For me, I live in North Dakota, putting in spray foam insulation, hanging heaters and an insulated door for my shop was a massive improvement!! I can now work in the winter without freezing things off. Plus the insulation helps in the summer too.
Great video! For shop bench pads (glue ups/sanding/protecting furniture/etc) buy cheap thin type yoga mats. I get mine at Five Below for about $5. I then cut them in half for more flexibility. Also great for when you have to work on the floor doing plumbing or baseboards, etc. Fold them over for extra knee padding.
Over the span of forty years, about half of my shop tools were birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas gifts. The wish list can be on Amazon, or a clipboard pad. I appreciated seeing the way you approached organizing. That’s one of my big challenges but worth the effort.
I hate to do it but I'll say it... I joined that WWGOA and after about two weeks I canceled. EVERY single day more and more spam telling me to BUY THEIR DVDs. Who uses DVDs anymore? Spam email after spam email. I had enough of it.
I also hate that many of the ads on their emails are not even remotely related to woodworking or any kind of diy or crafting. I seem to get about half woodworking content and the rest is useless junk. It's not just the ads either, some of their emails are spamming products not related to woodworking with no mention of woodworking at all. WWGoA is not something I would recommend. I got suckered in with the $1.49 for the first year and (my fault) I forgot about the auto renewal and got hit with the full price at a time my bank account couldn't afford it, also costing me a $35 bank overdraft fee on top of that.
Wishlist for the win! I got tired of my family buying cheap crap I didn't need. The other nice thing is you can add quantities if you want multiples, AND you can set priorities, so if something is a "eh, that'd be nice" you can lower the urgency so people can see stuff you really want. Sure, I might not be as surprised as I used to be, but I only get things I can actually use now. Great video!
I did not see any comments on dust collection. This is a upgrade that everyone needs. There are lots of options from shop vacs to homemade filters using a box fan to getting a dedicated vacuum system.
I agree with most of your list. However I disagree about tools bags. Bags are great for things like side grinders, oscillating multitools, routers, and palm sanders. All the wrenches, allen keys, blades, cuttoff wheels, flap discs, bits, and whatever else live in the bag with the tool. It's annoying to need to change blade, disc, or bit, but have to hunt the wrench for it. I also don't see the point in keeping a tool in one area, and all the associated accessories in another. Save space by consolidating and keep everything together.
If the bags will collapse and you have space, then yes that could work, but I take the wrenches out and put them in the back of the cubby where the tool is. I'm limited on space!
Great video and good tips. Outlets are a huge thing... just had my garage shop rewired and it has been a Godsend! For additional work surfaces - other than a couple rolling carts with locking casters, we have a couple foldable 6' tables (which can be picked up pretty cheaply) online or at a wholesale place like BJs/Costco/Sam's Club. Another idea, since I don't have a dust collection "system" for the shop, I have dedicated shop vacs (normal size at my miter saw, small $40 thing from ebay shared between my drum sander and bandsaw), all with an auto switch, so it also saves me time (and ensures I actually run dust collection 😄)
oh, yeah, my Wife said, 'Label those Part Organizers' in Upgrade #9. She carries a Dymo labeller everywhere. Just having the organizers does not matter since they are all the same color and you have to pull them down to see what each one contains. Yours are labelled but you didn't mention it, so mention it! Take credit for being organized.
I have to disagree about the floor. The best floor is something sealed and smooth (painted or epoxy) for easy dust cleanup. Anything overtop makes cleanup impossible. I'd suggest every major tool on casters as an addition. That way, you can roll everything out to your driveway if your shop is a garage.
Wearing good shoes with good insoles eliminates the need for mats, IMO. I see too many UA-camrs wearing sandals or crocks. Aside from the safety of the toes they offer no support.
The epoxy flooring is definitely nice, but I think I'd still want a dedicated mat in the common use areas... makes a huge difference on how your legs feel after an hour or so, even with good shoes.
I have the luxury of having a stand alone metal building for a shop. I put a wooden floor in it that is a lot easier on the back. I also am more prone to leave the hardware that I buy in the box it came in. I store it on shelves made from 6 foot fence pickets.
