Buying Hand Tools. Part 2 - Space
So we’ve jumped hurdle number one without spending any money. We’ve decided you have some time for woodworking. Remember, even if you just have a little time, you can pick projects that reflect that. So the next thing before we start spending money on Tools. Space.
Do you have some space to work? I’m really lucky. I have half a single garage that I can use. My useable space measures about 9’ x 12’ and honestly, I couldn’t cope with much smaller area for working. It has one fluorescent light, a double power point and it’s reasonably well insulated. However, it’s not heated and there is not a shred of natural light unless I raise the door during the day. The lack of heating and natural light don’t bother me that much. I’m grateful I have any kind of space!
The drawback of my situation is that if I want to grab an hour during an evening the garage workshop can be an unpleasant place to be. Recently it’s been between 19°F and 32°F. Sure, if I get stuck in with some physical work I can warm up. But if I’m doing some setting out it’s not much fun. Fingerless gloves, the discipline to carry on even if it’s not pleasant all help, but heating the space isn’t cheap these days so I avoid that on weekdays.
With this in mind, whatever space you have you’ll need to consider making it comfortable for you. Do this before buying tools. A draughty, damp and cold shop space is no fun for anyone and it will ruin tools, wood and work in progress too. Likewise stifling heat and high humidity aren’t great either. You might choose to get the help of a contractor or do things yourself. Insulate, draught proof, damp proof and having lighting and electricity up to code/regulations is important.
I don’t have a wooden floor in my garage shop, I just stand on concrete. Luckily it doesn’t cause me any issues. I might be moving house soon and if we’re lucky enough to find somewhere we want to stay for a while I might consider a timber floor. A timber floor is nice but I wouldn’t be wasting money on oak or similar high end wood flooring. Wide and thick softwood boards could work well. I can imagine that scaffolding boards or cheap wide 2 thick construction timber would be a good option, it wouldn’t even need to be planed as long as the boards were regularised.
It’s not that a nice hardwood floor isn’t a good option but sadly I’ve seen first hand how new home owners will happily rip out fixtures and fittings that are perfectly good. I once made a houseful of hardwood windows for a client and when they sold up the windows were ripped out by the new owners who chose vinyl. It was heart breaking for me to witness as I drove by. I know some woodworkers use soft tiles or carpet. I have a section of carpet but haven’t laid it. I’m worried it’ll be a trip hazard and my tool storage and mobile bases won’t roll easily so the piece of carpet is just stood in the corner. I should just take it to the dump!
So hopefully you’ve a space. Woodworkers use basements, sheds, garages and I suppose anywhere that can be justified. Just take the time to make things comfortable and safe. It would also be wise to let your home insurance company know what you’re doing. There are so many Terms and Conditions these days, it pays to be open and honest at all times and make sure any work you do to your home workspace it up to date with current building regulation/code in your area.
Next, money!