 1700 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft., so challenging to say the least. Some of your solutions are already in the mix. Thanks.
The most important principles I heard in this video are: keep things visible and/or stored with like items and/or in well-labeled cabinets/drawers - especially things that are not used often. They have a way of wandering behind other things and getting forgotten. I did research in one laboratory for 20 years and then moved everything upstairs to an identical room. I was amazed at all the things that had hidden themselves away and were forgotten. Most of those things were junk, and this reminds me of one principle you mentioned with respect to cut-offs but not tools and hardware: be realistic about what needs to be saved and what can be thrown away.
Wow, really nice shop and extremely organized and clean. Great video with lots of good tips. The only suggestion I would make would be paint your walls white. The cinder block is not very attractive. I recently painted my basement cinderblock with dry lock and the reflection of the many lights that I have really brighten the place up. Well done I’m glad I found your channel.
So many great tips. Love the cleanliness of your shop. I'm currently looking for ways to maximize the area of my half of a 2 car garage. Either that or talking my wife into parking in the driveway.
Awesome! If there was any one thing I really needed to hear, it was #11. I am constantly telling myself that I need a rule to deal with all the scrap lumber. I think you solved it for me. Thanks!
I have a two car garage that still has to fit a car in it...yes it is tight. I can agree with everyone of your rules/ suggestions. Ninety five percent of my cabinets and storage units are from recycled materials. Using them effectively has also been a challenge, but one that is enjoyable. I have utilised all the areas you have suggested and cabinets and doors have items on all sides of them. However, the other thing to remember is that each setup is only a version.....I rarely glue things together as it always gives me the option to disassemble and reassemble as my needs and ideas change. I will explore the rest of your channel now. Thanks
After tripping over junk I came to the conclusion I need to organise my workshop, alot. This was the first vid I found, most useful. Immediately noticeable is I need much more lighting.
I really like your cabinets. I debated putting doors on mine but opted to just build open upper face frame cabinets with pull out trays and drawers but otherwise open for the lower cabinets. I like how they don't impede my work flow but it definitely appears a lot more cluttered (even though it's organized).
I built and acquired quite a few really cool shelf/storage systems in my woodworking shop that are without doors and boy does sawdust and just dust collect like crazy, which can lead to a rust situation in humid climates. Even cabinets I have with doors that maybe have gaps around the doors get heavily dusted. So yes! on the doors and yes on the dust collection too! My favorite piece is an old sheet metal built cabinet with shelves that has glass doors so I can see what is in the cabinet. I am sure it would be very expensive new but I found it on craigslist or similar.
Good ideas, thank you. As for scraps if its shorter than a 1' 4" or screwed up in some ways its firewood. But I do have a stack of 1' 2x4 that are my third hand in building, attach then to hold a board up, board down, hold a tarp, etc.
Great tips. I used your link to get the little plastic bins. I’m about to redo my storage for fasteners and such like these. I also have a little clamp envy. Well… actually… alot. 😂. Just watched your assembly table video before this. And like I said there… there are tons of videos out there about assembly tables. Same with shop cabinets. I’ve used plans from Fix This Build That and Make Something. I think one thing that comes to mind when I see your shop is that I like the style. I like the way everything looks. I am personally struggling with my shop organization in a big way. I have been extremely blessed with having my dream shop as far as size and tools. I love my space. But it’s not set up well. In the last year I added two big things. A laser (GF) and an MFT3 table. I also have an xcarve. And the layout… just isn’t working for me. And even though I have a large shop… I’ve managed to clutter it pretty bad, storing things that don’t belong in there. So I’ve been on a kick to reorganize and purge. I think one helpful way to do this is to redefine my shop furniture. I’ve pieced things together. Some are relevant still and some are not. But what I would really like to do is have something cohesive. With that said… off to watch more of your videos on building shop furniture. Thanks for sharing.
Your shop is awesome. I had a nice setup at my last house, not as fancy but well organized. I was there close to 10 years, having been in a similar sized space (~300sq ft) 5 years before that. I now have a 30x40x12 building that I have loaded a bunch of great finds in. I have been here 5 years now and the shop is still a disaster. Functional, but messy. Everything has a home (or at least an area), but the storage solutions are very rudimentary as I am setting up work areas and haven't had the time to make any one area perfect. One important detail I keep telling myself is to be patient. Visual a plan, draw a plan, refine the plan, and chip away at the plan. It is easy to get overwhelmed and give up. I hope to have the shop squared up nice in the next 5 years, while still using the space for projects in the mean time.
