The Dream Shop Build Begins

Article - July 5, 2012

If you haven’t heard through the grapevine already, the new shop build is underway. This is the project we hoped to embark on several years ago when I originally moved out of my first Arizona shop and into the garage. If you recall, that move was supposed to be temporary. But the real estate market bit us hard and I decided I was better off moving back into the old shop space. Heck, I was paying the mortgage so I may as well use the space! Recently, with the market somewhat improved, we were able to sell the old house and of course the shop went with it. So now most of my tools are in a 10′ x 30’storage unit with the overflow in my garage. My hope is that during the shop build, I’ll be able to get at least SOME woodworking done in the garage. Well, not until I clean up and get organized!

The Site Plan

Since I first made the announcement about the shop last week, I received several requests for more information about the build including plans/drawings. So let’s dive right in. The site plan shows the basic layout of the shop and house. The shop itself will come in at 60′ x 30′ (1800 sq. ft.). We are very fortunate to have about an acre of land to work with, so there’s plenty of room for the new shop space. Our HOA (Home Owner’s Association) requires that the shop look exactly like our home, so all of the finishing touches really jack up the price. You’ll notice that we are also tying in the shop patio with the existing patio which will look pretty cool, but again, increases the cost. The shop is set back from our existing fence line, giving me some space to store my cargo trailer and perhaps enough room for a future basketball hoop for Mateo. Then again, if he plays basketball as poorly as I do, we might leave well enough alone.

The Floor Plan

Here’s a quick look at the basic floor plan. Although this version shows a garage door at the front, we will actually be installing a set of double doors and removing the front/side door. One of the things I am most excited about is the bathroom. In my opinion, that is one of the nicest creature comforts a shop can have. And for me, it also means I’m going to be more productive. I can’t tell you how many hours I waste going into the house when nature calls. Not because of the act itself, but because I have a really bad habit of letting myself get distracted. “Hey, let’s see what Nicole is doing.” “OMG! Someone screwed up the spice rack’s alphabetical order! Must fix!” or “OH schnap, my PS3 has an update. I need to take care of that right away!” So if I can avoid going into the house AT ALL on a work day, I will be a much more productive woodworker.

Good Problems to Have

Planning a shop from the ground up is a dream come true, and also very stressful. Personally, I have a lot of trouble deciding where things might go before ever stepping foot into a particular space. My goal is to remain as flexible as possible. I’ve said about a thousand times that the workshop is always evolving. If I lock myself into an arrangement because of receptacle locations or dust collection, I might regret it down the road. So I want to make sure there is some redundancy built-in. I’m basically building a giant rectangle with a bathroom, windows and a door. I am not running any dust collection ductwork in the concrete slab, for the reasons mentioned above, but I am installing a few floor outlets. Having outlets in the floor will be a real nice treat (fewer cords to trip over), but of course, I need to be careful about their placement. So I decided to take my old shop SketchUp drawing and use it to roughly model the new space. Nothing is in stone but this just gave me some initial ideas of what the configuration COULD look like. If you want to download the Sketchup File and have some fun with it, be my guest.

Documentation

I am indeed documenting the entire build process. What the final feature will look like and how it will be presented is still up in the air. I am taking video and still every day and we even have a live cam for you to check out. That should be available during regular working hours right on the Live Page.

FAQ

I tend to get a lot of the same questions via email, Twitter, and Facebook. So I figured I would collect them here for future reference.

How big will the shop be?
60′ x 30′ (1800 sq. ft.)
Are you doing any of the work yourself?
Nope. I want it done properly and quickly.
When will the shop be completed?
Approximately 3 months
Will you have A/C?
Absolutely. The building is being insulated and treated as if it were a house. That includes A/C and extra attention paid to energy efficiency.
What will you do in the mean time?
Read comic books. Seriously though, I have some material to edit and if I can get the interim garage shop in good enough shape, I might be able to pull off a limited tools project or two. I am also in the process of writing a new book.
Will you have a finishing room?
Most likely in the future. But this is one of those things that I would rather do after living in the space for a while.
What you install wood floors?
Perhaps, although it isn’t in the plans right now. We are already over-extended with our budget so this is definitely on the “nice to have” list.

Discussion

Chuck “Sac” Isaacson July 5, 2012 2:06 pm

Hey Marc, shop and plans look great. I remember what it was like when I built my shop. Getting to watch it take shape every day.. how fun. Love the bathroom, it was one thing that I thought about doing but ended up not doing, but wishing I would have. Still kicking myself for that one. One thing you may want to think about, 36″ doorways. I say that because I am wheelchair bound, but let me tell you, they are nice besides that. And well, you never know what can happen. Life is funny that way. Plan for the future as well. you never know how long you are going to be there.. Again, great shop and congrats. It is going to be fun to watch.

Sac

Reply
displacedhillbilly July 5, 2012 2:12 pm

I’m happy for you! You’re diving head-first into a dream that is only realized by a few!

Reply
mdhills July 5, 2012 2:22 pm

I recall your deliberations as your remodeled the old garage as a temporary shop, so I’d be interested in hearing what you learned from that and what adjustments you’ve been wanting to make.

I was also interested to see you not make plans for an enclosed finishing area, as that seems to often creep its way into shop layouts. Are you still finishing a lot outside?

And does your HOA (or neighbors) have any issue with a shop being used very much?

Matt

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 5, 2012 2:35 pm
  
  Priority number one is to get a building with a roof and some power. From that point, I’ll be playing “content catch up” as well as getting the new dust collection system installed. Once the dust settles, I’ll probably move into making some shop cabinetry and getting things finalized. At that point, I’ll be able to make a decision about the finishing area. I really want to be in the space for a while before making any major internal decisions like that. As for the HOA, I never really make noise after hours. We also live next to an air force base so it would take a lot to be “noisy” in this neighborhood. :)
  
  Reply
BearLeeAlive July 5, 2012 3:00 pm

Looks fantastic, I am officially jealous. This space will do you great.

Only two thoughts to add, though may be too late, but I agree with Chuck on the larger man door, it would be nice also for getting bigger things in when you don’t wish to open the O/H door. And windows! I would definitely put more of those in to get some nice natural light, and give a place to stare out when stopping for a coffee break.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 5, 2012 6:15 pm
  
  The writeup actually explains what’s going on with the doors. I am not installing the garage door. Instead I’ll be putting in a double door giving me about 6′ of space and a primary point of entry into the shop.
  
  And natural light is great in a space that is devoted to woodworking. But my space is devoted to FILMING woodworking, which is a very different beast. Not sure if you ever noticed in the videos but I always have my blinds closed. The inconsistent natural light, combined with the fluorescents, makes for terrible video. So the more windows, the more video problems. It’s a shame though because I do love my natural light.
  
  Reply
  - Peter Durand July 6, 2012 1:11 pm
    
    Sounds like a fun project. Congrats on not putting dust collection in the concrete. I have been able to modify my overhead 7 inch pipe as time goes by and different tools come into the shop.
    
    Light wise, have you considered light tubes?? Here is a link to one company:
    http://www.solatube.com/
    
    There are plenty of others. A friend of ours installed them and is very pleased indeed with the results.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Peter
    
    Reply
  - David Haniquet July 7, 2012 5:03 am
    
    You can always put more windows and cover them when filming. And when not filming enjoy the natural light. I know for me that is a necessity. Good luck with the build. You are going to be the envy of the online woodworking world with that great shop.
    
