Shop Organization, a fresh start

Shop Organization, a Fresh Start

Starting over (again)
I am moving my shop for the third time. You think I would get better at it. The first two shops have been
re arranged countless times. I am always trying to build a better mousetrap. Better storage, more
space, utilizing niches, being organized and having better work flow have all been themes for me.
Another one of them has been to utilize the systems I have created and the cabinetry and stands I have
already built. After all, this is cost effective right? Recently I came up with the idea of attaching a dollar
amount to the time I spent trying to save money. Hours and hours I spent trying to make something work
in a new space. Ultimately I realized this costs me more in time and aggravation than its worth. So I
quit. My new philosophy is simple and it works.

New space = new solution.

Each space has its own unique challenge. Most are too small or odd shaped in my experience. I can
never get everything to line up right or be the same height. So now I put my table saw where I want it and
build everything else around it. I sell all my old cabinets online or in the newspaper and start over.
Sound weird? It really is not. Here is why.

Analysis of paralysis
I can spend 3 hours figuring out how the shop should look and then spend 20 to 30 hours making it
happen. If my time is worth $20 an hour for example then 23 times 20 is $440. But for me, since I am in
business, its more like 50 hours times $50 per hour which is $2500. I can create, buy or sub out one
heck of a workspace for that much money. Most of the time I can spend much less, your mileage may
vary. As I get older I find myself just wanting to go to the shop and get the work done, not figure out how
to work. I am not adding in the time to put in dust collection or even decorate. This is just the bare
bones work spaces that I rely on day to day.

So if you move your shop, think about your time and look at anything that will make your life easier and
faster such as modular units, kits, shortcuts or pre manufactured cabinets.