Shopsmith Hands On!

When it comes right down to it, every homeowner should have a workshop of some sort. Not only for the enjoyment and relaxation that woodworking provides…but also for the money you can save by performing many of your own home repair and maintenance functions.

It doesn't have to be a large space. Depending on the tools you have to put into it, your workshop could easily require little more than a corner of your garage or basement. And once you've started doing some of these repairs, you'll quickly discover that your shop will pay for itself after just a few simple projects.

But repairs and maintenance are just the beginning. Building gifts for family, friends or to sell for extra income will bring far more gratification than most other hobbies. There's something about making things with your own two hands that leaves you fulfilled.

So, where should your shop go ?

Basements
Basements make great workshop spaces. Here's what you should consider:
Pros: Unlike many garages (especially the detached variety), the environment in a basement shop is far easier to control than that of a detached garage. Temperatures are always cooler in the Summer and warmer during the Winter months…and, if your basement is dry, humidity is less of an issue than it is in a garage. And finally, electricity and running water are nearby, without a lot of extra work and expense.
Cons: Woodworking can be messy. When you cut or sand wood, you create dust. It's as simple as that. The secret is to collect as much of that dust as possible, at its source - BEFORE it gets into the air and becomes a problem. For that reason (coupled with the fact that most homes with basements have basement-based laundry rooms), you'll need an effective Dust Collection System. Having such a system will minimize the impact of the dust you create on the environment and the people living in it. PLUS - keeping the dust out of the laundry room area will help ensure that you live longer, with less hassles (if you know what we mean).

The other "con" of basement shops is noise. Woodworking machinery creates noise…there's no way around that. Protecting yourself from this noise is as simple as using hearing protectors . Keeping the noise out of the "upstairs environment" is just a bit more difficult. Inexpensive acoustical ceiling tiles and standard home insulation between the studded basement workshop walls will solve this problem, nicely.

Garages
Garages are also great locations for a workshop. Here's what you should consider:
Pros: Garage shops offer a lot of advantages. First and foremost, they do a great job of isolating

the sawdust and noise from the rest of the house and the others living in it. Yes, some dust is bound to be tracked in, but you won't have to worry about it being carried through your home's forced-air heating and air-conditioning system. If your garage is heated with its own cold air return, just place a high-efficiency air filter over this return air duct and
your problem will be solved.

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