    Reply
Rick Roades July 5, 2012 3:09 pm

I think someone switched out your tablesaw. ;-)

Congrats on finally getting to move on this!

Reply
AndremG July 5, 2012 3:24 pm

Marc,

I think this is a great undertaking. I’m so glad that you’re documenting the whole process. It should put things into perspective for the fraction of us who are contemplating our own shop build. Of course, I don’t have a spare 1800 sq ft of yard space available, but that’s another story.

In your conceptual floorplan, I’m a little surprised that you have left a considerable amount of space between operations. I know we all need more space, but did you think about the added mileage put on schlepping thing between stations? Also, in my own (jealous) mind, I have justified your 1800 sq ft by saying, “Well Marc has to look after ‘TWW Enterprises’ now and this shop will house merchandising storage and perhaps and office for video editing.” Did that figure in at all? Then again, I suppose that much of that is all ready established in the house a short walk along the patio away.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 5, 2012 6:11 pm
  
  Schlepping things around the shop keeps you young! :) Honestly though, the floorplan was only intended for me to see how things MIGHT be positioned. Once I am in the actual space, I’ll work on positioning things for the most efficiency possible. But I do actually enjoy lots of room to move. I lose creative energy in cramped spaces. :)
  
  I definitely won’t be editing video in there, but there will likely be storage for all the extra boxes of TWW books, dvds, and apparel that the “shipping department” no longer has room for. If possible, I would also like to set up my drums in the space. :) We’ll see.
  
  Reply
  - jHop July 10, 2012 12:47 pm
    
    I know you aren’t planning on editing in the shop, but have you considered a small cabinet or closet for storing video equipment? This way, it’s still out of the dust, but a small corner located nearby allows you to get the camera out of the way when you break out the skateboard to get from your drill press to your oscillating spindle sander…
    
    (Maybe you need to add a mini fridge to the shop layout… for all that grape soda? And some stools tucked under a set of cabinets, which not only make great seats but also temporary workpiece helpers when doing larger dry fit assemblies.)
    
    Reply
    - thewoodwhisperer July 10, 2012 12:52 pm
      
      haha a grape soda fridge is a must! As for the video equipment cabinet, I really have no need. If the camera is in the shop, I’m filming. If I’m not filming, the camera is either on standby waiting for the next shot or in the house at my editing station. I never really store the camera in the shop. But for those that do, some sort of equipment cabinet would be essential!
TennesseeYankee July 5, 2012 3:43 pm

I am so excited for you. One of my life dreams was to have a dedicated workshop building by the time I was 50. We moved to a farm last November, which had a pole barn on it that I have been able to slowly finish on the inside to be a great workshop….and I am only 38. Dream come true……earlier than planned.

I imagine you struggled, as I did, in figuring out locations to create an efficient workflow but yet maximize the space you are being blessed with. Nothing ever quite works in real life as it does on paper, but it has been a joy “having to adjust” things around.

One of the most helpful things I did was draw the shop on good ‘ole graph paper and then draw and cut out to scale shapes of the tools I will have in my shop. This way I wasn’t having to guess the space was between the footprint of the table saw and the jointer, or the entry door and the drill press.

Cheers to you. The three months will go by fast.

Reply
Ski With Marty July 5, 2012 3:54 pm

Marc,

Just stumbled across your website, videos, etc . . . . , last week while doing research on woodworking (I’d like to start, again). Pretty cool stuff and very educational.

About the shop, looks great. Only thing you might think about adding is another point of egress near the back of the shop. Can’t be too safe

Congratulations and good luck!

– Marty

Reply
- John Verreault (aka JohnnyVee) July 6, 2012 9:44 am
  
  Should that be in the building code requirements already?
  
  Reply
  - thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 9:55 am
    
    If there’s a problem in the back of the shop, I’m going out the window! lol. If there is a specific code requirement, the windows must cover it.
    
    Reply
- Jack in TN July 6, 2012 12:39 pm
  
  That was one reason I suggested planning for a set of French Doors in the back of the shop. … In planning commercial places (I once helped plan and build an ‘intimate data center’ – 20K sq ft or so), and there was a requirement for there to be no more than 150 feet from anywhere to two exits or more (fire exits, public space exits, exit through a ‘fire wall’, basically to anywhere counted – and all that was by memory, so check with your local building inspector for the ‘truth’ in your area).
  
  Also thinking of my garages and workshops, a secondary people (or larger) entrance is always considered ‘a good thing'(tm) :)
  
  Reply
Kuhlenberg July 5, 2012 4:04 pm

No finishing room? That would be a must have for my next shop.

Congrats man, it will be well worth the 3 month wait.

Reply
Ted July 5, 2012 4:08 pm

I strongly recommend some overhead power, but that can be added later if necessary. The 10′ ceilings are problematic in that regard, but it’s easy enough to hang 30″ to 36″ cords with strain relief so you can reach them. My shop only has 7’6″ ceilings and I ran all the power overhead since I can easily reach it. The only thing that comes down the wall is the table saw and the right side pretty much butts against the wall anyway so there’s still no cord to trip on. All the other equipment like sanders, band saw, miter saw, etc. aren’t limited by a cord hanging down as long as it’s positioned correctly. Just consider how you would run an overhead dust system and parallel that with the power. I definitely agree on redundant power. My shop is “unfinished” so I can easily run more when I add or change something, but with finished walls and ceiling you don’t have that luxury. I would also add the overhead door back in. It’s nice to be able to back a trailer or truck into the shop and unload materials or load finished projects at your convenience rather than on a schedule that security or weather dictates. Of course the weather in AZ is perfect so that really isn’t an issue. ;-)

Reply
Jon McGrath July 5, 2012 5:10 pm

Good stuff Marc, what a few months make eh? An exciting time for the TWW and it is very, very nice to see. Always awesome to watch a “Good Guy” win, and hopefully all of this, is indeed good for you. Thanks for sharing the details, amazing how inquisitive we all are – I even threw a question in there that you answered today wondering how long the process would take – just for my own curiosity. But again, good stuff – very happy for you and your Family now that Mateo is in Da House – As always I look forward to your continued works, training and inspiration as I venture my own journey in this craft.

Thanks!!

Reply
HarryS July 5, 2012 5:13 pm

New Shop = New Tools Right… and don’t tell me that your wife isn’t getting some new furniture… What shall it be, a panel saw, stroke sander… I really like the idea of a finishing room!!

Reply
John July 5, 2012 5:53 pm

Looks awesome Marc. Looking forward to the development of the shop space. One day I may have one of my own.

Reply
Ken F July 5, 2012 7:12 pm

Marc,
I put elect in my floor min size 3/4″ conduit, put in extra locations I wish had one
at my #2 work bench.
There was two things Norm would have liked for his shop was Dust collection in the floor and a Wood Floor, For me I could not do that because the cost.

Reply
woodyb July 5, 2012 9:50 pm

I am in the planning stages for my shop. Won’t be this big, probably about 20×20. However, your comment about a place to setup your drums just made me decide to add enough space to be able to do the same thing with mine. Right now they are stacked up in the motorhome and I never get around to playing any more.

Hmmmmm let’s see…. space for drums, sound system, big screen tv, dart board.

beginning to sound more like a man-cave than a shop.

robert

Reply
TerryMcK July 6, 2012 1:22 am

Really looking forward to seeing the new space as the plans look awesome. Are you planning to have a wood floor or just leave it as concrete?

