Instant work space.....

[Raymond Richard]

When I half assed my shop 8 years ago I never planned on having the tools that I've got in there now plus I've never been one to tidy up when I'm done with what ever it is I'm working on. Summer time I never have the problem when it comes time to make sheaths, I just set up a table in the front of the shop and go to it. Living in Oregon this time of year I just can't do that. Came up with this idea yesterday and it works pretty slick. 3/4" plywood would work best if you have some laying around. I cut a 2' x 2' piece out of it and screwed a 2x4 flat on one side and thats it. Open up the vice, stick the 2x4 in it and tighten it up. I didn't have to pick a thing up and I was able to find my vice...

 

[Andrew McLurkin]

Good tip! I also like the idea of a piece of plywood that is hinged to the front of the workbench and folds up and down with a leg(s) under the front for support.

I think I'll give your set-up a try with my recently acquired engraving ball. Thanks!

 

[Raymond Richard]

Andrew, Here's another one. If you have a fairly solid drawer thats close to bench height you can open it up and set a piece of plywood on top of it for more bench space. I've been doing this so long now I'm not sure what I've got in the drawer. Its probably empty cause all the stuff is on the bench in a pile.....

 

[John Andrews]

Great ideas, guys! I have a 12x12 shop where I do most of my work, and those ideas would give me much more work space. It would save a guy from running all over the room for assembly work, too. you guys come up with ideas like this, simple and SMART. When a slow learner like me reads these great tips,I wonder,"Now, why didn't I think of that" while digging through a pile of stuff by the vice.