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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    337

    Default what’s your dream workshop setup and how’s progress?

    I reckon if you know where you want to get to, you have a better chance of getting there some day because you have something to work towards. So where do you want to get to and where are you up to?

    I’ve been watching this Manor Wood guy from the UK and he has built close to my dream setup (but he needs it to make a living!). Two years ago he was crammed in a 5m x 3m sized workshop and he’s certainly come a long way! https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxxvt...qC0tZMg/videos

    His setup (and basically my dream workshop:
    High roof block and timber barn with classic style wooden doors
    Altendorf Sliding Table Saw
    Felder 500mm? Jointer/Thicknesser
    Felder 510 Band Saw
    Hammer F3 spindle moulder
    Felder 960mm Wide Belt
    Felder dust extractor?
    A mountain of Festool gear
    A Felder FAT300 hydraulic lift work table/cart and lots of bench dogs etc
    A metal work shop in the other half used mostly by his son.

    How far have I got?
    work in the garage in my house
    Felder 510 bandsaw
    makita table saw
    Jet 260 jointer/ planer
    Jet 22-44 drum sander
    Cast Iron Router Table
    3hp DC
    Festool Kapex, TS55, Domino

    what’s next:
    Proper mitre saw table with wood racks underneath, fence with stops and tops drilled for 20mm dog system
    square? rolling work table drilled for 20mm dog system
    Ditch the makita table saw to make space and just use the bandsaw, kapex and ts55 for all cutting

    I feel very lucky to have got this far, how is progress in your workshop journey?

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    I've given up on too much long term planning because my target keeps changing/moving. I started 40 years ago focussing on setting up for WW, then it drifted back and forth between computers, MW and WW, and then off into timber milling for a few years, then MW became more important, and now electronics is really starting to really get my attention.

    It also depends on your definition and direction of success/satisfaction.
    I'm much more process than product driven.
    In terms of machinery acquisitions, initially I was constrained financially but then, just when I could buy more or less anything I wanted to, a greater satisfaction has come for machines or gizmos I have either made, or obtained for nothing and resurrected, or modified to work better than the original.

    Likewise my processes have that random element of change as I have a somewhat strange definition of success. I start out making "X" and then realize it might be useful to have tool or gizmo "Y" so I could make it via process B instead of A, so I go the hardware store and look at Y and then realised I can make that, but I will need Z, . . . . . . . and I'm not paying that for a Z so before I know it I have spent a month and occasionally never ever get back to finishing X. Instead of X I sometimes end up with a lot of gizmos and tools that I'll probably never use much or at all and I call that success - or at least the process gives me much more satisfaction than if I just knuckle down and make and X.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    997

    Default

    My dream workshop would be
    Martin sliding table saw (Although no reps in NZ for either Martin or Altendorf..)
    Hoffman 600 planer/jointer (no reps here too)
    Felder FB740 (not made by Felder)
    Martin T27 Spindle moulder
    SCM 1350mm twin belt WBS
    Masterwood OMB1V
    Silenced piston compressor 10hp
    Alko 350 extractor with briquette press or Donaldson Unimaster 400+ with briquette press
    Quick release style ducting
    An industrial hydraulic lift table.
    4 ton forklift

    What I have now..
    Griggio sliding table saw
    Felder AD951
    Sicar Top6
    Casadei F10 spindle moulder
    SCM 1100 twin belt sander
    Masterwoood OMB1V
    Silenced piston compressor 10hp
    Holytek 5hp baghouse dusty
    Quick release style ducting
    no work bench
    Festool toys.
    sold my forklift.
    SCM L'Invincibile si X, SCM L'Invincibile S7, SCM TI 145EP, SCM Sandya Win 630, Masterwood OMB1V, Meber 600, Delta RJ42, Nederman S750, Chicago Pneumatics CPRS10500, Ceccato CDX12



  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    337

    Default

    I remember talking to you a few years ago Albert and you’ve also upgraded a lot, business must be good! I notice the youtube guy had the same AD951 you reviewed here, it looks like a beast of a machine!

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    337

    Default

    I hear you Bob, I’ve never been much into making the tools but I like fitting out the workshop as an excuse before or after building something...eg can’t make the X until I build a better mitre saw bench

    if I had a multi-bay shed, I reckon I’d grab a welding table and a nice tig/stick combo welder and then before I knew it I’d have a whole new list of tools I’d need for metal work!

    I work with software teams at work, so I’m trying not to make a hobby out of much to do with computers, what are you doing with computers and electronics?

    Maybe one day I’ll decide I really want a CNC but I’m not sure about that.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Austin_Turner View Post
    I hear you Bob, I’ve never been much into making the tools but I like fitting out the workshop as an excuse before or after building something...eg can’t make the X until I build a better mitre saw bench

    if I had a multi-bay shed, I reckon I’d grab a welding table and a nice tig/stick combo welder and then before I knew it I’d have a whole new list of tools I’d need for metal work!
    I don't have multi-bay but I have a longish "L" shaped shed and one end is lined with Miniorb sheet metal and is the MW end of my shed.
    For welding I set up a ventilated hood/booth with a hefty extractor fan on it.