Always love your videos. How is the stereo receiver thing doing? Have you wanted to switch it out or been using it less? Looks like they all come with Bluetooth integrated now. Wow that video is 6 years old now. We old. Oh man, can’t talk about the Warhammer? Ahhh such a teaser!
I agree 100%. I looked at your sticker board and couldn’t believe you didn’t have my sticker up there. Then I went to my board and yours wasn’t on mine either. I’ll be sure to get one from you at Maker Camp this year.
Great video! I wish that you lived on my block. It probably wouldn't be fun for you (because I'd be a total pest) but it would be fantastic for me. Thanks for the cool advice.
Yes sir, all great upgrades. I’m happy to say that I’ve already completed some. I guess great minds think alike. The folding portable table is a great idea, especially when trying to save space. I had a small table from my mom that I wanted to use as an out feed table, but even with casters, it’s too low. It’ll be a staging table when I start repairing/refinishing some old antique painting frames. Great video.
Some good ideas there, and surprised by how many of them I had done as well. The Amazon wish list is a good idea, until someone spots something has gone, and the realise you have been spending again.
The LED "petal" lights are really great. Mine have not lasted terribly long, but that has allowed me to upgrade to brighter ones as the older ones died.
@@malcolmjohn4793 try searching led garage lights. You'll get lots of options. I've even seen one with a fan - which seems like a sketchy thing to plug into a light socket.
1. I really like the info, craftsmen and projects on Woodworker's Guild. I subscribed once and was inundated with ad material. That's the only reason I left the publication. 2. Like you I got the VEGA fence. I have to admit it was a game changer for my contractor's saw. I also contacted VEGA directly, got the correct fence info from a tech for my saw and bought it directly while on the phone. And cheaper than any online site. Direct sales, correct info and a person that speaks clear English! I love it! They are good people. 3. I fabricate my lumber rack with shelving from Lowes. The specs said it holds 170 lbs per shelf. It's worked great for 5 years now and much less expensive. 4. 20 years ago I bought a 2-tray rolling hospital cart at a sale. I constructed a plywood top for the upper shelf and mounted all my sanding/grinding machines. I just roll it wherever needed and then back out of the way. It's heavy duty and works great. 5. I whole heartedly agree about the hardware organizers. But I bought mine from Amazon much cheaper that any big box or discount store. I also labeled each one with the contents. I have found that storing them vertically side-by-side saves a ton of wall space. Labels are pasted on the ends. 6. Yoga mats are really good and cheap work mats. 7. Sorry for the epistle. LOL I am opinionated. Thanks.
For me, I live in North Dakota, putting in spray foam insulation, hanging heaters and an insulated door for my shop was a massive improvement!! I can now work in the winter without freezing things off. Plus the insulation helps in the summer too.
That's a great upgrade!
Great video! For shop bench pads (glue ups/sanding/protecting furniture/etc) buy cheap thin type yoga mats. I get mine at Five Below for about $5. I then cut them in half for more flexibility. Also great for when you have to work on the floor doing plumbing or baseboards, etc. Fold them over for extra knee padding.
That's a great idea!
Over the span of forty years, about half of my shop tools were birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas gifts. The wish list can be on Amazon, or a clipboard pad. I appreciated seeing the way you approached organizing. That’s one of my big challenges but worth the effort.
Thanks! Yeah it's good to have a list somewhere that people can see when they ask you what you want. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! A shop upgrade video that wasn't a series of "buy this, buy that, ...". Great advise. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I hate to do it but I'll say it... I joined that WWGOA and after about two weeks I canceled. EVERY single day more and more spam telling me to BUY THEIR DVDs. Who uses DVDs anymore? Spam email after spam email. I had enough of it.
They are a classic example of not keeping up with the times.
Yup, and they're plans are hard to find, not that great, and sorta limited. There's nothing on there that isn't free already on the internet.
I also hate that many of the ads on their emails are not even remotely related to woodworking or any kind of diy or crafting. I seem to get about half woodworking content and the rest is useless junk. It's not just the ads either, some of their emails are spamming products not related to woodworking with no mention of woodworking at all. WWGoA is not something I would recommend. I got suckered in with the $1.49 for the first year and (my fault) I forgot about the auto renewal and got hit with the full price at a time my bank account couldn't afford it, also costing me a $35 bank overdraft fee on top of that.
