Gday all,

I am a very new woodworker, very time-poor particularly with a toddler, but enjoying projects as I get an opportunity. Most of my initial projects are really trying to organise my work and tidy-up so my first things have been shelving. I figure the better the workspace, the safer and tidier and more inviting it will be and really the best investment of time at the starting-out stages.

I thought I would ask for ideas or tips on what I can do with this workspace that was here in the garage when I bought the house. It is welded pallet racking with some thin particle board laid on top and at the back (I wouldn't be surprised when I eventually lift if off to find out one layer is just an old VJ wall panel). I've attached photos - it is much messier than usual because I temporarily had the contents of some shelves moved on there. Although I was very dubious on everything the owner previously had in (a lot of bodgy renos), I have run a spirit level over the pallet racking and the metal frame itself is very level and extremely solid so I am minded to leave it as is (I just rust primed it and put black epoxy paint on the front parts).

In case it's not visible in the photos, the back is really just more particle board screwed onto a scrap piece that is bolted onto the frame. When I got some building work done I had the builder put in overhead LED lights and a power switch with a view to fitting out the space but then I stopped there. The pegboard I put in at the side has been very handy initially for getting most things up off the ground but it is very limited, the various pins never stay in well, and no good for clutter like cordless batteries and chargers or heavier things that really need a handle or holder made to get vertical.

My thoughts for what to do are:

- As a project, build a Paulk workbench (just the top), to slide on top of the existing racking, reducing the dimensions to fit. That will transform the surface into an assembly area that I could also use for small cuts with a tracksaw and other hand tools work. That will also give me a worktop I can slide off and take outside and put on sawhorse legs for messy outside work, or where I need extra space for something that will overhang.

- Get plywood sheets cut to size for the back and side walls (cutting out for the lightswitch and power), and install some french cleat racks to make hangers for the batteries, frequently used tools etc.

This all seems do-able with the Paulk plans, if I pick up a Parf guide kit to do the holes. Because I don't have a good cutting area to start with it seems my only option will be to hit a Bunnings with a panel saw (try a quiet time) and ask them to cut the panels I will need and borrow a van or trailer to get them home.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on problems I might run into or ideas on this general plan - I am very new so open to any suggestions or help.

In particular, something I haven't worked out is how I could get a decent solid vice clamp anywhere in that setup. I wouldn't want to put too much weight near the middle of the metal beams but can't think of anything else.

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