One thing I do know is that your shop will be finished long before mine. I’m going through a shop re-modelling process (still on the Sketchup drawing board) installing a new roof, new internal walls, upgrade the electric and moving all the equipment around to suit my workflow. But I can only do a little at a time due to my day job getting in the way!

I like the webcam showing the progress too.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 7:30 am
  
  It’s a lot of work isn’t it? We are moving fast because we have to. But if I had the luxury of time, I would probably get more involved in the building.
  
  As for the floor, I’m just going with concrete.
  
  Reply
  - John Verreault (aka JohnnyVee) July 6, 2012 9:57 am
    
    Everyone seems to be on you about the concrete floor. My shop is in the “basement” garage of a 1917 Craftsman-style home with a concrete floor sloped toward the main door (18th century solution for drainage)…any attempt to level something is based on the ceiling beams rather than the floor. I would kill for a level concrete pad and a few anti-fatigue mats. Ha! Mobile bases on my big tools require a whole different technique once the wheels hit the floor…if you get my drift.
    Marc, you are going to have a great work space. Congratulations and good luck on speed progress.
    
    Cheers,
    John
    
    Reply
Bobby Slack July 6, 2012 6:23 am

Hey Marc … are you going to have wood floors anywhere? I was just reading Gunpowder’s lessons learned and wondered.
Sorry for bombarding you this morning man. This morning I did not hit the gym or P90X and all my energy is going to “bugging Mr. Spagnolo” :)
Hoping you are getting some sleep between Mateo and the new shop.
Take care,
Bobby Slack

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 7:32 am
  
  At this point, there are no firm plans for a wood floor, but it isn’t out of the question.
  
  Reply
  - Bas Pluim July 6, 2012 9:12 am
    
    I would definitely put in a wood floor. It instantly transforms the space from “industrial workshop” to “artisan’s studio”. Much more comfortable on your feet, and easier to clean than a concrete floor covered with anti-fatigue mats.
    
    Reply
  - Ken F July 6, 2012 9:09 pm
    
    You can always add wood floors later.
    Have the concrete smooth and seal it, for a large area
    It’s a lot faster use a wide mop then push a broom.
    
    Reply
DALE S July 6, 2012 6:30 am

NEW BOOK, Do you have a sign up page yet? Put a copy on hold for me. Whats the topic? Glad you were able to sell the old house and have your dream come true. I am sure all the hard work of setting up your shop over and over again will pay off in the new shop build . Things happen fpr a reason.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 7:33 am
  
  Thanks Dale. The book is in the very early phases right now. Topic will be incorporation of hand tools into a standard power tool shop. Should be a fun topic.
  
  Reply
boj van der poel July 6, 2012 7:24 am

looks like al the important stuff is in your garage, do still really need those pampers?

Reply
Chris H July 6, 2012 7:41 am

If the budget allows I would recommend getting OH doors as another commenter recommended. It is just so much easier when you are unloading anything (lumber, maybe a new tool or two?) in a controlled climate. I don’t know anyone who ever complained about an entryway being too big! :)

Also, I would got with 36″ doors when possible. Life likes to toss curveballs, and luck seems to favor the prepared. Easy in and out is always a plus.

What are your plans for ventilation? I only ask because a lot of people seem to neglect this, especially if they have a decent dust collection system. Noxitious fumes are a part of wood working, and good ventilation is relatively inexpensive at build. The expenses increases exponentially after finish.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 8:12 am
  
  I actually had overhead doors for years and never felt compelled to pull my truck in. I usually back the truck up to the shop, pull the material off, and that’s it. So for me, a 6′ wide opening from double doors should satisfy my needs. Ventilation will come into play when I look at things like the finishing room, if I decide to make one. Until then, I’ll do most of my finishing outside. The building will have two big windows, a smaller window in the bathroom, and three ceiling fans. So we should be able to get some decent air movement. But until I have something physically pulling air out of the shop, I probably won’t use anything too noxious inside the shop. Curious what other ventilation ideas you have in mind.
  
  Reply
  - Chris H July 6, 2012 10:52 am
    
    I suppose I should disclose that I work for a major residential ventilation manufacturer, so I am a little over-the-top with my ventilation.
    
    Attic: If you plan to use the attic space in AZ, I would definatley reccomend attic ventilators. Solar PAV (powered attic ventilators) are the “green” option but tend to run a bit more than traditional PAVs. I assume they are required by code in a climate like that, but I don’t know, so you may already have them set to go in.
    
    I like to use simple bath fans in my shop, though it is much smaller (400 sq ft). Just randomly throughout the shop (4@ 110 CFM) to pull the fine stuff that the dust collector misses up and out. It also seconds to grab the hot air that rises from me and the saws up and ejects it from the space. Another options for a larger space would be “in-line” ventilators. While a bathfan will only move about 110 CFM, an inline will move upwards of 400-2000 cfm depending how nuts you want to get.
    
    Cost for either option is relative to your tolerance for noise. You can run anywhere from .4 sones to +12 sones depending how much air you move and the motor of the blower. I wear my gun muffs pretty much the entire time I am in the shop, so the white noise doesn’t effect me one way or the other. You however are shooting film, so noise is likely a big concern.
    
    I run my fans anytime I am in the shop, in fact I tied them to the lights to take any laziness/forgetfulness out of the equation. Just be sure you either move air out or through a dust box with HEPA filters.
    
    One final note: For the budget conscious, in a finishing room, an old Range Hood from your kitchen or the local appliance store clearance/scratch & dent shelf works really well. Many Range Hoods move 400-1500 CFM and can be gotten for a steal if you aren’t worried about looks/finish. They usually have decent lighting and are designed to pull the bad stuff up and out of the room in a hurry.
    
    Reply
  - Peter Durand July 6, 2012 1:20 pm
    
    Is your dust collector in the same room? Thinking about noise here. If in a separate room, you will need to make sure you have makeup air (a door with furnace filters works well).
    
    An air to air heat exchanger should provide more than adequate circulation.
    
    It is going to be enjoyable to follow your progress.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Peter
    
    Reply
  - MDC July 9, 2012 7:56 am
    
    I would recommend framing for garage doors but filling them in. When it comes time to sell the house and the buyer would like to use the space for something else you can say it is already framed. The cost is minimal for the headers required.
    
    P.S. The same for future windows.
    
    Mike
    
    Reply
Paul “Skip” Lincoln July 6, 2012 8:06 am

I noticed that you have attic access on your drawing. I would recommend stairs, maybe disappearing kind it always nice to get up there with out getting out a ladder. No matter how big an area you have there are always things that aren’t used that much but often enough that you don’t want to get rid of .

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 8:13 am
  
  Yeah good point. This type of attic space is very common around here and they never have stairs. I should definitely look into that. Not only for some storage but as the shop grows and evolves, I can see myself needing to get up there for various things.
  
  Reply
  - Jack in TN July 6, 2012 9:05 am
    
    In the attic area, especially if you are going to put in ‘attic stairs’, put in some electrical every 20′ or so along the length. Places to plug in trouble lights, fans, tools you will need eventually without pulling long cords or batteries running down. Don’t go overboard, but having 3 sets of outlets in a long building like this can go a long way in to making any attic tasks a bit more tolerable (experience of 25 years of attic work in Houston and El Paso from time to time, tell me that … still August attic work is almost impossible).
    
