This week’s Shop comes from Bob in GA. This is what he has to say:
When I first met this 12 1/2 X 17 1/2 (ID) block building, it was in shambles. The roof was nearly gone and the unpainted block walls were dirty and moldy from neglect. The inside concrete floor was turning to powder from exposure to the elements from the near missing roof. The door did not function and many of the windows were broken. I almost made the decision to bulldoze it down.
After learning a little history about our property, we found out that this building served as the small town fire house back in the horse and buggy days. The wagon itself was kept in this building and the horses were kept in the stable located nearby. Armed with this knowledge, I decided the building would not be torn down, but rather restored and made to look like a country store which would house my woodworking hobby. Much work went into the building over a 3 year period to bring it to what you see in the pictures. I widened the sidewalk making a platform that allows me to roll my tools outside to work on nice days. This makes clean up really great and adds work space as well. Although the shop is small on space, I keep it well organized which makes it adequate and safe to work in. I have grown to love my little corner in the world and would not trade it for triple the space, even if I had that choice.
15 Responses to “Bob in Georgia – Shop Tour”
Wow Bob, That’s a great story. That was a good choice all around, Economicaly, ecologically and historically! What is your bench top made out of? It looks like MDF or Hardboard because its all shiny, but it has bench dog holes? Id love to see some more pics of that beast.
Thanks for sharing!
Great shop! That exterior shot sure brought back memories of buying a 10 cent Coke on a hot summer day after a nice walk.
I didn’t see a table saw or miter saw; what kind of work do you do?
That’s a shop you can really be proud of!
Bob
A beutiful job
Great look. Is there hardtack in the barrel?
Nice layout and some good tools.
Enjoy!!!
Bob,
I always enjoy seeing pics of your shop. Great use of an old building! Great Job!
John
Excellent use of space. Very well organized.
Excellent story. Amazing shop. Thanks for sharing.
What’s that contraption next to the Rigid sander? Looks home made?
Hey guys…. thanks for all those kind words. I have more pictures posted in my picture album at this link if you want to explore further.
http://s107.photobucket.com/al.....s616/Shop/
Andy, the benchtop is 2 laminated solid wood doors covered with 1/4 hardboard and several coats of wipe on poly and then waxed and buffed so nothing will stick to it when I glue things or spill my coke.
Richard, nope… no hafrdtack, sorrry.
Chip, Look harder for the table sae. It is the orange Ridgid Job site saw folded up next to the bench in disguise:) As for a miter saw, I use a neander type for lack of space and better accuracy.
Again, thanks to everyone for the many knd compliments and thanks to Marc for sharing it with everyone.
That was nice decision to keep it. It looks real nice. I would like a bench like that too. Claude
Congrats my friend. I have always told you that you have one of the coolest little shops I have ever seen. I had no idea however that you brought this back from near disaster. You have done a top notch job with it buddy!
Corey
Bob,
What a great job at preservation! The organization is also great.
I’m using a bunch of solid core doors for bench tops, too.
They’re all on saw horses until I can start making some cabinets.
I’m glad to hear your shop took three years, too. I’m a little behind you.
Congratulations and enjoy the space.
Bob
Great looking shop.
From the sign over the door it looks like we’re practically neighbors.
Bob,
Wow, thanks for sharing. I enjoy seeing others’ workspaces from the ultra-equipped and organized to the crammed to the gills where the floor is seldom seen.
But your’s made me wish to savor the photos. Especially the outside views. Great that you spent some time considering your decision to start over vs. restoring/repurposing. Fabulous work.
Rock on,
Tom
Bob great shop especially the work bench
Vic take note of the space around Bob’s workbench.
When I made my cabinets for the workbench, I did not leave enough overhang on the ends which give me some clamping problems.
The only thing I would add is a loafer on the front porch (not a shoe).