Great tips! What is the size of your shop? I’m just starting out, wanting to do woodworking craft projects. Do you have any suggestions as to what size shop to start with and anything else? Did you make the cabinets? If so you are a true artist sir! Thanks Bob
Very inspiring video, and a beautiful shop! I would be interested in the ratio of time taken to create all the organizational cabinets and whatnot vs actual time working on projects. I am currently finishing one kitchen build, two base cabinets remaining, while also starting on the next kitchen build, and I just don't have any time to organize my shop that way. I'm lucky if the floor gets swept once a week. How does one overcome the time issue?
So glad that I found this video, I am looking for idea to design the layout for my small tennis racquet customization workshop. You have a very nice, clean and tidy workshop, and you sharing is very valuable. Appreciate them very much. 👍👍
At the start of the video I'm interested in the wood shelves you have behind you. For the verticals in the horizontal did you use hardwoods? It looks like you have quite a bit of weight on some of those shelves. How did you join the horizontal piece to the vertical piece? I like how the shells are close together and there's no angle piece to take up space.
Excellent tips, Matt! Thanks! 😃 Something you didn't mention, but I want to do is to put the shop vac on a remote. Makes it much easier to in fact use it! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Great Vid! Am researching my own Double Garage / Workshop rebuild. Today I was looking at Dust Extraction systems and see you have some rig set up. A Vid on that would be good.
Nice job and some great ideas. I can't say that I learned anything, but it was fun to see the order you put them in. I agree with most of all your rules. I agree with 3frogltd cleaning is very important and much safer than working in a messy shop. ALL of my accidents have come from being messy and then getting in a hurry. I do not have a cleaning schedule, but I make sure I clean the shop after or before every new job. Again, nice video. PS I was just thinking about hanging more stuff. I need space to store stuff that I am working on, I am often surprised at how often customers delay in picking up stuff or getting back to me with the details I need to continue the project. PPS all my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling.
Hey man, discovered your channel fairly recently and have watched just a couple so far but wanted to commend you! Really helpful useful tips and very good presentation. I watch a number of woodworking channels and all are great in different ways. You are very practical and helpful which I think is incredibly beneficial to your many followers. Thx,
Where do you keep your big plastic bins for of stuff that you don't want to throw away, but you may never use? Or the big box of used hardware that you replaced and you saved to fix and use later for a different project that you haven't started yet?
Awesome...could use you in my home shop for a few days..i suck at this and have years of working and fixing literally Everything...soooo..lots of stuff...great vid thanks...and I'm jealous if all the soft close doors and drawers..
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✅ TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO:
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God level organized workshop. I’m 54 and want one of these when I grow up.
Massively helpful video and compliments on the workshop.
Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
This press has worked like a charm for my projects ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!
You have a beautiful shop, it is so clean. You can add a #12 to your list, "take time to clean your shop on a regular schedule, and put things away daily." Your cabinets are master level pieces with great practical design features. Good video with many helpful organization ideas and tips.
Thank you for all the kind words! 😀
That “shop” has never ever been clearly used, and some of those tools are worthless. He made a shop, but does not use the shop.
@@cobes11 What a wonderful negative "worthless" comment.
@@bms5535 good comment 😎
Excellent lesson. I didn't learn this lesson til I started working in a pro shop, but to put it another way, "cleaning up afterwards is a step of the project. Projects not done til you do all the steps."
Good information. All you woodshop blokes have it easy. Try having a metal shop / car building shop. Fasteners, nuts and bolts will take up a whole wall. Then you have machinery. Panel beating tools. Welding, grinding, painting. Paint storage. Big parts storage. Wheels, axles, Body parts. It goes on and on. I see why woodwork is fun. Its simple and clean. ;)
I worked on planes for three yrs in the Navy. I never wanted to do any of that again. Sure, I've worked on cars some but only when I had to. GB Utube, it's saved me $100"s
I just counted- I have 351 woodworking tools in my 'shop. As well as lathe, milling machine, compressor, welding etc. All in 10m2. It just needs organization.
We sure need more of these videos, keeping an organized garage whe you have lots of tools is always a challenge, liked your video
Another useful tip, and I know it goes without saying that you've obviously done this, but, this is my mantra "Don't put it down, put it away".
