Any tips on setting up a garage shop? My roommate is moving out, so I'll have half a garage to set up. Thinking about installing a dust curtain. What would you recommend for a starter shop re: outlets, dust collection, etc.?

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I’m still building out my workshop, so I’m not an expert, but I have figured a few things out for small shops.

Mobility, accessibility, and multi functionality are the most important things to consider IMO.

Mobility: pretty much everything in my shop is on wheels. This way I can configure things based on what I’m doing currently. If I’m not using my jointer it’s can roll away into a corner. Need more access around my Paulk workbench (also my outfeed table) Then I can roll my table saw away. The Paulk workbench isn’t mobile but the supports can be folded up and stored inside of it if I need more floor space. With this mobility comes the problem of a power source. At first I basically had one 110 plug and a retractable reel from the ceiling. These were on two separate circuits but it was very limiting and a huge PITA. I added about 12 new 110 plugs on 2 alternating 20 Amp circuits. Life is so much better now.

Accessibility: I installed French cleats along 2 walls and had existing peg board on another. I have slowly been building storage solutions for my tools that gets them out of the way but also easily accessible. Building is so much more fun now that I’m not constantly looking for things and packing/unpacking them from boxes.

Multi-functionality: I try to figure out how to get as many functions as possible into one piece of equipment. The Paulk style workbench is a master at this. If you haven’t noticed that workbench has quickly become the center of my shop. I should mention that it is the small style, not the original. I installed my router table as a wing in my table saw. If I need to use the router I rotate my table saw and have great access.

You mentioned dust collection. I recently upgraded from a shop-vac to a Laguna b-flex DC. It small but so incredibly much better than a shop-vac. It is something that I wished I had done long ago. This again go back to me saying that it makes building more fun. It is so quiet and keeps thing so much cleaner.

Sorry for the novel, I’ve just been going through the process myself and have been thinking a lot about it. I’d be happy to share some pics if you want.

How much time did it take you to install the french cleats? Any tips? Thinking about tackling that this weekend.

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