    Reply
    - thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 9:10 am
      
      The electrician already included “courtesy outlets” in the attic space. We have them in our house attic and they are AWESOME!. So I know I wanted them in the shop attic as well. But you’re right, there are only a few safe attic months in Arizona. :)
    - Glenn July 6, 2012 10:46 am
      
      …and be sure to put an outlet in the floor next to your table saw. I am always tripping over my extension cord, or unplugging it to run something else.
Jack in TN July 6, 2012 8:19 am

Suggestion, make the restroom a little bigger and put in a shower. Both for ’emergency’ use and for scheduled use. … You never know what project might come with Mateo building something in the future.

I have been seeing some ‘wet room’ showers with other facilities in one room, with no need for shower curtains or equivalent. Makes for easier cleaning.

Yes, adding stuff costs more, but it is MUCH cheaper to do it now than later (or at least put in the infrastructure to support it).

Looking at the plans and plat, it looks like the house and big garage door face North? Just curious.

Also, set up for the easy possibility of something like French doors near the ‘far end’ (away from the house) of the shop that might open into the back yard. It would be good to eventually get large access down there, for projects, tools, future uses, etc.

Just my dreaming as if it was my shop. …

Marc, Congrats on having this problem! Getting the old house sold and ‘having’ to move is a great problem to have. …

Reply
- Chris H July 6, 2012 10:29 am
  
  Even just a shower pan, and flexible sprayer works nicely if you have crazy kids or pets!
  
  Reply
  - jHop July 12, 2012 9:27 am
    
    This is something that could be upgraded at a later date. Believe it or not, there are kits to convert your existing toilet drain into a multi function drain. Even removing the existing toilet and installing a “marine head” toilet – boaters know what I’m talking about – means you can get both a shower and toilet in the same area. Just remember to build a small platform to set the new pan on so you have the clearance for the kits.
    
    Fortunately, this is something that can be done at a later date. (Not being a plumber, I can’t tell you exactly what’s involved in the sewer lines. Check a local plumber for that.)
    
    Reply
Planetruth July 6, 2012 8:24 am

Since you won’t have access to a shop for three months, this might be a good time for some information on “Marc’s Tools”. What you use, what you like and don’t like. Just a thought.

Reply
Carl Olsen July 6, 2012 8:36 am

I was reading another blog yesterday and I remember he was saying he regret not putting walls for storage / outlets / separation. But then you did some in the old shop, I guess you know and his other advice was put a wooden floor, the older you get the more you will see a huge difference. (Even with anti-fatigure mats).

Make it safe for the kid, don’t put too much stuff at lower space/storage, my kid (almost 3) come see me in my small garage shop and it’s always the first thing that I think about.

No fridge ? I would also put a 72in TV with 2-3 consoles just IN CASE !

Reply
- Chris H July 6, 2012 11:01 am
  
  If you did extend the bath a bit to make room for a shower, you could swing the ultility sink around the other wall, and build a “kitchenette” type setup around it. A few cabinets for snacks and a small fridge would be fantastic on a hot day!
  
  Reply
  - Jack in TN July 6, 2012 12:25 pm
    
    Go to far down that line and it starts sounding like a ‘mancave’ rather than a ‘workshop’.
    
    I just try to remember that because trains stop at train stations, work doesn’t have to stop at workstations :)
    
    Reply
    - Chris H July 6, 2012 12:33 pm
      
      I suppose you are right. My workshop is my ‘ManCave’ so it’s easy for me to blur the lines!
    - thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 12:47 pm
      
      Honestly, my house is already my “man cave” so as long as I have a computer in the shop, my needs are covered. Of course the drums would be a nice treat but only because we don’t have room in the shop. :)
Twoherbs Shop July 6, 2012 8:53 am

Strongly reccomend a shower in your bath, you can put one in fairly easily if you have a toliet, and get that sawdust off you before you go in and kiss the woman and child in your life and if you have been out there all day, you will probably get a better response than “you are sweaty and stink” (I have experience there!)

Reply
Steve Ollanik July 6, 2012 9:34 am

I have a few suggestions from the shop I built a couple years ago. First is putting your electric outlets higher on the wall. Mine are at a bit more than four feet so that I can lean a sheet of plywood up against the wall and still get to the plugs. I also agree with the suggestion above about overhead power. It’s really nice to be able to pull down the power when you need it and push it out of the way when you don’t. Nothing to trip over on the floor either. Finally, I built my wood floor by just screwing down sheets of plywood. It’s cheap and I don’t worry about messing up the floor at all. If a sheet gets too messed up, I can just unscrew it and put down a new one. I put some finish on mine, but that was a mistake. Any sawdust makes it slick. I plan on mixing some sand into the finish to improve traction.

Reply
- Jack in TN July 6, 2012 12:29 pm
  
  I heard a SINGLE coat of water-based wood sealant actually add grip to a wood floor, without making it ‘to waterproof’ or slick.
  
  Reply
DALE S July 6, 2012 12:45 pm

“Although this version shows a garage door at the front, we will actually be installing a set of double doors and removing the front/side door.” You might talk to your contractor about framing in for those doors and then filling them in. You or someone in the future ( resale value ) might want them and that would make it a easy fix. I think the double doors are the way to go for the woodshop but if someone wanted to use it to work on autos then they might want a garage door . Just thinking about changes increases the cost. Good luck with the shop.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 12:53 pm
  
  already in the plans. :)
  
  Reply
NickTD July 6, 2012 2:58 pm

When are you going to have the sign up for the “Cabinet Building 101” course for the cabinets in your shop? Keep the cost low and a dozen people to sign up and poof, you have cabinets in your shop.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 6, 2012 4:02 pm
  
  Oh, I like the way you think Nick! :)
  
  Reply
Kuhlenberg July 6, 2012 4:22 pm

You might want to think about putting some rigid foam insulation down before pouring our slab. Not sure how cold it gets out their but concrete floors are a very large heat sink. Plus it would help reduce moisture from seeping to your new wood floor. You can special order it at HD, the normal pink stuff they stock isn’t strong enough for a concrete slab.

In the winter I was losing more heat through my basement walls and floor then my attic, did a manual j calculation. Put some 1.5″ pink foam up with some R13 and man what a difference. My basement shop is much more enjoyable and I am saving money on my utility bills.

Reply
- Jack in TN July 6, 2012 6:50 pm
  
  or at least bury a mesh of pex in the concrete. Allows for heating in the winter, and run some ‘cooled’ water in it, to cool off the place in the summer (not much, but in 110F+ temps, you take it where you can find it!)
  
  When I was a kid, my dad poured a slab patio in the back yard. He ran a long water hose through it, leaving the ‘start end’ near the spigot, and the exit out toward the yard to water the plants. The yard go sprinkled with hot water for a number of years while I rode my tricycle on the back patio, and the patio stayed hot, but not as hot as it would have been without the cooling.
  
  Reply
Bernard in Denver July 6, 2012 7:18 pm

Just read through all of the comments. One word on the new shop: AWESOME!

I have a 3-car garage that fits 2 cars and all of my tools (on wheels). When I finally decided to core through the foundation knee wall for plumbing and a drain, I told my wife (not letting on that I was joking) that I was also putting in a urinal. “My back will be to the cul-de-sac” was my defense. Of course I didn’t follow through, but the big second-hand stainless steel sink I picked up from a restaurant supply company was definately the icing on the cake.

Lots of folks are taping you on your chest telling you to put in a wood floor. “Tap tap tap” – you can always lay a monster 2″x2″ torsion box down when finished and put T&G car decking down (5/4″), you will thank all of us down the road.

