Turning a small, pink tool shed into a workshop...?

F

Feisty

Joined
Jul 7, 2010
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As the title of this thread suggests, I've recently been struck with the brilliant idea of turning my small storage shed into my very own little workshop. :D I've been planning on gearing up to make knives for a couple of years now, and this is the first time I've had enough extra time and extra income to make a serious go of it. I've gleaned an absolute mountain of information from these forums after (literal) years of just lurking and watching plenty of other makers make a name for themselves. So firstly, some thanks are certainly in order for that. I've also been in touch with a couple of makers (relatively) close to me geographically and have tried my hand at making a knife. I fully understand the effort that goes in to crafting a well-made blade, and I've had a burning desire to make more since the first one came off the grinder. The last thing to square away, however, is the actual space I will be using. Before I get too much further down this rabbit hole I need to decide if the idea of using a tool shed as a workshop is a fool's errand or not.

Without further ado, here's the building:

10672229_10152688421477348_3166895471823879606_n.jpg


Pretty snazzy, no? :cool: She measures (roughly) 12' deep x 8' wide x 6' high. It'll be tight, but doable. I plan on starting up with a 2x72 Grizzly grinder, as economically it makes the most sense for my current situation, and I'm committed enough that I know I will be doing this for the long haul.

Here's another shot:

10653601_10152688421427348_216938265164797198_n.jpg


So, any other makers out there wish to weigh in on the subject? How big is the space you use? What are some of the potential downsides (other than banging my head a few times)? Oh, I will need to wire the shed for electricity, so there's that. Would I be better off just renting a small space from someone else local? I have an attached garage, but I'm worried the noise from the grinder will keep up the Mrs. and the little ones, not to mention all of the additional dust generated (which could be mitigated, but sounds like a lot of trouble).

Short version: should I use a tool shed for a workshop or am I insane?
 
Yes, you can use a portable building for a shop. They work wonderfully.
However, I recommend purchasing a larger one than yours to start.
You need to wire it, insulate it, install an exhaust fan, install a window, and air-condition it. Unless you live in the frozen north, an oil-filled radiator heater will suffice for heating.
By the time you do all this to a tiny building and run out of room, you still have to do it all over on a larger space.
 
For the short term you can run an extension cord from your house. The new LED lights don't draw much current. You could probably run a 1HP grinder and several LEDs from a 15 amp. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and unplug everything before you turn in. Use a P100 mask.
 
One of the biggest things you can do to make that shed work is build an 8' long workbench out of treated lumber OUTSIDE it. Take as much work as possible outside and work there. Sanding, filing, etc. . If you are clever, you will find a way to temporarily mount some of the larger shop tools to that workbench. This will allow grinding, sanding, and drilling to be done outside. The more work done outside the better. Both better use of the space inside and well as the fire risk will be advantages of some of the work being done outside. Many tools can be permanently left outside and covered with a grill cover when not in use. Forges and anvils are two that don't move easily. If you have the Grizzly clamped down and are quitting for the night, and will be grinding tomorrow, just drop a grill cover over it and go in for the night. The next morning it will be ready to go with no set-up time.

Another really good idea is to build a 2X4 foot workbench ( about 26-30" high works good) on fat wheels (they roll better on grass) and roll it out the shop to use the tools mounted on it. A grinder and drill press, plus a vise and a sanding/filing board will all fit nicely into eight square feet, ...and still leave working space between them.

I would not insulate or do much to that shed. I would get a good fan to blow into it from the doorway, and consider making a power cord that has a multi-outlet strip on one end (mounted on the wall in the shop) and a 12 gauge cord that will reach the house where hopefully there is a nearby socket on the porch or outside deck. When done for the day, roll up the cord and hang it inside the shop/shed on the door.

You want good lighting. As suggested , the newer LED lighting is low current, and the light output is getting much better. Use "daylight" temperature/color bulbs whenever possible. A window over the workbench is nice, but not a necessity.

Put 10-12" shelves across the whole back wall. Three or four shelves is good. You will find it best to store as much back there as possible.
Put a 6X2 foot bench on one wall. You want the right hand end of this bench at the door. That is the clearest workplace in the shop. Place the rolling bench against the opposite wall at the door. Put as much other stuff as possible in buckets or bins, and set against the other wall, and under the back wall shelves.. Hang any items that will hang along this wall.
On the door, hang the power cord, a broom, and a dust pan. Use all of them every day in the shop.

Use the shed for a knife shop only. If it is the storage place for yard tools, mowers, etc. there will be a space problem. If needed, buy or build a separate shed for storage.
 
Feisty - I also work out of a 10' x 16' backyard shed. At least, I have my forge/anvil, and some wood working machinery out there. My grinder and work bench in in my basement(not recommended, but its what I have available). And, I also share this space with lawn care stuff. At some point I would like to insulate the shed and move everything out there.

One suggestion... get rid of the pink. Steel doesn't harden properly in a pink building.:D




-Peter
 
P. McKinley said:
One suggestion... get rid of the pink. Steel doesn't harden properly in a pink building.:D
-Peter
Click to expand...
My first good laugh this morning.
I also agree about doing as much outdoors as you can when the weather permits.
Stacy gave some good ideas.
Nothing wrong with working with what space you have.
 
I might have made a comment about not all pink things prevent hardening....but decided no to :)
 
Also check local and county laws to see if there are any restrictions to what you want to do. I had to make my shed 8X12 with no electricity to avoid permits and additional property tax.
 