@@robgoffroad To be fair, I'd rather learn from this guy's channel. I'm glad they sponsored him.
They are scumbags like Dusty lumber co
Great video
I made a shop clock from my old motorcycle front brake rotor. Excellent shop deco.
That sounds sweet!
BUT, Yes $1.49 but you didnt mention the automatic renewal for another year at $88.00, not cool
Mmm,
I doubt they have things you can't find on UA-cam for Free.
Isn't like you're not told before you sign up unlike cable companies. They let you know up front before check out.
Wishlist for the win! I got tired of my family buying cheap crap I didn't need. The other nice thing is you can add quantities if you want multiples, AND you can set priorities, so if something is a "eh, that'd be nice" you can lower the urgency so people can see stuff you really want. Sure, I might not be as surprised as I used to be, but I only get things I can actually use now. Great video!
Thanks! We do the wish lists for our kids too!
I did not see any comments on dust collection. This is a upgrade that everyone needs. There are lots of options from shop vacs to homemade filters using a box fan to getting a dedicated vacuum system.
Good point! Guess I need to make another video now!
I agree with most of your list. However I disagree about tools bags. Bags are great for things like side grinders, oscillating multitools, routers, and palm sanders. All the wrenches, allen keys, blades, cuttoff wheels, flap discs, bits, and whatever else live in the bag with the tool.
It's annoying to need to change blade, disc, or bit, but have to hunt the wrench for it. I also don't see the point in keeping a tool in one area, and all the associated accessories in another. Save space by consolidating and keep everything together.
If the bags will collapse and you have space, then yes that could work, but I take the wrenches out and put them in the back of the cubby where the tool is. I'm limited on space!
Great video and good tips. Outlets are a huge thing... just had my garage shop rewired and it has been a Godsend! For additional work surfaces - other than a couple rolling carts with locking casters, we have a couple foldable 6' tables (which can be picked up pretty cheaply) online or at a wholesale place like BJs/Costco/Sam's Club.
Another idea, since I don't have a dust collection "system" for the shop, I have dedicated shop vacs (normal size at my miter saw, small $40 thing from ebay shared between my drum sander and bandsaw), all with an auto switch, so it also saves me time (and ensures I actually run dust collection 😄)
Good call, the dedicated shop vacs can be great for localized dust on specific tools
oh, yeah, my Wife said, 'Label those Part Organizers' in Upgrade #9. She carries a Dymo labeller everywhere. Just having the organizers does not matter since they are all the same color and you have to pull them down to see what each one contains. Yours are labelled but you didn't mention it, so mention it! Take credit for being organized.
Haha! Thanks for the reminder... yes I love my labeler, but that's the upgrade to the upgrade! Part 2!
I decorate my shop ceiling with tin trackers from breweries I visit.
That sounds like a cool look!
I have to disagree about the floor. The best floor is something sealed and smooth (painted or epoxy) for easy dust cleanup. Anything overtop makes cleanup impossible.
I'd suggest every major tool on casters as an addition. That way, you can roll everything out to your driveway if your shop is a garage.
Wearing good shoes with good insoles eliminates the need for mats, IMO. I see too many UA-camrs wearing sandals or crocks. Aside from the safety of the toes they offer no support.
The epoxy flooring is definitely nice, but I think I'd still want a dedicated mat in the common use areas... makes a huge difference on how your legs feel after an hour or so, even with good shoes.
I have the luxury of having a stand alone metal building for a shop. I put a wooden floor in it that is a lot easier on the back. I also am more prone to leave the hardware that I buy in the box it came in. I store it on shelves made from 6 foot fence pickets.
Lights! Definitely!
Good list of suggestions, you've got me thinking about a few of them. Thanks!
Shop-adjacent upgrade: best $60 I ever spent was on a bidet attachment with hot water haha
Oh man, haven't heard that one before!
I’m just getting into it, so this video was so full of very useful ideas! Thank you!
