Investing in tools for a home shop needs to be done with the space and dimensions of the home shop itself firmly in mind. If starting with an empty space for a new home shop, a variety of factors need to be considered.
Clutter in a shop is both a safety hazard and an unnecessary discomfort. If space is limited, think carefully about the investment in, and arrangement of, home tools before purchasing them. Much will depend upon the type of work being pursued, be it metalworking, woodworking, or electrical work.
Whatever your shop function there are some important basics to consider. The placement of power sockets, lighting types, and even the type of floor surface can have a huge effect upon the safety and comfort of a fully equipped home shop. Power/plug sockets should be both sufficient in number and well placed to accommodate the tools needed for the home shop. This will minimize the need for extension cables later on, which increase clutter and pose a safety hazard. Lighting is important, again both for safety and the comfort of the worker. Floor surfaces again fall into the safety/comfort bracket, while also having a practical effect. Carpet may be comfortable, but may not be practical depending on the type of work.
The size of your shop will have a dramatic effect upon the tools that can be used. Initial planning should focus upon work surfaces – knowing how much work surface space is available will give a good idea of how many, and what type, of tools can be utilized. Large table-top machine tools will take up a lot of space. If these tools have cutting blades then space becomes even more vital from a safety perspective, allowing for uncluttered space in which to move about the machine.
Smaller hand tools are obviously more manageable, but they are also more prone to clutter up a shop. Wall mounted storage space, be it cupboards or racks, will help keep a home shop organized and clutter-free. This in turn makes the fully furnished and functional home shop both a safer and more comfortable space in which to work.
Pete has always had an interest in mechanical and building tools. You can read some of his information at Best Pressure Washer and DevilBiss Pressure Washer.