    I work with software teams at work, so I’m trying not to make a hobby out of much to do with computers, what are you doing with computers and electronics?
    Here are a few examples related to the shed
    CO gas sensor monitor
    DC temperature/pressure meter
    Developments in Dust Sensor tech
    I've made 4 of these including a wearable that blue tooths to a MC that is usually plugged in over against a shed wall.
    I've made a bunch of other things for the mens shed as well.

    This one is in the MW forum so you will need to register to see the pics.
    Humidity measurements in compressed air

    I also spend a lot of time messing about with electric motors and run most of my machines from 240V 3Phase motors using VFDs
    Some of the motors need internal mods to convert them from 415V 3P to 240V 3P
    VFD install summaries

    Motors I mess with in the shed but the Arduino stuff is done inside the house as I converted my old study into an electronics workspace.
    Shed also has AC but the house AC is usually always on so don't have to wait for shed to cool down.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    Launceston, Tasmania
    Age
    33
    Posts
    62

    Default

    I'm just finishing my brand new steel 6x8m shed, which is going to be all workshop, no car parked inside . It's going to be fun setting all my tools up inside. I know you never have enough space but going from a 6X4 awning, (where I had to keep the tools away from the sides so they wouldn't get rained on and were half the area was taken up by outdoor furniture) to a shed this size, I think I'm going to struggle to fill it at least initially.

    Currently have:
    Workbench, which like to setup in the middle
    Lathe
    Bench Grinder on a stand
    14" Bandsaw
    6" paulcall Jointer
    triton saw workbench

    Will need to get a 4M rack for timber as I can't hang it on the walls anymore

    As for my dream setup:
    Get rid of the Triton for a Wadkin or Wolfenden 10" tilting arbor saw
    upgrade the jointer for a jet combo jointer/thicknesser
    upgrade the bandsaw to a McPherson or some such
    upgrade the lathe to a vicmarc

    I'm only a hobbyist so my upgrades will mainly focus on what fits with space and budget at the time.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Bentleigh East
    Age
    50
    Posts
    423

    Default

    I'm in a 3X4 shed, with some extra room in front of it to work outside on workmates (which I love doing), and some extra room under the house for storing wood. I love my space and I absolutely do not want it to grow.

    There is something deeply satisfying about finding the most elegant and space/cost-efficient solutions for doing woodworking. It's just a game I love to play with myself, I question every purchase a thousand times and deconstruct every process in my head over and over again to see if I can find a simpler way or an overlap with other processes. I also hate buying tools that have capabilities or qualities that are over and above what I need, it's not that I can't afford them but I just find it lazy and wasteful and then I feel sad just looking at them. To me finding the absolute lowest denominator in size/cost/features feels like both an obligation and a pleasure. Just how my brain works.

    Also, to be perfectly honest, I love woodworking but big WW machines scare the crap out of me. Irrational, I know a smaller machine can also hurt me just as bad, but it is what it is.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    337

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Here are a few examples related to the shed
    CO gas sensor monitor
    DC temperature/pressure meter
    Developments in Dust Sensor tech
    I've made 4 of these including a wearable that blue tooths to a MC that is usually plugged in over against a shed wall.
    I've made a bunch of other things for the mens shed as well.
    Those are great, sensors are taking off and the newer IoT platforms are going to make integrating them into systems so much easier!

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Helensburgh
    Posts
    7,696

    Default

    Don't build a shed that is a dust trap and use a good dust extractor for all the machines. Build the shed with opening sides so it can be adequately ventilated and not a solid four sided thing with a few windows that do very little.
    CHRIS

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    10,810

    Default

    It is fun to dream. I imagine that all of us play this game ... when I win Lotto ...

    My focus is on designing and building furniture, rather than the equipment itself. Also, I adhere to that old saying, "a workman does not blame his tools". My preference is to use hand tools rather than machinery, and developing hand skills are more important than having the best machines. But that does not mean that I minimise the importance of machines, or that I am happy to use any old hand tool. There is certainly much satisfaction in using good machines as well as handling good tools. It does not take away from the number one priority - personal skill - but this can make the process easier and more pleasurable.

    Despite the fact that I have posted a great deal about tools, mainly in the form of reviews, I talk about my own tools with a degree of reluctance .... I am happy to enter the game here, since it is fun .... but there is a fine line between making others aware of what is available and to share goals and interests, and it being a wank - I come across many, such as on some forums, where the members list the tools they own as a byline ... as if this ownership conveys an ability, some skill (beyond using a credit card).