Great video! Good idea on adding air drops. Probably will add that to my shop soon.
I put hex lights on my garage. It was a massive improvement over the standard 4ft light.
really good video and commercial free also. also; wish list = genius!
Always love your videos. How is the stereo receiver thing doing? Have you wanted to switch it out or been using it less? Looks like they all come with Bluetooth integrated now. Wow that video is 6 years old now. We old.
Oh man, can’t talk about the Warhammer? Ahhh such a teaser!
I actually still use the amplifier because I have it hooked up to a chromcast audio. Works great!... and yes the warhammer. Wait and see!
I agree 100%. I looked at your sticker board and couldn’t believe you didn’t have my sticker up there. Then I went to my board and yours wasn’t on mine either. I’ll be sure to get one from you at Maker Camp this year.
Oh dang! I thought I had it up there. You may need to give me another one!
Great video! I wish that you lived on my block. It probably wouldn't be fun for you (because I'd be a total pest) but it would be fantastic for me. Thanks for the cool advice.
Sure, no problem. As long as you bring me food, I wouldn't be bothered!
Yes sir, all great upgrades. I’m happy to say that I’ve already completed some. I guess great minds think alike. The folding portable table is a great idea, especially when trying to save space. I had a small table from my mom that I wanted to use as an out feed table, but even with casters, it’s too low. It’ll be a staging table when I start repairing/refinishing some old antique painting frames. Great video.
Thank you sir!
Some good ideas there, and surprised by how many of them I had done as well. The Amazon wish list is a good idea, until someone spots something has gone, and the realise you have been spending again.
Haha... just keep the list always changing!
Great video, thanks for putting this together. Short, to the point, very practical. Gonna have to buy another one of your shirts over this one!
Thank you sir!!
That was great ! Thanks for all your time and effort. 1in7
Agree with all your tips, temu / ali express have big cheap silicone mats.
Thanks, that's good to know!
Great tips. Thanks
A label maker has helped with my organization
That's a good one too!
Great advise. Thanks!
good ideas.
The LED "petal" lights are really great. Mine have not lasted terribly long, but that has allowed me to upgrade to brighter ones as the older ones died.
I'm just amazed at how bright they are
Many of them allow you to aim the "petals" so you can direct the light somewhat.
What is the name of the lights on Amazon? I can’t locate them using LED petal lights.
@@malcolmjohn4793 try searching led garage lights. You'll get lots of options. I've even seen one with a fan - which seems like a sketchy thing to plug into a light socket.
Zing!
Great tips.
Great video, got a sub from me.
Thanks! Welcome aboard
HAMMER!
It works too!
I am interested in the Vega fence and wanted to ask you some questions. I use to work with you. is there a way to get in touch with you.
I put the Vega fence on my old Craftsman saw as well, it was a great upgrade.
Sure! Send me an email or a DM on Instagram.
1. I really like the info, craftsmen and projects on Woodworker's Guild. I subscribed once and was inundated with ad material. That's the only reason I left the publication. 2. Like you I got the VEGA fence. I have to admit it was a game changer for my contractor's saw. I also contacted VEGA directly, got the correct fence info from a tech for my saw and bought it directly while on the phone. And cheaper than any online site. Direct sales, correct info and a person that speaks clear English! I love it! They are good people. 3. I fabricate my lumber rack with shelving from Lowes. The specs said it holds 170 lbs per shelf. It's worked great for 5 years now and much less expensive. 4. 20 years ago I bought a 2-tray rolling hospital cart at a sale. I constructed a plywood top for the upper shelf and mounted all my sanding/grinding machines. I just roll it wherever needed and then back out of the way. It's heavy duty and works great. 5. I whole heartedly agree about the hardware organizers. But I bought mine from Amazon much cheaper that any big box or discount store. I also labeled each one with the contents. I have found that storing them vertically side-by-side saves a ton of wall space. Labels are pasted on the ends. 6. Yoga mats are really good and cheap work mats. 7. Sorry for the epistle. LOL I am opinionated. Thanks.
Those are some great ideas! Glad you have figured out what works best for your shop.