The best way to establish a workshop shed layout is to first draw a scale plan.
Draw in the windows, doors, and power outlets and experiment to find the best situation for each item and remember that the shed workbench will be the centre of activity.
Wood and manufactured boards are heavy and take up a lot of room.
Materials and tools should be within easy reach.
Machines need space around them so that material can pass through the saws and planers unobstructed.
On other machines the material will project on one side or another so leave as much unobstructed area as possible.
Remember wood coming into the workshop can be as long as 15 feet and man-made board can be 4 feet long by 8 feet wide.
You may have to cut this down outside the shop or have it cut at the suppliers.
Wood must be kept inside to remain dry with even temperature and humidity so provide an area specifically for wood.
Well planned drawers, cupboards and shelves can hold finish, hardware, glue and other supplies.
You can make these storage units yourself but be sure to put them in a spot that is not near any type of excessive heat.
A sturdy workbench is essential and should be positioned where it gets natural light, near a window.
Good artificial light will be necessary if this is not possible.
Lay industrial rubber around the bench as hard floor surfaces can be very uncomfortable if you are spending long periods at the workbench.
When making larger projects (cabinet making) leave enough room for a pair of sawhorses.
Wood can be laid down across the sawhorses for chalking and rough cutting and for assembly.
When finishing material be sure to have some sort of air extraction.
Open doors and windows when brushing and absolutely if you are spraying.
When using oily cloths be sure to unfold them and preferably put them outside to dry.
Oily cloths left in a bundle can self ignite.
When doing any type of spraying the air must be free of dust.
Try to have all of your machines connected to dust extractors.
Also wear a face mask when spraying or doing dusty jobs.
Good lighting is extremely important in the workshop.
A good source of natural light is best backed by carefully placed sources of artificial light.
Tungsten lighting is preferable over fluorescent with spot lights over the workbench and some of the machines.
The workshop should be heated.
A project made in a cold and damp workshop can experience wood movement when placed in a heated environment.
Pieces of wood left over can come in handy for other jobs so keep these pieces together in one place.
Everything else is garbage and should be swept up and discarded on a daily basis.
Left lying around can be a safety hazard.