Can’t wait to have a second browser running during the work-day watching the progress (until our IT dept. comes and asks me why I’m using so much band-width!).

Huge congrats. Been watching for a long time – can’t wait to see the first new video from the shop.

Reply
Nateswoodworks July 6, 2012 11:29 pm

I built my shop about 12yrs ago and other than my wife and kids it’s the best thing I have ever had!! I built an attic and have the fold down stairs and love it. I lined on side of the attic with shelves and the other half with open storage, this allows me to keep a very clean shop. I have overhead doors but am planning to take one out and make it into a wall with a window. I built an addition onto the shop for wood storage and a finishing room/kids workshop, nice to have the rooms all separate, just a thought. Look forward to watching your shops progression.

Reply
EoinC July 7, 2012 1:59 am

Marc,
Congratulations on selling the “old” place and on the marvelous plans for the new shop. I have only 1 quick question. Are you going to take the Roubo with you and if not, can I have it :)

It’s a bit of a monster to move, and I would happily take it off your hands. I’d even pay for shipping :)

Now all I have to do is figure out how to get it from AZ to Ireland.

Reply
paul July 7, 2012 4:18 am

better get those drums set up again or you will get rusty,so rusty that you wount want to listen to your self play, then you know what comes next (sell sell sell) trust me i know all about that and still regret doing that.

Reply
Cal July 7, 2012 6:57 am

I put a bathroom in my shop when I built it two years ago. Money well spent! I won’t say it’s my favourite feature, but, at the risk of sounding a little bit weird, it’s right up there.

One thing I also did was to put a “utility vanity” on the outside wall of the bathroom (so plumbing could be shared). It has a 14″ deep laundry sink, which is great for brush/sprayer clean-up and many other clean-up tasks, and it keeps all that grunge out of the bathroom sink.

Congratulations. I look forward to seeing the project take shape.

Reply
Bruce garland July 7, 2012 6:34 pm

My shop is in eastern NC and I had a 3 car garage built and the shop is one bay. No garage door,just a standard entry door. I did put a sliding “Norm” door between the shop and the first car bay. I have never yet backed the truck inside to unload but I do bring in all the stock through the sliding door . I do recommend a wood floor, mine is 1x3s power nailed to the floor, 3/4″ foam panels between the strips and then 2 layers of 5/8″ plywood. The floor is slippery even if left unfinished as you burnish it by walking on the dust and shavings. I plan the try the tip mentioned here with water based finish and see if that helps. I use a window AC unit that I’d mounted “through the wall”. Heat is from an unvented propane heater. I just finished the DC upgrade to a Clearvue cyclone. It is outside the shop for noise and space reasons. If your electrician runs larger than needed conduit around the perimeter and spaces the boxes about 10′ apart you will get a lot of flexibility. Also air and electrical overhead is worthwhile and flexible.

Reply
Gary Owens July 7, 2012 9:02 pm

Marc, are you going to be staying with Clear Vue for dust collection? I put their Clear Vue Max in my shop and it’s great. I wish I would have requested the 3 phase motor instead of the single. At 5hp, it pulls substantial amps on single phase. All my other 5hp machines are 3 phase and it’s so much more efficient on power consumption. My shop is 40 x 40 and I’ve already packed it to near capacity and still have room to get around all the machines good.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 7, 2012 9:50 pm
  
  I actually sold my old ClearVue last week. Not due to any fault in the unit but because it was something I really didn’t have room for during the storage phase and frankly, I just didn’t want to move it again. Proceeds paid for the movers. :) But in the new shop, I may try a different brand. Part of the reason is I am hoping to get a fully-designed system specifically for my shop space and tools. So I will be looking for services that provide the entire shabang. We’ll see.
  
  Reply
Ron July 8, 2012 5:33 am

Marc,
I agree with Steve Ollanik (posted above) on the electrical. I would also like to throw out a couple other “tips” if you are looking for them.
As an “old time” electrician/electrical eng. I have designed and/or installed many lighting/receptacle systems for houses, garages, shops, including my own garage/shop. My first suggestion would be to NOT “hard-wire” your overhead lights to the switches. Instead, run your light switches to receptacles mounted in/on the ceiling, install a cord w/plug on the light then plug the lights into the receptacles. This way you can remove a single fixture without turning off any lights. Just unplug it. Also, don’t mount your lights directly to the ceiling. Instead, hang them from screw-hooks and a short length of chain. Makes for easier installation/relocation and maintenance.
My second suggestion would be to identify your receptacles as they are installed. One way would be to color-code them. Since receptacles come in different colors (black, white, grey, etc.), by using a different color for each circuit you can see which circuit you need to switch off at the breaker panel before ever picking up a tool to do any maint. on it.
I did all of these in my garage/shop (including Steve’s) when I built it about 6 yrs. ago and have been very glad I did. It has made for very easy maint. and relocation.

Reply
Jack in TN July 8, 2012 7:52 am

For YOUR situation, I might suggest go back and review some New Yankee Workshop video’s where they do a shop tour. The did mention the extra things they did to make it a studio. Tracks for overhead lights, ability to get to the ‘back’ of machines and workbenches so the cameras could get good angles.

Not everyone needs a studio as a workshop, but you might benefit from some of the design from professional studio folk (Matt’s workshop could use it too, but don’t tell him I said so :) ). Especially as you transition into a production studio workshop (at least that is some of my reading between the lines in the Guild rework) setting up your workshop with those tips could make your life easier.

Reply
Nick D July 8, 2012 8:13 am

Ah yes, shop construction & layout, like politics & religion, as many opinions as there are people in the discussion. I enjoy reading all the ideas and suggestions and I can pick up some good tips, but like all things in life, I’m going to take some of them and incorporate them in my shop, and some of them are going to fall under the “don’t need it” heading. Ron’s electrical tips are spot on since that’s what I did with my lighting and while I didn’t color code my receptacles ( but I will on my next project, thank you) I have the circuit numbers written on the covers. The light locations were “perfect” on my plans, except over half have been moved to provide better lighting where it’s actually needed. I work in a garage with concrete floors and put mats where needed, wood floors are not an option for me. Most of my tools are on wheels so a portable dust collection is my solution, should I ever get a permanent shop, the piping will be surface mounted. Marc, like everyone else, I envy your space and the planning and “problems” that go along with a new shop. Good job!

Reply
Bruce garland July 8, 2012 8:36 am

IDing the outlets is an execeant idea. I did color code mine to some extent but after the first upgrade, I went ahead and marked the circuit number on each.

Gary, I have my 5HP clear view on 220volts and don,t seem to have any problem. How far from the panel is the DC? My old 2HP would suck the fur of a cat, with the clearview, the cat just disappears!

Reply
Jack in TN July 8, 2012 9:04 am

A friend moved his business into an old (’50-’60) building that was the local telephone CO. It still had many hundred feet of 100+ pair cable in the ceiling, and several breaker boxes put in at different times.

He put in a lot of time tracing every outlet to which breaker in which box. Labeled it at the breaker end, AND at the outlet. To ensure the information didn’t get lost, he also put a plastic label INSIDE each outlet box (the same information that was on the outside). Labels were like C23 – breaker 23 in panel C. It worked well even after a few generations of ‘redecorating’. That was a great building. Concrete block walls, but every opening in the blocks ware constructed with re-bar and filled with cement :) .. few windows, but great power.

I highly recommend labeling every outlet and the breaker box profusely. And before the sheet rock is put up (or even the insulation) but after plumbing and electrical are done, go take a LOT of pictures to archive exactly where everything goes.