Excellent video. Over the years I've developed most of the ideas that you bring up in this video. The one thing that is very important in my shop (about the same size as yours) that you didn't mention: If it's practical to put something on wheels, do it. And use four swivel casters, not two swivel and two fixed. If I need to clear a large amount of floorspace for project assembly I can re-arrange much of what's in my shop in a minute or two.
I dont have very much on 4 casters but i have added some of those Rockeler removable side-mount casters to move things around if needed.
Great tips for sure. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted looking for things because my shop was a cluttered and disorganized mess. Takes the motivation right out of you.
This was outstanding content. You had me at 11!! LOL I'm not a woodworker, just a handyman and DIYer but fight the organization battle like so many. Thanks for sharing what works for you and your great looking shop.
For fastener bin storage, another helpful and easy thing you can do is to take one of each of the fasteners and glue it to the front of the bin so you can actually SEE what is in them at a glance insted of having to read among all the same looking labels. Also, you can color code your labels according to type like red for screws, green for nails, yellow for nuts and bolts, etc.
Everything has a place. Only took me 58 years to figure that out. Now I just need to do it.
Just dive in!
Reminds me of me Lol
Brilliant
Yea I know!! I said I’ll get to it..
Me too, me too!!!!!!
Theres still more of us 😂🙄
This is what it's all about. And the first several minutes of the video apply to more than just a shop. If there is such a thing a "middle class poverty," it's that condition where you know you have something, but you give up looking for it and buy it again. Organization is key; thank you for the video.
I found your video at the perfect time.
Last month we finished converting our 4 car garage into an apartment for a relative. Nothing to rent available with in 20 miles due to the firestorms in Northern CA. They are now comfortable, however, it displaced my woodshop to an attached 20 X 20 garage and it is piled high. So last week we finished an attached 10 X 20 storage room to move items out of my shop space and get all the tools up and running.
This helps get us in the proper mindset to organize the massive clutter.
Thank you!
Awesome! Stay safe!
I just stumbled onto your site. This is the best video I have ever seen about shop organization. Having moved to a new location, I had quickly built a few cabinets just to put things away, without any comprehensive planing. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. Thanks.
Awesome!
This is a great video on organization! I am a scrap hoarder by nature and having a space where you say ‘It doesn’t fit, so it goes in the fire’ is really important
I am an absolute beginner and find your advices very helpful!
Having a pleasant, well-organized shop is perhaps the most important tool a woodworker can have. 1 year ago, I purchased a replacement table saw guard/splitter/dust collection accessory. I thought that was the last thing I needed. But it got me thinking about all the dust control, safety protection & efficiency updates I could make. The result is that most of the time I've spent in the shop since then has been to change out cabinets, replace several tools and their installations, add precise fences & guides, replace one workbench & rebuild the top & vises on another, add a dust extractor, reroute my dust collection pipes & add a cyclone, organize all my little stuff into the far greater number of drawers I acquired (basically using your criteria) . . . well, you get the idea. But I considered it time well spent -- and enjoyed. I've done hobby woodwork for 30 years in a hacked together space. This rebuild/reorganization is an investment in making my shop more pleasant, safer and clean for the fewer years I have left to use it. Excellent presentation & ideas in your video, too, BTW!
Timeless Advice! Very well done! Don't know why I haven't seen this video before. It wasn't time yet, as I am finishing my new shop now, hanging sheetrock and finishing those inside-the-walls items like wiring and plumbing (air) changes. I REALLY like your cabinets! Obviously, I have much more on your channel to explore. Thanks Matt.
Lowell
🙌
We recently had our garage insulated so that I can use my half for my woodworking shop. Your videos have been a big help as we're trying to figure out how to maximize space for me to work in. Thanks for all of the great tips and advice!
A label maker is one of the best and most crucial tools any woodworker can own. Being organized is just as important as creating a good work of art. Beautiful shop man!
Very short, sharp and to the point.😊 as a noob, with a small amount of tools, these tips will form my basics and foundation, for later when I move into my own workshop with more tools. Thanks.
We moved 2-1/2 years ago and I have been overwhelmed with organizing the shop. Thanks for the inspiration.
"A place for everything and everything in it's place"
I have used this advice for a couple years now, and it changes not only you workflow, but your life in general. Having everything visually organized, making the most out of your space, and knowing what you have, makes things so much easier. Of course, it took me a looot of time to get into the habit of organizing (and re-organizing...), but it was worth it.
