Small Shop and Tool Setup
With about 12’x24′ to work with, my biggest challenge is lack of space. Everything is on wheels, and I find myself constantly shifting things around to get stuff done. LED lights from American Green Lights really brighten things up, especially since I don’t have any natural light.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1974-1024x768.jpg)
Entertainment District. I wouldn’t buy a TV for the shop, but we had 15+ year old flat panel sitting around doing nothing. When I don’t have too much stuff in the way, we like to play darts.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1983-1024x768.jpg)
Miter Station. This was a completely custom design, and it was a major pain to build these in the limited space I have while shifting stuff around. Notice no fence, just a simple Rockler T-track and inline stop is fine for me.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1976-1024x768.jpg)
Dewalt DW716XPS miter saw. I’m glad I went with a 12″ miter saw. It handles most of what I need, and a sliding miter just didn’t feel necessary. The dust shroud does a decent job containing things, especially when I remember to open the blast gateā¦.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1971-768x1024.jpg)
Lots of Storage. Putting together all those drawers was a ton of work, but worth it. I won’t show you how disorganized the contents of those drawers are! That’s a work in progress.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1977-1024x768.jpg)
Sawstop 3HP Table Saw. It was a major investment, but the safety features combined with a very capable machine makes this a real workhorse in the shop.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woodworking-31-768x1024.jpg)
At around 400lbs total, I actually hired movers to get this into the basement. No way I was going to mess with that! I shudder to think what it will be like moving this out someday.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1984-1024x768.jpg)
Craftsman Drill Press. Rated as the tool most likely to get upgraded in the future. This 1/4 HP unit is okay, but it’s cheaply built. It makes holes.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1991-768x1024.jpg)
Wall Storage. It’s a wall. It stores stuff. Sidenote: I didn’t realize how versatile a good crosscut sled could be. I built this one from Nick Ferry’s plans (google it).
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1979-1024x768.jpg)
Dewalt DW-735 Planer. I immediately upgraded to a Byrd Shelix cutter head when I bought it. Well worth it in my opinion. This unit works great, especially for the space I have.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1968-768x1024.jpg)
Rikon Air Filtration 400. With a small space and no windows, this air cleaner really helps with the crap that ends up floating around the shop.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1973-1024x768.jpg)
Jet JWBS-14SFX 14” Bandsaw. My latest addition to the shop. It was reasonably priced, and so far has done everything I hoped. Resaws like a champ.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1969-768x1024.jpg)
Assembly/Outfeed Table. I planned on making a much more elaborate contraption, but the simplicity of the Kreg Universal Bench rails made life much easier. Topped with two 3/4″ sheets of baltic birch plywood laminated together.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1985-1024x768.jpg)
Clamping Power. I went sort of crazy with Rockler Universal T-track for future clamping options.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1987-1024x768.jpg)
Jet 6″ Jointer with Helical Head Kit. I was lucky to find this used on Craigslist. A little cleanup and some adjustments and it’s in great working order. I would love to have an 8″ model, but I simply don’t have the space.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woodworking-32-1024x768.jpg)
Dust Hoses. At least for now, I move a Rockler 4″ hose from the dust collector to the tool in use. A bit of a pain to move around all the time, but it works. Maybe I’ll invest in “proper” metal ducts in the future.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1989-1024x768.jpg)
Powermatic PM1300 Dust Collector. Got this used off Craigslist for a decent price, and it was in like-new condition. I have it split into two hoses: one dedicated to the miter saw (with a blast gate) and a second which I move between tools.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1970-768x1024.jpg)
Router Table. I’m really pleased with how this turned out. I mostly followed the “ultimate router table” plans provided for free online by Dan Phalen (http://www.crestonwood.com/router.php)
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woodworking-34-768x1024.jpg)
Woodpeckers Phenolic Table with Mast-R-Fence II. I was able to pick up a “factory second” JessEm Mast-R-Lift II router lift, which is an amazing unit. Just a few cosmetic blemishes that don’t affect functionality.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woodworking-35-1024x768.jpg)
Porter-Cable Variable Speed 3 1/4 HP Router. The heart of the router table. Plenty of oomph for everything I do, and then some.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woodworking-33-768x1024.jpg)
Eagle EA-2000 Silent Series Air Compressor. A great little unit, with enough capacity to run my nailers. Not going to do major construction with this little guy, but it works for day-to-day stuff in the shop. And super quiet!
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1980-1024x768.jpg)
Sound Deadening. Our family room is immediately above my shop space. While this by no means makes things soundproof, it does help reduce the noise upstairs, at least enough to not piss off everybody in the house.
![](https://wiscmapper.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1990-1024x768.jpg)