It may be old school, but have your electrician run Cat6+ (costs little more than cat5) and put in several outlets around the garage, all terminating at a single location (near where the house network comes in :) ). Even if you do mainly wireless, the hardwired network ability, even if you don’t use it now, can make doing computer things easier later if you decide to go that way. Even running it and not terminating it, but putting a couple of feet in a separate from power convenience outlet box is OK … you can always terminate it later. Just put blank outlet covers, and again, label BOTH ends of each cable.

Reply
Bruce garland July 8, 2012 12:21 pm

Hmm, not sure that hard wired Ethernet would get much use in many shops. With most wireless routers supporting “N” speed, I can’t imagine a need for cables. I pulled CAT5 when I built my shop 10years ago, I have yet to hook it up. Until I got my iPad a few months ago, I didn’t do much in the shop that needed Internet access. Now I listen to Wood Talk podcasts.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 8, 2012 4:47 pm
  
  Yeah I have little/no need of wired connections anymore. When we moved into our house, I went through the trouble of wiring cat6. While we still have a few things hooked up, most of our stuff is connected via WiFi and I really can’t see any performance drop. I plan of giving the shop it’s own internet connection which means the wifi will be in the same building will complete coverage. Now what I might wind up doing is running USB for webcams. :) But knowing me, I’ll still run some Cat6 just because i happen to have a big roll and I like the whole belt and suspenders thing.
  
  Reply
Bruce garland July 8, 2012 5:10 pm

Understood. In my day job (Cisco) we run redundant connections to everything. At home I have a minimum of wired connections and the shop is within the wifi radius.

Reply
Jörgen July 8, 2012 6:39 pm

Hi Marc, good to hear that you’re finally getting the chance to have your workspace close to (in) your home. Seems like a great piece of space you are building for yourself :) I bet you can’t wait to start installing your machines and building the interior of the shop?

Did you ever consider having an installation floor put in? (don’t know if that is what it is called in english, it is sort of a direct translation from swedish…) What I mean is the type of flooring that is built upon the concrete slab using a framework and square floor boards that are placed upon the framework. It’s often used in installation heavy rooms like server rooms for instance. The framework creates a space between the slab and the floor boards where, depening on the height chosen (for instance one foot), installations of electricity, dust collection ducting, water, sewage etc. can be performed. The floor boards are removable for access to the space on top of the slab and outlets for electricity, dust collection etc. can be installed in the floor boards creating floor access to many of you utility systems.

Anyway, good luck with your new shop and I for one am looking forward to seeing many great new stuff from you!

/Jörgen

Reply
Gary Owens July 9, 2012 7:39 am

Are you going to be adding new equipment to what you already have, or are you starting over with everything new? That would really be the ultimate dream shop to build a new facility and all new equipment to go in it.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 9, 2012 8:10 am
  
  That would be cool, but in many cases I’d probably just buy the same stuff again. :) My shop is always evolving so I suppose at some point, I’ll replace a tool here and there. But for now, pretty much all of the tools are just bring brought over into the new space.
  
  Reply
Gary Owens July 10, 2012 7:33 am

If you are like most of us, it wouldn’t matter if your shop was 50 x 100 it would fill up to the point you need walk paths from filling it up. I haven’t read every post on the electrical you’re doing but if you can, have 3phase for at least your 3+ hp machines. It’s amazing how much more efficient the equipment operates. In most cases you can cut the amp draw in half.

Reply
DALE S July 10, 2012 11:54 am

I know you have had this shop planned out for the last ten years or so . I would like to here what you have added or changed and why if you have the time.
Thanks, Dale

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 10, 2012 12:57 pm
  
  LOL you give me far too much credit Dale. I generally fly by the seat of my pants. In my opinion, the ultimate shop is a giant rectangle with lots of outlets. So I guess that’s my master plan. :)
  
  Reply
  - DALE S July 10, 2012 7:20 pm
    
    So from the mind of the Master it is a giant rectangle with lots of outlets. Not a sqaure but a rectangle. ” I’ve said about a thousand times that the workshop is always evolving. If I lock myself into an arrangement because of receptacle locations or dust collection, I might regret it down the road. So I want to make sure there is some redundancy built-in. I’m basically building a giant rectangle with a bathroom, windows and a door.” So build as big as you can with lots of receptacles and let it evolve. looking forward to seeing it come to life from the ground up.
    I do give you lots of credit and I think you under estimate your impact with all those ideas that you have without even having to think about them. Look at all the comments and ideas from others you generate just by saying you are building a new shop. Have fun with it, we will all be watching.
    
    Reply
Megashed July 10, 2012 6:24 pm

Hey Marc,
I’m in the process of building a new shop as well. Remember the conduit through the floor deal? I’m going with a center run of stub ups maybe 5 total in 40 ft for either 220v or 120v power. Any I don’t use I plan to cut and cap off. Are you still going with the 300 amp service? Maybe I’m making a mistake, but I can’t see how you would use up that kind of juice, unless you plan on a classroom scenario running multiple machines simultaneously….

Reply
Tom Pritchard July 11, 2012 7:26 am

Watching the pourof your floor as I type this. Fun to watch. Thanks for sharing with everyone.

Reply
Eric July 11, 2012 4:05 pm

Are you going to put a nice lare wash basin and place to “do the dishes”. I always wish I had water in my garage shop to avoid having to mess up the kitchen sink!

Seems like such a big space is begging to be partitioned. Thought about making two smaller spaces? IMHO, a space for all the dust, and a space for less dust?

Reply
Brad July 12, 2012 11:48 am

If you want to film a project, feel free to take a vacation to Colorado and film one in my garage :) Might be interesting to see a project done with more.. meager tools.

Reply
Ron July 12, 2012 1:33 pm

What I would like to know is …….when is the “Grand Re-Re-Re-Opening Bar-B-Que” going to be?????

Reply
Jim July 13, 2012 10:07 am

Marc,

don’t know if it is information that you are willing to divulge, but I plan to build something along these lines in 2 years when I finally get out of the army and things stabilize a bit. Would you be willing to tell me what your budget actually was for the building itself (by that I mean ignoring the patio work?)

need to start the fund for it now. will probably have to end up converting the porsche fund to a shop fund…

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 13, 2012 12:01 pm
  
  Hey Jim. I decided not to go public with the cost of the shop. Not to mention, cost is going to vary dramatically from region to region and contrator to contractor. Also, I never priced out the building alone. From day 1, we knew that we would need the patio and all the extras, simply because of HOA requirements. All of this stuff inflated the price pretty significantly.
  
  Reply
Cary July 13, 2012 12:24 pm

Marc,

I’ve enjoyed reading through all the suggestions–lots of very good ones. I can add some comments concerning flooring and dust-collection.

After quite a bit of research, I decided to cover my shop’s concrete floor with BLT G-Floor PVC rolled flooring (75 mil, coin pattern), and couldn’t be happier. I bought it here: http://www.elite-xpressions.co.....s.htm#coin . Just unroll, cut to length and/or width with a utility knife and join the seams with double-face tape. Leave a 1/8″ or so gap at each wall–no need to glue it down. It looks great, stays in place, is nice to walk on and easy to clean, is non-slip when covered with sawdust and rolling machines on casters over it is not a problem. I see they make the heavier 85 mil in 9’x60′ rolls. Assuming no waste, you’d need three of those and a 9’x’20’ custom roll. With the needed double-face tape, it would cost you less than $5,000 and with a bit of help you could lay it in a day–not bad at all. Note that it comes in a variety of colours. (I opted for the light brown.)