Many thanks for all of the input, fellas. It's my first time meeting most (all?) of you, though I've been a fan of your various works for some time now. Regardless, consider this a my formal greeting! I really look forward to sticking around and getting to know everyone, and perhaps one day growing into a respectable maker myself!

Aside from Bill (who does bring up some good points), the consensus seems to be that using a toolshed for a workshop isn't a terrbile idea after all, and in fact actually pretty doable! I will only be living on this property for another couple of years, and can't really justify putting more money into the shed or buying another one, as I won't be taking it with me. The mower, etc. will all be relocated though so pardon the mess in the picture!

Stacy, I hope you don't mind but I've saved the pointers to a word document as you were incredibly precise. You've answered pretty much all of the questions I might have had in one fell swoop, pretty impressive. :thumbup: Also, I might add that Peter's hardening advice has been noted. :p I'll paint it black with some flames down the side, that way it'll stay warmer in the winter AND look a bit less feminine. I'm sure the neighbors will get a kick out of it, at least!

And good idea about the municipal laws, Rusty. I will definitely check into that, wouldn't want to step on the City's toes.
 
I didn't say it was a terrible idea. My first shop was in a 4 X 8 storage room.
I said it would be BETTER to go bigger. Perhaps I'm too spoiled, as I can no longer imagine working outside or in a shop that isn't climate-controlled.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
I didn't say it was a terrible idea. My first shop was in a 4 X 8 storage room.
I said it would be BETTER to go bigger. Perhaps I'm too spoiled, as I can no longer imagine working outside or in a shop that isn't climate-controlled.
Click to expand...

My apologies Bill, it was my intention to put words in your mouth, I myself was wondering if it was truly a terrible idea, hence the creation of this thread. :) I am certainly envious of anyone with a climate controlled work space that isn't the equivalent of a broom closet, but it won't be that way forever! I've got to start some place, hahaha.
 
I currently work in the same amount of space and it does fine!
Make sure you do use a "Heavy power extension cord". No in doors Christmas light cords or you could start a fire and you can still start a fire with your grinder. Ask me how I know about this?:D

Buy or get a REAL Fire extinguisher and if you can afford it? Buy two of them. Always keep them up to date and handy. I have one sitting right next to my Hardcore grinder so I can grab it in a hurry if I see or smell smoke and the other is up on the work bench.

Wear heavy all cotton clothes to keep you warm in the winter. The polyester stuff can catch fire too! Get, make or have made a full hide shop apron that hangs down pass your knees so you have your chest, stomach, family jewels and the arteries in your legs protected from flying sharp objects and buy a good quality respirator to protect your lungs along with good plastic safety glasses.

Knife making can be dangerous on your body.
Stay safe and have fun!
 
If you work in there you can always rig up a box fan or two and have it blow outside to draw some of the dust out if you do plan on doing some grinding/sanding in there when you can't work outside.
 
Paint the wall white before you build your workbench.
White reflects a lot of light and is easier on the eyes. Take your time deciding the hight of your workbench(es) half an inch to high or low can mean backpain.
I just stacked boxes, crates etc to try hights before I setteled on my benches.
I would try and fit at least two different hights in there: one as high as a normal desk and one app. 10" higher
Don't work with a bend back

This is where I got started
Afb239.jpg


My workbenches now
SAM_1600.JPG
 
My original shop was an 8X8 building. It sat next to an 8X12 storage shed I had previously built. The storage shed has gardening equipment and lots of machinery and supplies in it, so it couldn't be used for knife work. Outside these, I erected a "portable carport". I built a pressure treated 3X8 workbench out there. That was where I did rough grinding, filing, forging, and as much else as I could. Most tools sat there all the time with covers over them when not in use. The smaller enclosed shop was where I put the Bader and the more delicate equipment. It was packed with shelves of supplies and the walls covered with hanging belts ( still is). After a hurricane, I replaced the porta-canopy ( what was left of it) with an 8X12 sloped roof that extended out from the small shop, and decking to replace the dirt floor of the smithy. I added on to the old worktable and made it a horseshoe shape, with the anvil in the center. The forge/vises, etc. were all strategically placed along this horseshoe. Other equipment, like buffers, have covers over them and sit out there all the time. A few years later, I built a 6X8 shed nearby...tucked against the privacy fence and the bamboo grove. This is where I store flammables and several pieces of equipment on rolling carts. On the other side of my property (about 75 yards away) I had already built a 12X16 shop for woodworking. I have the band saws and drill presses there. These shops, storage, and work spaces have provided me with enough room to work on knives and other projects...but a lot of things have to be rolled in and out or unpacked to use them.....so a new shop is in order.

The new shop will be 16X40 two-story and probably will still be too small :)
I delayed construction a while back to replace one knee. We were on track to start in January, but I may delay it six months or so to replace the other knee ( its acting up a bit again), but the plans are drawn and most everything that will go inside of the walls ( from wires, to lights, to equipment) is in storage and ready to install. I really don't see anything but The Good Lord keeping me from getting the frame up by summer.

All this is to point out that one can use the space available to do a lot with some ingenuity....and expand as needed.
 
You'll be good! I worked full time outdoors for a good while... have used a heat gun to heat up my bearings to get my drill press going in the morning!

Your ceiling height may be rough to deal with but determination will counter that. :D I second the outdoor bench idea too.

Year one - porch rail with a vise/hand tools, then a tent with a plastic table... finally I built a bench on the carport. I'm in a 12x24 now and plan on tripling it as soon as I can. I still enjoy grinding outside!
 
Ziet er goed uit, die workshop, Hengelo! Zeer praktisch en nog gezellig ook. Een mannenkamer.
 
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