One of the best how-to videos I’ve ever watched! #1 YOU WERE CONCISE. I learned so much in 10 minutes.
To many vids go on and on like we have an hour just for one topic!
Nice storage options and great ideas, especially for someone like me that very OCD! Thanks!
Hands down the best video I have watched on Shop Organization. I think it's because you stayed "Concept Based" (three main rules and then how to maximize within them). Well done...
OMG that cabinet with the planes and other hand tools looks incredible.
I built that years ago (before video making) from plans I got on Fine Woodworking's website. It was a fun build!
I've got to say your shop is nothing short of amazing, such great use of your space, I'm finding out in my small shop organization is key so I'm going to implement some of your solutions into my shop, thanks for sharing..
Good luck!
I have re-bought so many things. I don't think I'll ever run out of some consumables. Thanks for this. I actually wrote down notes while watching.
This is a great video. You used quality photos as you talked about each suggestion that you were offering AND you didn’t talk too much and you didn’t mumble while doing so. I’ll be watching more and subscribe to your channel. Thanks
Man, you crushed it. I was planning to organize my shop today and came across your vid. I hate to buy cabinets rather than build… But, it gets me moving forward and as you stated, I can customize the cabinet accessories. Thank you for sharing some practical tips!
Horizontal storage is where the most efficient use of tools. Great video!
Yes! Thank you!
Very well organized and a masterful presentation. Good job. These ideas will work for my metal shop.
Awesome 👍
You earned another subscriber by your quality shop, cleanliness, and well put together video. Thank you.
Thanks for the sub!
I'm a believer, thanks a ton for this one. It's exactly what I needed to implement to maximize time and efficiency through bottom to top shop (and truck) organization. I'm a pro handyman and infamous ADHD - addled OCD and I need to move to my business to next level through maximized tool and materials organization. I was also drooling over the Festool collections, but that's a different story. Thanks again. - Aaron at ABC Punchlist
Setting up my brand new 20x48 shop and this is the first actual useful video I’ve found in how to set it up, so thanks. New sub.
Thankyou for the informative video. I am an engineer working with 1000's of tiny components, so storage and efficient location and access is very important. Your 11 rules are equally valuable and pertinent to many different crafts and fields. Thanks again.
That's definitely a situation for controlling the small parts before they control you!
WOW!!!! WHAT A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO!!!!! TOTALLY AWSOME WORKSHOP AND ORGANIZATION!!!!!THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPEAK YOUR TRUTH.
Definitely love this type of video.
I’d like to see more of what you custom built to store your drilling and router equipment.
I’m trying to organize my own shop and it’s a huge PITA for me as I have to pull out a bunch of stuff to get to the one thing I need.
Great advice and video mate. Completely enjoyed scanning your workshop for ideas, however your tips were super valuable....
Thank you
Step one get a 1000sft space to work in.
No christmas decorations
No halloween decorations
No unfinished project materials
No bicycles
No camping gear
No power wheels
No long-term storage
No cars
No other hobbies other than wood working.
No scuba gear
No 3d printers
No laser etchers
No welding gear
No legos
No computer workstations
No electronics
No books
No fishing gear
Then you might have enough space to have a well organized shop.
I really need to clean out my garage. Sigh
I feel ya, man! I have a two car garage with: 2 cars in it, two engines, 3 trannies, driveshafts, a rear axle, a tool chest, three wall cabinets, a wall organizer, white board, two shelving units, tires, bins, suspension parts..etc. I’m sure I forgot a few things! Oh, the storage loft above the garage with tons of auto parts!
yep.. forgot a few things: engine hoist, a couple of floor jacks, jack stands, hardware.. misc auto parts
I'm pretty sure that's a basement shop and not a garage.
We’ve got a 2 car garage that needs to hold at least one car, two bikes, camping and fishing gear, two golf bags and golf sundries, yard equipment including the mower because we have no place to build a shed on our very sloped lot, two saws, a large tool chest, and …. My furniture restoration habit/hobby that requires a ton of stuff by itself plus room to keep the furniture and a spray tent. I’m trying to get everything off the ground and on wheels and looking for innovative storage solutions that utilize every inch of vertical wall space and can tuck neatly into 19 inches of horizontal space 😂😂😂😂. Sometimes there just isn’t enough room and we have seriously considered selling our suburban style family house to buy one with a separate workshop just to accommodate all of our hobbies! Seriously!
@mysweetlouisvillehome my well to do brother in law built a garage and new house. My house is 30x60. His garage is 40x80.
