Bob Vila needs 768 sq. ft. for tool storage and working space
On his website, Bob Vila’s ideal, STAGE IV WORKSHOP contains a full array
of stationary tools, requiring up to 24’ x 32’ (768 sq. ft.) of space for storage and
working. All of his shops are equipped with individual stationary tools, each with
its own stand and motor…and each having a permanent spot on the shop floor.
Click the blue box at right for a graphic comparison of space requirements for
individual versus multi-purpose tool workshops.

The multi-purpose tool needs 12 sq. ft. of storage space and less than 300
square feet to work
The collective storage footprint required to house just 14 of the common
individual tools in Bob Vila’s, 14-tool, STAGE IV WORKSHOP will promptly
boot one of your family cars right out of the garage ! PLUS, you’ll have loads
of time-consuming tool shuffling to do before you can start enjoying your time
in the shop.
On the other hand, the compact multi-purpose tool workshop includes the five
woodworking tools you need most, and stows neatly away in just 12 sq. ft. of
floor space, a wall-mounted shelf or two and a pegboard panel along the front
of the garage.
When you’re ready to go to work, just back one of your cars out of the garage,
move the tool to the center of your open space and you’ll have about 288 sq.
ft. in which to work. (Click the yellow box at right to see how these 14 individual tools and a multi-purpose tool will fit into your garage space).
With the compact multi-purpose tool, you can add accessories, thereby
expanding your capabilities to handle literally dozens of woodworking
operations (Click the green box at right for a list of operations that can be
performed with the multi-purpose tool). in that same 288 sq. ft. of space.
And, when you’re through working, all of these tools will retreat to their
storage locations within that 12 sq. ft. of floor space, plus a couple of
wall-mounted shelves and a pegboard panel.

What’s the best answer for you ?
If you’re like most folks, you don’t have 768 sq. ft. of floor space to
devote to a home workshop. If you fall into this category, the
multi-purpose tool clearly gives you the best of both worlds. You
can easily spare the small amount of storage space it requires when
you’re not using is…and, when it’s time to go to work, you probably
have 250 to 300 sq. ft. of floor space to spare in a basement…or by
backing one of the family cars out of the garage.