Regarding dust collection, I put in pipes in my previous shop and it worked well. I had one under the concrete floor to a central machine area and the rest along two walls, with the cyclone in an adjacent room. I wanted no drops from the ceiling, as they would just get in the way and looked awful, IMO. Considering video production values, you have even more reason to avoid unsightly vertical dust pipes. (For anyone considering putting dust pipes under a concrete floor, make sure they are pinned securely to the ground before the concrete is poured, as they will otherwise float on top of the concrete!)

Last year I moved and opted to go portable with the dust collection. I’m using Rockler’s Dust-Right components–including a four inch diameter, 21 foot-long expandable hose–with a 1.5 hp dust collector. It works well. Considering the short hose runs, my collector has plenty of oomph for all my machines. Yes, I have to move the expandable hose from machine-to-machine, but that doesn’t take much longer than opening one blast gate and closing another, and it gives me complete freedom in rearranging machines. Moreover, the smaller collectors and cyclones (<= 2hp, say) are not all that noisy, compared to the woodworking machines they serve, and don't take up a great deal of space. If I had your shop, I'd use the Dust-Right components with two or three smaller collectors or cyclones on castors. I suggest you experiment with one collector see how you like it.

I also suggest you look into getting the iVac switches for turning the dust collectors on and off (www.ivacswitch.com). They are a great convenience–much better than constantly pressing a fob hanging from one's neck. The dust collector is switched on when you start an associated machine, and is switched off a programmable amount of time after you switch off the machine. You might want to consider one of their newer products that controls the dust collector whenever any machine on a particular circuit is used. I think the system supports up to nine dust collectors. Incidentally, although the iVac Pro switches are advertised to work with dust collectors up to 1.5hp (as I have), mine burnt out almost immediately (because of high startup current). It was replaced under warranty but I had to also buy the more expensive "contactor" to avoid a repetition of the problem.

Cary

Reply
CraigF July 13, 2012 1:32 pm

Marc,
just wondering, have you considered a false floor (2×4 on edge w/ 3/4 ply decking)? am currently designing my new home and semi-detatched shop (similar to your own), but my shop is designed with a 5″ recessed floor to accept this type of system. I’t’s non traditional, I know, but I’m in IT and I got the idea from my server room to allow me to rearrange floor receptacles as needed as I acquire new equipment.

Reply
- CraigF July 13, 2012 1:37 pm
  
  fyi, my current design is basically like a torsion box (without the bottom of course) using 2×4 on 12″ centers for strength. any thoughts?
  
  Reply
Danny H. July 13, 2012 2:17 pm

Marc, the only thing I regret not putting enough of in my 600 square ft dedicated shop are 220 outlets. Almost all my big tools are 220 or have been rewired for 220, including my Dewalt slide miter and Delta 3/4 hp drill press. I didn’t put any windows in , just six skylights. Not the cheap plastic dome ones either. They crack over time. I put in the nicer two by four foot glass ones. I also did the ten ft ceilings, of course a must. Vaulted ceiling also, as I didn’t want any obstructions on the floor. One through the wall AC unit was sufficient for my shop due to it’s size. I use a good pleated filter over it to keep it from getting clogged with saw dust. I put power and air overhead and under the bench for maximum flexibility. Anyway, best wishes on your new build. I’ll actually be over your way come next week to deliver a bunk bed I just finished for my daughters twin boys so if you could just adjust the heat for me that would be great. Call me if you want me to run down and pick something up for you at Comic Con. Or did you make that this year?

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 13, 2012 2:56 pm
  
  No ComicCon for us. Tickets are so difficult to get anymore. We settled for Pheonix ComicCon :)
  
  Reply
Andy Nencheck July 13, 2012 4:48 pm

Mark, No wood floor—Dricore from HD or Lowe’s I put it in my shop and in every finished basement I do because it takes the hardness of the concrete away. (no BS) My customers love it if they can afford it!!! Dricore is giving a $50.00 gift card back for every 200 panels bought. Try it out–bring some home from HD–if you don’t like take it back. If I was building a new shop I would’nt think twice.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 13, 2012 6:37 pm
  
  I am aware of Dri-Core but I wondered how it would look/perform as a stand-alone floor, considering it is sold as an underlayment. Have you found the surface holds up over time?
  
  Reply
  - Andy Nencheck July 14, 2012 5:30 pm
    
    Marc, Sorry about the second reply but I thought the first didn’t go thru. Yeah Dricore can be left alone and I think it will hold up just fine for a everyday shop. OSB is really tough stuff. They say you can finish it with like a poly coat but I think that would just make it slippery.I’ve had it in my shop for 3 years now and it vacums up easy and isn’t slippery. Great on the knees and back. I have my 13″ rockwell surface planer on it and it doesn’t hurt it at all. (all my heavy tools) Just bang them together–(t&g) no glue and they havn’t moved at all. Expensive–$6.00 each 2’x2′ but I would definitely use them–no question.
    
    Reply
Dave July 13, 2012 4:54 pm

Hi Marc. Great to see that things are sorting themselves out for you. Disruptions to your life by others can be a pain in the butt.
My new shop space is half of yours but I love it. I read a few comments re timber floor, outlets, dust control, windows, bathroom internet access and stairs to a loft.
In my shop I have cat 5 directly to a wireless router, so either way I can connect. I laid the ply timber floor but because my concrete floor used to be a floor outside and had fall. Very handy for running power and air duct under, but as you mentioned, after the machines are in place and I can physically walk around in the room and get a comfortable feel for work flow. I agree with the comment about it feeling like a studio. Windows….I have none. Same reason as you due to filming and also, it gives me more usable wall space without breaks. I have a couple of large vehicle sized doors as well as 2 pedestrian doors and all of these are used to air condition in summer, amazing how a controlled breeze can cool a room. But, I don’t have the extreme in temp as you do, so aircon is a smart step. Bathroom is a must if space and connection to sewer is available. I have a great staircase to a second floor over my shop and it is a dream, doubles as a bedsitter for guests which is an added bonus for me and them.
Good luck with it all and hopefully you won’t be having any more kids until you reduce the debt, lol.

Reply
Deasn July 13, 2012 11:02 pm

I see from the SU drawing that the wall height is 10’. Will the DC ductwork be run above the ceiling area or below the ceiling? If below the ceiling, and not knowing how far below the ceiling your duct runs will hang, will you still have decent clearance for long boards and sheets of plywood?

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer July 14, 2012 6:02 am
  
  The duct work will indeed run below the ceiling. Not far below though. I will have it as close to the ceiling as possible. 8′ boards and ply should have no problem clearing it.
  
  Reply
  - Dean July 14, 2012 9:29 am
    
    Thank you for the reply Marc. I have NO idea now an “s” snuck into my name (fat finger! fat finger!). :(
    
    Reply
    - Dean July 14, 2012 9:32 am
      
      “now”???
Andy Nencheck July 14, 2012 5:44 am

Marc, No wood floor—Dricore I put it in my shop and if I was building a new shop would definitly use it.

Reply
Vic Hubbard July 14, 2012 9:15 am

Marc,

Either read over the website I sent you for detail specs on air sealing and insulation, or call me. I can tell you what to look for at the different stages of construction regarding energy efficiency. You planning on going ductless heat pump or A/C? You had one for the current home garage/shop, right? What was the size on that? Without knowing the build specs doing the calcs, I would think you’d want a 2 to 2.5 ton worth of cooling on this shop. I can send you a very simplified Manual J calc that you can use to gauge the size.

