Hi,
I’m just getting started in woodworking, but I don’t have a great place to set up a shop. I’m currently renting an apartment, and with 3 roommates my rent is quite cheap. Does anybody have any idea on how or where I could set up a shop elsewhere? Are there garages or shop space I could rent at a reasonable price? Has anybody tried woodworking in an apartment? I’d appreciate any feedback people might have.
Replies
Many decades ago, I had a very small shop in my apartment. Basically a couple of say horses, a circular saw. a jig saw, a sander, and lots of tarps. I would all fold up and go in a closet. Wasn't the most convenient shop, but it did work - I build a couple of entertainment centers in it.
Bob
Here in Connecticut, there is a Woodworkers club in league with the local Woodcraft store. For a monthly fee you can have access to their equipped shop. I don't know if you have one near you, but you might inquire at local hardwood suppliers or tool stores.
You could put an ad in your local paper, somebody might be willing to share a space for some $$$ to help with heating expenses.
Don't know unless you ask!
David C.
check into your local community college or trade school, they may have some classes you could sign up for and get shop time as a benefit. You could look in Craigslist or some other classifieds for a garage you could rent (detached would be best).
ya know, I was in the same boat once upon a time....
check with your local school board, there's often night school classes which give you access to shop space, more tools than you can run in a "partment; and a dedicated time to go to work.
Lets you play with tools you may , or may not, want to purchase later in life.
Why not take advantage of yer (school) tax dollars.....
Eric in Cowtown
check with your local school board...
Yeah you can really spoil yourself here. 12" Jointer, 24" planer, three table saws (one for ripping, one for dado, and one for crosscut), 18" bandsaw, lathes, scrollsaw... The only problem I can think of is that the hand tools were in terrible condition.
I took a series of courses over a year period before I set up my shop. During that time I spent my money on hand tools rather than stationary machines. By the time I was ready to by the big tools I already had a fine collection of tools.
Buster
Do not see any info in your profile. Where are you located, that may determine answers you get.
Also it depends on what type of woodworking you want to do. Bowl turning with a lathe will take up a fair space; Carving is a minimal space one, while furniture making can take up a good size space but I have seen some with drop down benchs installed into closets.
A decent bench and some hand tools go a long way and don't take much space. Even in a small home shop space is at a premuim. I have found that the most usfull tools fit into a tool chest that also has done service as a my coffee table. My power tools have slowly moved to the back of the garage. The only power tool in my shop is the drill press, and its on the way. The best reason to move the stuff out was that I now have room to to work. A good bench and a tool chest full of will chosen tools and you can get a lot of good work done. The bench does not have to be "full size" just as big as your space can tolorate. Mine is a little over 4 ft long. Check out some of the work bench books. If you make it portable you can take it with you. It's the vices that make the bench.
I am still learning hand tool skills, but it's not as hard as it looks.
Ahhhh, space, the ultimate dillema next to not enough tools. I just sent my buddy plans from a woodsmith book called, "folddown work center." This is beautiful! You hang it on the wall. (into studs of course). Might be difficult in an apartment but, if u can, deffinately look into it! The work surface is sturdy and supported by legs. The sides fold out with lots of storeage for hand tools. The top flips up and locks with a shop light. What more could u ask for? If u want, I've copied plans and can send by snail mail if u send me your address.
As far as alternate choices, really don't know what to tell you but, look around. If a local woodworking club isn't near by why don't u start one? Sounds crazy I know but, they're over 40 million of us and getting more all the time! With a few members chipping in, u might be able to rent a garage some where.
Years ago some guy started a business renting out tools and "lift" space to do auto repairs. U could check around for something like that in woodworking.
I have a 3 car garage, and have to pull my truck out to do woodworking. (lot of tools and 2 big benches). Sometimes wonder if it's overkill. That's why I like the "folddown work center." Forces u to clean up. Can't tell u how many times left tools all over my benches till so clutterd forced to clean em up! Good Luck
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled