[gumbyteeth04]

Hello, fellow carvers;

I'm looking to build a workstation to hold my work & my tools in close proximity. All I have @ the moment is a small clamping device I got from WOODCRAFT & I think it's time to get something more. I'm open to ANY ideas & would love to see pictures of all different kinds to get ideas to make my own unique station. Thank you, in advance, to ANYBODY who replies to this post & maybe even posts a picture of ANYBODY'S workstation.....whether it belongs to them or someone they know. As always, I'm VERY appreciative of ANY time that ANYBODY takes to help newcomers. Have a great day!!

Dan

[RussL.]

Some work stations appeared when I asked to see people's tool racks.
Have a look through this thread and you should find a couple of work stations.

Show me your tool rack(s)

You might also try using the "search" function at the top of the page of thread listings.

RussL.

[gumbyteeth04]

Russ;
Thanks very much for the link & the tip. I went there & looked around....even got some ideas for a work station...nothing concrete, yet, but, ideas still the same. Thanks again!

[RussL.]

Here's another link that I am just amazed at.
Both the P & P carving bench and the relief carving bench are super!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...ername=thewizz

More projects-within-projects.
So many projects that there is little time to actually carve! ;-)

RussL.

[Thomp]

if your building one from scratch
i suggest to just set up a couple saw horses, and start working off them,
as time allows you,

work stations are as individule as carving tool collections.
all need a flat surface, some shelve space. a place for the wood burner, the fordum, and all them tools. but shelves or drawers which is the best for you or me may differ..

in the meantime, your work isent stopped or hampered becuse you dont have a flat spot to work off of..

i got a new shop in july and im still working off the drillpress cabinet i made sure i got all the side pannels and bench table tops, cut for a 24foot wall of work bench, but structural support for drawers and such has me at a stand still, at the moment,
(guess i found something more necessary that day)

im thinking something like a printer caddy, with wheels, so the under the cabinet tool rack with drawers so it can be moved to different areas in the shop.
next to the ac in summer and close to the stove in winter.

[gumbyteeth04]

Thanks, Thomp;
I've been looking around @ different links on here & some different types on the web & in some carving books that i've bought. You're definately right....EVERYBODY has a different idea & style for their OWN needs. I know it'll be a long process picking the RIGHT style to suit my needs & suit my home as well. Whereas I only have a small corner of the basement, I have to be choosy about what I buy for equipment & what I build for a workstation. Thanks, again, for the tips, Thomp. Hopefully, I'll be able to make something for myself soon...possibly even post it on here somewhere when it's done or NEAR done. Have a great night!!

[Thomp]

basically what im working on is a 8 foot sheet of 3/4" plywood split down the center 8 foot at 24" for each bench

i cut the side panels off each 24"x8 foot side so it winds up a good desk height approx 28" after cutting a dato into the edge of 2x4 &2x6"and inserting the side panel into the dato, which extends the side panel another 5-6 inches taller.

i think the side panel comes up 33 inches in total and the top frame of 2x6" table supports is laid then the other 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood affixed to the 2x6's" also a back is covered with 1/4 plywood...extending above the height of the top to mount electrical power strip on , and keep things from falling behind the bench..

just a basic bench,, but long 60-70 inches long i think, my brain isn't working its late.. but with a 1 1/2" thick desktop, its stout enough to beat on if necessary..

ill make 3 or 4 of them and join them with shelves to fill the 24 foot wall. i need space for lots of bench top tools like grinders, sanders, router and drill press,, so with drawers below i can store the assortments under the tools.. with work bench for carving and dremels and such..
just hope i don't overload the flooring structure in the portable building..
currently waiting for funds to insulate the walls... before i can finish the inside..

[Tom H]

Dan, Great fun building a work station. Some observations (based on experience). It might help to answer these basic questions:
1. Where is the work station to be located? Garage, basement, porch, spare room, etc.

2. Do you think you might like to carve from patterns, tutorials, etc. from the internet? In other words want the computer there too.

3. Do you plan to use power? This means dust control.

4. Sit or stand, or both?

5. Lighting?

6. Will the station be used only for wood carving?

7. Plan to paint or finish wood there too?


Your answers may help you determine what specifics you need.

Tom H

[gumbyteeth04]

Thanks Thomp...Sounds like you have BIG plans for your set-up. I haven't that kind of room for anything as elaborate, but, I'm working on that too. I only have basic hand tools...no datos or any of that other fancy woodworking stuff yet...give it time...lol....I'm not a woodpecker...I'm a wood hacker!!

Tom H.....to answer your questions...

The workstation will be in the basement....just a small corner, but, it's a start.

I won't have my computer right there but I'll be printing plenty of pictures to use as references...I have patterns, LOTS of books...(already)...& I have a couple of tutorial CD's as well...(ordering MarK Gargac's tutorial as well).

Yes, I will be using power...I have a Dremel 400 series with ALL the goodies...flexshaft, planer attatchment & other neat stuff, & a brand new JET dust collector.

As of right now, I'm a stand up carver, but, I find myself longing for a chair once in a while.

Lighting is no problem...I have LOTS of lights to light up my creations....(including the LIGHTERS to turn them into designer firewood when i mess up bad...lol).

The station will be for carving only...I plan on making a hole in another corner of the basement for painting & finishing... & yes, I have a resperator to wear for those times. PHEW...that was a mouthful....maybe I should just take a picture & post it instead of all this typing...lol. I'll try & get a picture up here by weeks end....gonna be pretty busy until Saturday though.
Thank you, ALL, again...for taking time to reply to my postings. As a newcomer to the hobby, I certainly do appreciate ANY time & help people are willing to share to get the new people started off on the right foot....er...feet. I'll be back soon...hopefully with a picture to post. Have a great day everybody!!

[Thomp]

good luck with yer setup , most folks don't remember hand tools worked before they invented all these new fan dangle electric ones, lot of benches were made with handsaws hammer & chisels, brace and bit, the big plus is they give you time to think about your mis cuts..... and make you question your sanity,,,