Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 01, 2005 08:29pm | #1

   To add to that:  When you're looking for something in a cluttered area, put away things as you move them to search (rather than just shove them around, which is way I really, really tend to do).  By the time you find the lost item, you will have cleaned up an area too!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 02, 2005 06:26am | #2

   I'm near the end of the largest commission I've ever built, a library wall, fireplace, and cabinets, all built-ins in  a large great room.  My shop is an absolute disaster.  It looks like a bomb went off.  The only place I know NOT to look is where the tool actually goes.

   Jeff

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 02, 2005 08:48am | #3

   Do you keep your handtools in a regular toolbox with casters or do you have them in permanent drawers and on wall hooks? In a shop the size of yours, a toolbox that rolls might be an easy solution. You can move it next to the bench and when it gets full of wood chips and dust, you could use a blowgun. Granted, with all of the tools you have, it would be at least a couple of big tool chests, but one of the big Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, Craftsman or Matco boxes could minimize the clutter.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 02, 2005 06:15pm | #4

   I've got 2 tool chests and a shelf unit.  They are right next to my bench.  It's just sheer stupidity that doesn't allow the tools to get back where they belong.  I say to myself that  "I'll need that tool again in 10 minutes", so I leave it on one of my two work areas, and by the end of the day, there's 40 of them everywhere.  I did clean up last night at about 8:30 P.M., for a change.  LOL

      

   Jeff

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 02, 2005 07:13pm | #5

   Stupid tools!
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   oldfred | Dec 02, 2005 07:47pm | #6

   In my school shops, I often used wheeled carts, designed for audio visual equipment, to hold the particular tools needed for a task.  The carts kept the tools off the workbench and were easy to move out of the way or to roll around the shop when returning the tools.   

     They didn't necessarily correct the habit of amassing too many tools before returning them<G>

   While  skulking through WalMart yesterday I found a Mechanic's tool tray on wheels for $49 that might do the job.  The top - about 18" x 24" -   is supported by a single pedestal which is height adjustable.  Designed to sit over the open hood of a vehicle,  but  it would be perfect as a woodworking tool tray and could double as a work support for a table saw or drill press.  Comes with a small cabinet that sits on the base.

    

3. 
   lamadriver | Feb 03, 2006 10:53am | #7

   Working and keeping a clean shop is nearly impossible. I work until I can't find anything or tripping over scraps. It finally gets to a point that I STOP and say "that's it", clean up the shop, put away all the tools, wind up the cords, sweep the floor and start in again until the next time. Having a bench against the wall in addition to my big workbench in the center does help in having a place to toss the tools [figure of speech] and keep the workbench clear which is needed for assembly.

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 03, 2006 01:02pm | #8

   Hell, I have a 10 HP Vacuume and put it on BLOW.. I open the shop doors and go at it!

1. 
   ballandclaw | Feb 03, 2006 09:15pm | #9

   I open the garage door and start the leaf blower.   Blow all the loose stuff out, let the dust settle, and do it again.  Make sure the wind is blowing away from the door though.  Don't ask.

1. 
   Sardog | Feb 04, 2006 03:01am | #11

   Ball

   Should we stand outside and wait for free tools?

1. 
   ballandclaw | Feb 10, 2006 08:44pm | #16

   Just the small ones come out. Some of the chisles are kinda sharp.

2. 
   SantaBarbaraSawDust | Apr 08, 2006 10:39pm | #20

   The problem with using a leaf blower to blow out a garage is that you end up blowing all your old nails, brads and staples onto the driveway. I really don't need to replace the low profile tires on my wife's car at $400.00 a pop just yet.Terry

   [i]Santa Barbara,CA[/i]

2. 
   John_D | Feb 03, 2006 11:26pm | #10

   I'm trying to imagine what a vacuum with 10 real HP would be like.  Wow. :)My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 09, 2006 03:49am | #13

   I'm trying to imagine what a vacuum with 10 real HP ..Not really 10 HP.. Just me.. But a BIG one.. BLOW is nice.. Neighbors complain to the local authority though!

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 09, 2006 05:46am | #14

   Will,

   Are you related to Tim the Toolman? :) :)

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

2. 
   Ricks503 | Feb 09, 2006 06:00pm | #15

   More Power!!! I always thought Will was Tim's online name.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

3. 
   lamadriver | Feb 04, 2006 10:16am | #12

   I do the same thing in the summer months but in Alaska at 0 deg or lower you refrain from opening the shop door any more than it takes to get the car out or in!!!  brrrrrr

1. 
   ballandclaw | Feb 10, 2006 08:51pm | #17

   In Orlando the the low on Saturday will be near freezing - first time that low in 3 years.

4. 
   cowtown | Feb 19, 2006 10:27am | #18

   I use the same technique for spring cleaning at home. First warm day with the wind blowing constantly, I open all the windows on the windward and leeward sides, and start from the windward, blowing dust from places that never get cleaned.....The fine stuff just does out the windows, the heavy stuff gets vacuumed up.

   Just keep it to yerself though, it is so counter-cultural to what a lot folks has been taught that they might send you off to the funny farm. Even when you explain how 100PSI is gonna knock any #### from behind the bookshelves where no feather duster is ever gonna reach, there's still a credibility gap. Go figure

   Eric

1. 
   YesIWood | Feb 19, 2006 01:52pm | #19

   I often use the leaf blower trick.  Since I work out of a two car garage in the burb's, I still have to be careful.  See, I usually work on my off days and every once in a while my neighbors will be home.  I have had the experience of blowing out the shop with my ear plugs still in and safety glasses on.  Get things nice and tidy then go out onto the drive and see the neighbor washing his car.  OPPS.  Well, all he had to do was rinse it again.  Now I look out the door before using the leaf blower.  Joe

   Is it really saw dust or wood dust?