Studio Set Up

Absolutely agree with Doug on the drawers! I have a metal drawer cabinet from Ikea underneath mine and it is immensely useful. The first drawers has a lot of my most used tools in it which can't hand from a magnet bar and it's usually just as quick to grab as those hanging in front of me. The same cabinet hold my sandpaper, smaller patterns, etc.

The next bench that I make I want to add some integrated drawers and some handy storage spots for sharpening stones and other oddities. It makes the bench a joy to work at and having a place for every item also helps to quickly clean the bench top during or after a project to have more space and clean off the bench from dust.

Agree with Ivo on the bench heights, so often we make them too low and have to bend over to work on them. Cupboards or storage under the benches is also a must, its a lot of area to waste if you can't utilize it. Drawers are great if you can fit them, it's way easier to open the bottom drawer than try to reach the back corner of the cupboard. I just renovated our Kitchen and put drawers everywhere and it makes a big difference. Keep your eyes open for anyone removing an old kitchen, you can sometimes pick up cupboards and benches for next to nothing. Old shop fixtures can be good as well, you just need to think outside the box a little. Almost forgot, if you have cupboards under the bench try not to have the fronts go all the way to the floor, it limits how close you can stand to the bench. It sounds silly but it makes a difference. Led lights as well, lots of them.

Cheers, Doug

I have the Skadis wall storage system from Ikea and really like it. @olena.wills has the most amazing tool board https://www.instagram.com/p/B7JuA0YgJAs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.

@LYDIE

I'll start by recommending having your 80/20 tools within arms reach of your main work table.

That's the 20% of your tools that you end up using on 80% of your projects.

That way your less used tools can be stored away to prevent clutter.

I'll also add that you will need to have a section of carpet, rubber or a rug underneath where you stand/sit at your work table. This prevents damage on bladed tools for when you drop them (we all do), and spills.

Hallway 'runners' are great for this as they usually have rubber underneath for grip. Just tape the ends down with double sided tape to prevent trips.

Hello!

One thing that I can help with it the height of the workbench. In general elbow height is a good rule to go by for a standard bench.

However if you do different types of work then a different bench could be better, so let's say you work with thicker hides a lot then a slightly lower bench is beneficial since you can apply more force. If you do more intricate things then elbow height is good place to start.

You could always make it too tall, then keep chopping of pieces from the legs until you are satisfied :)