I was like, why did you bother with the house once you got the garage up?
I know all these things but needed to hear someone say it and show me a picture of what it could look like. Love the pull out trays.
Glad I could help🙌
Love these organization videos. I always feel overwhelmed when trying to find a better way to store items. Especially in a garage that's part wood shop, part auto shop, and part miscellaneous storage.
I have the same issue in my garage where I keep everything else not related to woodworking
My battle is the adult manchildren that work in the family biz. We keep holding on tight to them putting things back once everything has a place.
Just the video I needed to watch right now. All the issues you covered are very much real. I'm moving in 2 weeks and a perfect time to tackle this problem. Thank you
Thank you for watching!
OMFG... this is insane neatness! drooool.
Many have already shared the same thoughts. Outstanding content and I love your simple and straight to the point presentation style. Thank you!
OUTSTANDING. Especially love the small part containers instead of boxes. Getting them. The table, WOW that is so funny. I think the very same way about dead space. I am looking for a table with storage for my Dremel station right now. I need a table and I need a place to store all my Dremel stuff. AWESOME
Awesome!
You have given such good suggestions. I only have a half wall to store my things. I have a gigantic narrow book case. It holds everything and in their own location. I use the packages that came in, and sit on a shelf. This is just an idea that made me think out of the box. Stay Safe and God Bless.
I started saving and using sandwich meat containers for small hardware. They are clear plastic with snap on lids. They stack well, and my Dymo labels stick on and stay on. Next, I wanted to maximize use of wall space so I made my own 30x30 inch cabinets, but with an open cubby below the closed cabinet, making the overall cabinet/cubby about 42” tall. I placed the cabinet a close to the ceiling as possible which still gives me plenty of space below the cubby so that I have open workbench top accessible for things like a bench grinder, sharpening station, etc.
That's maximizing space!
I use those too for small parts and fasteners. They aren't all that sturdy, but last I checked they were 3 for a buck at Family Dollar. At that price who cares?
We're still old school. I screw jar lids on the underside of a shelf. Clean the label off and we can see super clearly what's inside. Plus it's super obvious when something isn't put away.
Great layout. Your wall cabinets are also good spots for mounting LED lighting to light up your work surfaces, which eliminates shadows from your ceiling lights
Hey my friend I like where you keep your straight edges for on your garage door that's pretty I never seen anyone do that before that's quite creative
Thanks 👍
Good vid with lots of ideas to help organize the shop. Surely I’m not the only one with fairly expensive tools and boxes that won’t close. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
Wow! You’re shop design and layout is exactly what I want to do with my garage. Thanks for all of the tips and ideas. Subscribed and look forward to your other projects.
Thanks for your support! 🙌
Great set of rules! A daunting task to start when the shop is full and almost totally disorganized…
Great stuff! Everything has a home has been my mindset for years… Now if I can get the wife to watch this just so she will understand!.
Excellent video, thanks very much. I like the pull out saw blades and the charging station for the drills
This is my first video of yours that I’ve seen but won’t be my last. Gotta subscribe as you & your shop really impressed me. Gotta go organize my shop now.
Thanks for the support!
My wife got mad at me one time many years ago when I said “a place for everything and everything in its place .“ I’m sure it was not the right time to say something like that.
I’m sitting here watching this one on the big screen and she happens to be here with me and the first thing you say is everything needs a home. Followed shortly by me saying “a place for everything and everything in its place .”
I now feel justified after all these years and she heard it from someone besides me.
Thanks brother ;-)
Glad to help 🤗
Great video. I'm in the process of major reorg of shop that is collapsing from about 1700 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft., so challenging to say the least. Some of your solutions are already in the mix. Thanks.
Thanks, this is going to help me get my shop organized.
Really nice shop.
Funny how a guy knows this stuff but doesn't take the time to do it.
Ain't that the truth 🤣
Have always admired how well organized your shop is, thanks for video!
You're welcome and I'm glad to inspire you as well. Hopefully you can take some tips and put them to use!
The most important principles I heard in this video are: keep things visible and/or stored with like items and/or in well-labeled cabinets/drawers - especially things that are not used often. They have a way of wandering behind other things and getting forgotten. I did research in one laboratory for 20 years and then moved everything upstairs to an identical room. I was amazed at all the things that had hidden themselves away and were forgotten. Most of those things were junk, and this reminds me of one principle you mentioned with respect to cut-offs but not tools and hardware: be realistic about what needs to be saved and what can be thrown away.
