Started in a corner of my garage with a folding table. Not ideal but you work with what you have. Here’s what actually matters when setting up a shop.
Space Reality
10×12 feet handles most hobby projects. Bigger is better but not required. Think about how boards move through the space – you need room on all sides of your saw for long cuts.
Ceiling height matters for tall boards and dust collection runs. Standard 8-foot ceilings work but 9-10 feet is nicer.
The Workbench
Heart of any shop. Needs to be heavy, flat, and at the right height for you. Build one or buy one, but make it substantial. Wobbly bench = frustrating work.
Add a vise. Front vise, tail vise, whatever works for how you work. Holding pieces solid is half the battle.
Power and Light
More circuits than you think you need. 20-amp dedicated circuits for bigger tools. Nothing worse than tripping breakers mid-cut.
LED shop lights everywhere. Shadows hide defects. You can’t fix what you can’t see.
Dust Control
Start with a shop vac for portable tools. Upgrade to a dust collector when you add stationary machines. Wear a mask regardless.
Wood dust is a health hazard and a fire risk. Take it seriously even if your shop is tiny.
Climate
Some heat in winter keeps wood stable and you comfortable. Insulation helps if you’re in a garage. Climate-controlled shops make better furniture.
