Garage shops also make handling materials and finished projects (no matter how large) a real snap. Just open the garage door and have at it. No snaking 12-foot boards around corners or wrestling cumbersome 4' x 8' pieces of sheet goods down the basement steps.
Cons: Depending on whether your garage is of the attached or detached variety, controlling the environment can be a more daunting (and expensive) task than with a basement. Heating and or air-conditioning will be a requirement for most garage workshops…PLUS…a dehumidifier is always a great idea for any garage-based shop. It will help you keep the rust off your tools and maintain a more controlled environment for your wood and other materials.
The other problem with garage shops is the car(s) that share garage space with it. Usually, they must be moved before work can begin and they can be guilty of bringing the outside environment with them, into the garage/workshop. That means rain, snow, slush, road salt, grease and oil leaks will have to be dealt with through whatever means. Occasionally, the car may have to remain outdoors while a projects is completed. Sometimes, work on a project may have to be temporarily suspended during a bad winter storm. Of course, none of these are problems that can't be resolved with just a bit of additional attention.
Carports
Carports are a lot like garage shops…but usually without the same kind of weather protection as a totally enclosed garage. For that reason, they're usually a better choice for temperate climates, like you'd typically find in Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Southern California or similar areas. With a carport shop, of course, you'll need a secure location to store your tools nearby…until you're ready to use them.
Pros: Carports are an inexpensive option that will protect you from the blazing sun or an occasional shower while you work…but that's about it. Also on the plus side …clean-up will be a breeze - literally! When you're finished working, just put your tools away, quickly sweep up any large wood chips or chunks and any nails or other hardware…and leave the car in the driveway. The breeze will blow any remaining sawdust off the carport floor and into the wind or yard, where it will quickly disappear.
Cons: Very little protection from extreme heat, cold or humidity.
If a carport is your choice, we offer a set of detailed plans for The Ultimate Shed, a 3-ft by 8-ft storage shed that will hold your Shopsmith MARK V plus your Bandsaw, Jointer and other special purpose tools and MARK V Accessories, until you're ready to go to work. It's quick and simple to build…and may be the perfect choice for you. The plans follow, later in this section of the article.
Out buildings
Out buildings are probably the best of all locations for a home workshop. If you live on a farm or in the country, you may already have a barn or other out building that you can turn into your workshop. If you live in the suburbs, you may be fortunate enough to have the space and the resources to erect a workshop building on a back corner of your lot. Here's what you should consider:
Pros: If you were to ask ten experienced woodworkers and ten novice woodworkers what kind of workshop space they would prefer to have (providing they had the space and resources), chances are, everyone would prefer an out building.
It's easy to see why. First and foremost, such shops make the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They usually offer more than enough space for almost any project. You won't have to worry about mixing the shop environment (dust or noise) with your household environment...and you won't have to clean the place to spotless perfection after each sawdust-producing session to protect your car or your family laundry. What more could you ask ?
Cons: As with most worthwhile things in life, there are trade-offs. First, depending on where you live…out building workshops can be costly. To comply with area building codes, you'll probably need a concrete foundation and floor, plus electricity and an independent heating/air-conditioning system of some sort. You'll also have to brave the elements from time-to-time as you trek from the house to the shop. Big deal !
If a separate out building is your choice, there are an infinite number of ways to meet your requirements, depending largely upon your available budget. If resources aren't an issue, choose the size and style shop you want and add whatever amenities you can afford. If you're like most folks these days with limited funds, we offer a set of detailed plans for an affordable, 14' x 16' cabin with a 14' x 8' front porch that could be eliminated and enclosed with the rest of the building. It's large enough to hold a Shopsmith MARK V, plus all of your special purpose tools and MARK V Accessories…and leave you plenty of room to work on virtually any type of project you like.
The plans for this Back Yard Workshop / Vacation Cabin follow, later in this section of the article.
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