Wow, really nice shop and extremely organized and clean. Great video with lots of good tips. The only suggestion I would make would be paint your walls white. The cinder block is not very attractive. I recently painted my basement cinderblock with dry lock and the reflection of the many lights that I have really brighten the place up. Well done I’m glad I found your channel.
Thanks for watching! 😁
So many great tips. Love the cleanliness of your shop. I'm currently looking for ways to maximize the area of my half of a 2 car garage. Either that or talking my wife into parking in the driveway.
I did the latter when I first started 🤣🤣💪
Wow! Such organization skills. Amazing shop. 🤩
beautiful and excellent workshop! WOW! WOW!
Awesome! If there was any one thing I really needed to hear, it was #11. I am constantly telling myself that I need a rule to deal with all the scrap lumber. I think you solved it for me. Thanks!
You're welcome 😁
Definitely some great ideas here. I really like the small plastic containers for fasteners,
Yeah they are really nice!
Well done video. Very good ideas on storage and organization. Your shop cabinets could easily be installed in a kitchen, beautiful.
I made them as an example of kitchen cabinets and then put them in my shop 🤣🤣
Nice job on the shop organization, hopefully one day i get mine done.
I have a two car garage that still has to fit a car in it...yes it is tight. I can agree with everyone of your rules/ suggestions. Ninety five percent of my cabinets and storage units are from recycled materials. Using them effectively has also been a challenge, but one that is enjoyable.
I have utilised all the areas you have suggested and cabinets and doors have items on all sides of them. However, the other thing to remember is that each setup is only a version.....I rarely glue things together as it always gives me the option to disassemble and reassemble as my needs and ideas change.
I will explore the rest of your channel now. Thanks
After tripping over junk I came to the conclusion I need to organise my workshop, alot. This was the first vid I found, most useful. Immediately noticeable is I need much more lighting.
Yeah have as much lighting as you can 👍
Beautiful does not do your shop enough justice. Great job!!!
Good advice! Yes, please continue to share these types of tips. Most everyone gets something beneficial out of them!!!
Will do!
Awesome video. Very helpful and informative. Thank you.
I really like your cabinets. I debated putting doors on mine but opted to just build open upper face frame cabinets with pull out trays and drawers but otherwise open for the lower cabinets.
I like how they don't impede my work flow but it definitely appears a lot more cluttered (even though it's organized).
I'm going to build a cubby system similar to what you are describing on the very end of my station for my track saws and domino etc
I built and acquired quite a few really cool shelf/storage systems in my woodworking shop that are without doors and boy does sawdust and just dust collect like crazy, which can lead to a rust situation in humid climates. Even cabinets I have with doors that maybe have gaps around the doors get heavily dusted. So yes! on the doors and yes on the dust collection too! My favorite piece is an old sheet metal built cabinet with shelves that has glass doors so I can see what is in the cabinet. I am sure it would be very expensive new but I found it on craigslist or similar.
Yes very very helpful thank you so much, I need to subscribe to watch more of your awesome videos
I'm amazed at how many of those tips I actually am using. Good review.
Awesome
First time designing my workshop. Never had the space or time before. Great suggestions. Gonna take this and run with the project! Thanks 👍
Have fun!
Good ideas, thank you. As for scraps if its shorter than a 1' 4" or screwed up in some ways its firewood. But I do have a stack of 1' 2x4 that are my third hand in building, attach then to hold a board up, board down, hold a tarp, etc.
Yeah I always keep a few scraps around to help as "makeshift" tools. Very handy!
Perfect timing! We just moved and the new shop, while large, is a total trash heap right now. Thanks!
I love moving into new spaces. A blank canvas!
Great tips. I used your link to get the little plastic bins. I’m about to redo my storage for fasteners and such like these. I also have a little clamp envy. Well… actually… alot. 😂. Just watched your assembly table video before this. And like I said there… there are tons of videos out there about assembly tables. Same with shop cabinets. I’ve used plans from Fix This Build That and Make Something. I think one thing that comes to mind when I see your shop is that I like the style. I like the way everything looks. I am personally struggling with my shop organization in a big way. I have been extremely blessed with having my dream shop as far as size and tools. I love my space. But it’s not set up well. In the last year I added two big things. A laser (GF) and an MFT3 table. I also have an xcarve. And the layout… just isn’t working for me. And even though I have a large shop… I’ve managed to clutter it pretty bad, storing things that don’t belong in there. So I’ve been on a kick to reorganize and purge. I think one helpful way to do this is to redefine my shop furniture. I’ve pieced things together. Some are relevant still and some are not. But what I would really like to do is have something cohesive. With that said… off to watch more of your videos on building shop furniture. Thanks for sharing.