    My tools come from 30 plus years of upgrading. Nothing overnight. I upgrade a machine if I can afford it (the past decade has been easier). The last one was a Hammer K3 slider which replaced a Carbatec contractor table saw I had for 20 years. This, along with an A3-31 combination jointer-thicknesser, and a N4400 bandsaw, purchased in the past 8 or so years, I experience with wonder and much pleasure. I had the ubiquitous Carbatec 8" jointer and 12" thicknesser in the past, and was happy to find replacements that did not make my ears bleed! My next replacement is better dust control than my Carbatec 2 hp muchmodifiedbutnotgreat DC. (thanks Bob).



    The most recent upgrade was a Black Friday purchase of a Nova Saturn lathe to replace my 10 year old Jet mini. There are more powerful lathes, but this one has plenty (2.3 hp) and all the variable speed and swing height (17") I believe I could ever need. So I am a very happy camper ...



    My choice of power tools lies with those I have had for 20+ years: a bunch of Elu routers, a shopmade router table in the table saw (not used that much), a 20 year old Panasonic cordless drill (still going strong) plus Festool C12 drill/driver (10.8v) ... I do have a Festool vacuum cleaner (CT26E) and Festool DF500 Domino (not much used as I prefer traditional joinery, but it was invaluable building a kitchen), and a recent second-hand Mirka Ceros sander.

    The real love of my life is my workbench, which I built 7 years ago. The previous one did duty for 20 years.



    And it is surrounded by all the hand tools anyone could ever wish for. I am really spoilt here.

    Other than the dust control ... and more space ... oh, and lots of timber ... and woodworking friends ... and my woodworking club ... a supportive wife, who enjoys the furniture I build ... and all you guys on this forum .... there is not much else to hanker after.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Jervis Bay South Coast NSW
    Posts
    354

    Default

    The work shop of my dreams would be an old stone, brick or mud brick building with a high roof, large windows and maybe a wooden floor. I'd have an antique work bench that was usable but looked old. The only machine I would have if a big ass band saw for resawing. It would have an awning on the side for metal working with a blacksmithing setup ( coal forge) . There would be an office section with a cool looking drafting board and computer.
    Regards Mike

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

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    Quote Originally Posted by code4pay View Post
    The work shop of my dreams would be an old stone, brick or mud brick building with a high roof, large windows and maybe a wooden floor. . . . .
    My brother built his new workshop out of limestone and corrugated iron. It has jarrah plank arched doors with wrought iron like hinges and catches, and iron arched window frames all done to suit his 150 year old red brick and limestone ex-prison superintendents cottage home in Fremantle. Not a WW tool in sight though, he modifies 1970 and 1980 motor bikes into cafe racers. He's built it about 3 years ago but now its too small and he's looking move to a new place with more room.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Vic, Australia
    Posts
    1,255

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    When I think of my dream future workshop (if I win the lotto), I hardly ever think of the tools that would be in it and I haven't got a dream list of future tools, I think of a large (LARGE) traditional timber-framed structure with timber clad walls, large barn-style doors, heaps of natural light, timber floors, an awesome workbench(s), everything tidy and in it's place, a mezzanine floor with a small office, plenty of timber storage... and just a warm, welcoming, inspirational feel overall. I would just live in there... . Oh, and it goes without saying I need a 10 acre lifestyle size block in a nice green location, with plenty of surrounding trees and maybe a mountain view... need to keep buying those lotto tickets... although maybe the housing crash will make things affordable if there is a huge, apocalyptic downturn and provided I still have a job etc.

    In the meantime, and back to reality, my workshop dreams revolve around just trying to make my current double garage workshop more pleasant to work in (both from a utilitarian and aesthetic perspective) - I really need to build a proper Roubo style workbench, a nice tool cabinet, maybe put in a small area of timber flooring below / around the workbench to make standing more comfortable than on concrete and to make my hand tools feel less stressed about a fatal accident .

    In terms of tools, I'm feel pretty happy and fortunate with what I have, I'd just like to add a wood lathe, a drum sander, and a router table or spindle moulder.

    It's fun to dream / plan.

    Cheers,

    Dom

  16. #15
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    melb
    Posts
    1,125

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    Quote Originally Posted by DomAU View Post
    When I think of my dream future workshop (if I win the lotto), I hardly ever think of the tools that would be in it and I haven't got a dream list of future tools, I think of a large (LARGE) traditional timber-framed structure with timber clad walls, large barn-style doors, heaps of natural light, timber floors, an awesome workbench(s), everything tidy and in it's place, a mezzanine floor with a small office, plenty of timber storage... and just a warm, welcoming, inspirational feel overall. I would just live in there... . Oh, and it goes without saying I need a 10 acre lifestyle size block in a nice green location, with plenty of surrounding trees and maybe a mountain view... need to keep buying those lotto tickets... although maybe the housing crash will make things affordable if there is a huge, apocalyptic downturn and provided I still have a job etc.
    If I had this I would have the dust extractor vent all of the dust 50m away in a giant hole I've dug with the dream digger on the dream patch of acreage. Never have to empty the DE again and who doesnt want a digger?

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