Reply
Chirs July 16, 2012 10:33 am

Hey Marc, congratulations on your new dream shop. we all envy you. Man I am very happy for you. I’d like to say that if your able to do the larger entry ways like “Sac” suggested, I’d do it. Not that I’m thinking of something happening to you, but, just because you can effortlessly at this stage in your build, well, then again there is the money you need to consider. My wife is a Realtor and when she helped a couple where the husband used a wheel chair, it turned her perspective around ever since. She can’t go into a house now without spotting little things that would make life easier for the accessibility and comfort for a wheel chair. That’s probably why I married her, always other before herself. Love your layout!

Reply
Bobby July 16, 2012 11:27 am

Have an electrician put some boxes in the slab with conduit back to the panel. You can have the flexibility of future changes without busting up or cutting the slab. I would have a noise room to isolate sound of dust collector and air compressor. Any plans for a webcam?

Reply
Kevin July 18, 2012 11:22 am

Just stumbled on to your site this morning. Love your videos, they are fun to watch and easy to follow along and have some great tips. Congratulations on the new workshop. Can’t wait to see what come out of it. But, please get a clock that works! Constantly looking at 8:10 is too funny!

Reply
Alex Harris August 17, 2012 11:00 am

Daaammmmn, that is going to be nice!

Have you thought about getting a golf buggy to get you from tool to tool, with all that lovely space you might need it :P

Reply
Jack in TN August 17, 2012 11:36 am

Just building a wood Segway would work! :)

Reply
Chris Zeh August 20, 2012 8:14 am

I wish I could have a dream shop.
Maybe I can have one someday.

Reply
Dustin Smith August 20, 2012 6:33 pm

Marc,

I’m totally envious of your shop project, I would be thrilled to even have an arce of green grass to look at in my backyard here in Atlanta, let alone the resources available to build a custom wood shop!

As part of your documentation of the dream shop build, will you be tallying the cost of each subcontract/component along the way and sharing that info? I would be very interested in seeing how an undertaking like this shakes out cost wise.

Keep it up!
Dustin

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer August 20, 2012 7:03 pm
  
  Nope. We decided to keep the financial details private on this one. It’s a significant expense that we weren’t quite prepared for, so it is indeed putting a hurting on us. That much I don’t mind admitting to. :)
  
  Reply
Tim V August 21, 2012 8:28 am

I haven’t noticed the shop build cam on recently. Am I just stopping by at the wrong times or are you not broadcasting the build anymore?

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer August 21, 2012 8:53 am
  
  Unfortunately, there’s nothing to broadcast. I am limited in where I can place the camera and all you would see is a corner of the shop covered in OSB. As the shop gets closer to completion, I might be able to work something out by moving the camera to a different location.
  
  Reply
Skip August 21, 2012 3:40 pm

Marc,

You have probably made us all a bit jealous… Seriously, the best point is all the planning you have done prior to any actual building. My garage workshop seems to be a continuous work in progress, as modifications are necessary to accommodate new equipment and optimize work flow. I keep on dreaming…..

Reply
Kim – Denmark August 22, 2012 11:14 pm

Hey Marc

The Shop looks great, and I love the style of the outside as well.

Even though I live in Denmark, and we have a completely different set of building codes than you do in the US, many of the construction ways are the same. I’m a bit jalous of the nice and big space you have here. I have been following you on youtube for a while, and you do excellent work, which I would love to be doing myself.

Keep up the good work and keep those great videos coming, they are always interesting to watch.

Kim

Reply
Annie August 24, 2012 2:23 pm

Hi Marc,

What will you use for soundproofing? And heating system?

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer August 24, 2012 3:29 pm
  
  No sound-proofing. The AC unit is actually a heat pump. So when we have a cold spell in the Winter, I can turn on a little heat. :) That doesn’t happen often.
  
  Reply
Bill in Ohio August 25, 2012 7:21 am

I’m really jealous of the shop you are building. My shop is a basement shop, I have about 800 sqft for use. Looking forward to seeing your shop up and running and making sawdust. Going to make some sawdust myself today. Cheers!!!

Reply
Dave August 25, 2012 9:51 pm

I have noticed that some people have mentioned that you are lucky in regard to this venture Marc. I know how hard it is to get ahead and self motivate when you are a one man show and I take my hat off to all the hard work and persistence you have gone through. And not to forget Nicole. As they say, “Behind every strong man is an even stronger woman.
All the best from Australia.

Reply
BRuce August 26, 2012 4:59 am

Dave,I agree with your comments and will add. It is not luck that makes a successful business, it is dedication, a good business plan and a desire to succeed. Sometimes it is also karma, as Marc has helped many, many woodworkers both individually and through the podcasts. I hope that when the shop is again functional that his success ccontinues and that he continues with his online presence.

Reply
thewoodwhisperer August 26, 2012 8:24 am

Thanks Dave and Bruce (and everyone else who commented). I really appreciate the support and kind words. I do feel lucky in all respects. But I can’t deny that I have been working my butt off for the last 6 years to get here. I also can’t deny that if it weren’t for Nicole’s financial and emotional support, I would have never been able to take the risks I took that resulted in what we see today as The Wood Whisperer. Whether it’s luck, karma, smart business decisions, or a combination of the three, there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for what I have.

Reply
AndyMB August 27, 2012 7:45 pm

Hi Marc,
I’ve been an avid viewer of your website for the last few years since discovering it. I’ve probably read every thread and watched every video numerous times. I really enjoy your presentation style, despite what some of your “hater” critics say. I’ve been taking notes for the last 2 months on your new shop build and all the great comments you’ve been getting on it because I’m putting together plans for my own shop build to replace my 12’x24′ shop/shed/storage/catchall. Prior to my retiring from the Army a few years ago, my wife said that she wanted me to treat myself to a real workshop someday once we finally stopped moving…..well, “finally” has finally arrived~!
I’ve also been stoked about joining the Guild at some point and now that you have the new membership breakdown to make it easier, “finally” has arrived yet again~!
I look forward to every new project on your website and your unique spin on how it will be delivered. Norm & your hero, David Marks, were a couple of my early inspirations for my getting into woodworking, and now you and your website are a big part of what keeps me looking forward to the next pile of sawdust…..sorry dude, but I’m a fan~!
Keep up the great work~!!

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer August 27, 2012 8:59 pm
  
  Well congrats on your build! It’s a heck of an experience and I hope all the discussion here is helping you come up with ideas and solutions. I learn something every time I post an update, only it’s a little late for me to make any adjustments. :)
  
  Glad to have you on board my friend and good luck!
  
  Reply
Jeremy Crawford June 18, 2014 4:16 pm

Isn’t there a video that you did some shop layout in sketch-up? For some reason I remember that there was.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo June 18, 2014 7:28 pm
  
  I honestly don’t remember if I did that or not. Might check through the shop section in our videos: http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....e=the-shop
  
  Reply
jason November 5, 2020 10:03 pm

Well its 8 years later, how is the shop holding up?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo November 6, 2020 6:33 am
  
  haha, have you seen any of our recent videos?
  
  Reply

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

The Dream Shop Build Begins

The Site Plan

The Floor Plan

Good Problems to Have

Documentation

FAQ

Advertisers