About Woodshops
Consumers may not realize that their favorite chairs, picture frames and furnishings start out in woodshops. Commercial woodshops are busy each day turning lumber into marketable products in a matter of minutes. Homeowners and school principals interested in creating their own woodshops don't need to think on such grand terms. Woodshops need nothing more than a table saw, a work bench and a few shelves to be functional. The primary concern for prospective woodworkers is finding the space and equipment to meet their long-term needs.
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Function
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Woodshops serve three functions in the daily lives of Americans. High school students and college art students work in woodshops to create everything from small tables to large statues. A crafty homeowner may use a woodshop to refurbish an old couch or produce a full set of dining room chairs. Millions of consumers benefit from commercial woodshops that assemble and finish wood products that are sold in stores nationwide.
Layout
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The central element of an effective woodshop is the table saw. A large table saw should be placed in the absolute center of the woodshop because woodworkers use table saws for every project. The location of the work bench depends on the woodworker's goals, though most woodshops place the bench next to the table saw. Larger woodshops may use counters and work benches that wrap around the walls to facilitate multiple projects. Every woodshop needs organized wall cubbies with nails, hammers, hand tools and other accessories sorted by use.
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Tools
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After a table saw is purchased, a woodworker should pick up a band saw and a belt sander to get started on projects. While a table saw allows for quick cutting on long boards, the band saw is used to create shaped edges and relief images in wooden products. Belt sanders have reduced the amount of work needed to grind down imperfections in wood products, as compared to the old days of hand sanding. Woodshops can be filled slowly with hammers, nails, levels and other tools to keep costs low in early projects.
Considerations
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Your woodshop will be worthless unless you position your table saw, work bench and counters near electrical outlets. A woodshop should be carefully planned to maximize outlet use, while leaving a few outlets available for special tools. While a woodshop is used mostly for production, a craftsman needs to clear out space for applying finishes to chairs and desks. Homeowners can use external sheds and garages to apply paints and finishes, allowing for easier ventilation and convenience.
Advancing Technology in the Woodshop
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The modern woodworker values a desktop computer just as much as his trusty table saw. Small woodshops can simulate conditions from their commercial counterparts with CNC machines, laser levels and design software. Computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines are programmable to cut wood to exact specifications. Every home improvement store sells laser levels at relatively low prices for woodworkers concerned about wobbly chairs and tables. Woodshop design software eliminates the need for hastily scrawled blueprints in favor of clear and accurate plans.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by mtneer_man (Flickr)