Wow thanks so much!
Your shop is awesome. I had a nice setup at my last house, not as fancy but well organized. I was there close to 10 years, having been in a similar sized space (~300sq ft) 5 years before that. I now have a 30x40x12 building that I have loaded a bunch of great finds in. I have been here 5 years now and the shop is still a disaster. Functional, but messy. Everything has a home (or at least an area), but the storage solutions are very rudimentary as I am setting up work areas and haven't had the time to make any one area perfect.
One important detail I keep telling myself is to be patient. Visual a plan, draw a plan, refine the plan, and chip away at the plan. It is easy to get overwhelmed and give up. I hope to have the shop squared up nice in the next 5 years, while still using the space for projects in the mean time.
Great tips! What is the size of your shop? I’m just starting out, wanting to do woodworking craft projects. Do you have any suggestions as to what size shop to start with and anything else?
Did you make the cabinets? If so you are a true artist sir! Thanks Bob
I'm in the process of building and organizing my shop/gym (I know) and this video got me to subscribe.
Thanks brother!
Very inspiring video, and a beautiful shop!
I would be interested in the ratio of time taken to create all the organizational cabinets and whatnot vs actual time working on projects. I am currently finishing one kitchen build, two base cabinets remaining, while also starting on the next kitchen build, and I just don't have any time to organize my shop that way. I'm lucky if the floor gets swept once a week.
How does one overcome the time issue?
So glad that I found this video, I am looking for idea to design the layout for my small tennis racquet customization workshop. You have a very nice, clean and tidy workshop, and you sharing is very valuable. Appreciate them very much. 👍👍
At the start of the video I'm interested in the wood shelves you have behind you. For the verticals in the horizontal did you use hardwoods? It looks like you have quite a bit of weight on some of those shelves. How did you join the horizontal piece to the vertical piece? I like how the shells are close together and there's no angle piece to take up space.
This was incredibly beneficial- practical and realistic-doable
Excellent tips, Matt! Thanks! 😃
Something you didn't mention, but I want to do is to put the shop vac on a remote. Makes it much easier to in fact use it!
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thank you!
Great Vid! Am researching my own Double Garage / Workshop rebuild. Today I was looking at Dust Extraction systems and see you have some rig set up. A Vid on that would be good.
Got you covered. I've got a couple dust collection videos on my channel already! 👍
Nice job and some great ideas. I can't say that I learned anything, but it was fun to see the order you put them in. I agree with most of all your rules.
I agree with 3frogltd cleaning is very important and much safer than working in a messy shop. ALL of my accidents have come from being messy and then getting in a hurry. I do not have a cleaning schedule, but I make sure I clean the shop after or before every new job.
Again, nice video.
PS I was just thinking about hanging more stuff. I need space to store stuff that I am working on, I am often surprised at how often customers delay in picking up stuff or getting back to me with the details I need to continue the project.
PPS all my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling.
I'm in love with your shop. Dang nice. Clean.
Sometimes she cleans up nice 🙂
I really like your clamp storage solution. Do you have a video on building them or plans?
Brad @fixthisbuildthat has the plans I think.
Hey man, discovered your channel fairly recently and have watched just a couple so far but wanted to commend you! Really helpful useful tips and very good presentation. I watch a number of woodworking channels and all are great in different ways. You are very practical and helpful which I think is incredibly beneficial to your many followers. Thx,
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Where do you keep your big plastic bins for of stuff that you don't want to throw away, but you may never use? Or the big box of used hardware that you replaced and you saved to fix and use later for a different project that you haven't started yet?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great video! Very helpful!!! Appreciate you taking the time to help!
Yes , very helpful. Getting ready to move my shop and storage/organization tips are going to be needed at the new location. Keep 'em comin'!
I like moving into new spaces. Sounds wierd but I like a blank canvas and new problems to solve 😊
Awesome...could use you in my home shop for a few days..i suck at this and have years of working and fixing literally Everything...soooo..lots of stuff...great vid thanks...and I'm jealous if all the soft close doors and drawers..
Thanks!