Workshop Storage -- Opinions For Your Woodworking Tool Storage

Clutter is the woodworker's enduring enemy. WhetherIn evaluating your own storage options begin by taking
your workshop is shoehorned into the corner of thetwo inventories:one of your tools and materials and the
basement or spread out in a two-car garage, it's noother of unused space-corners, spaces under the
doubt accumulates things at an astonishing rate:stairs,between wall studs,below the workbench,and
Lumber plywood, saws, saw blades, drills,drillsbetween the ceiling joists. Lumber and plywood are
bits,planes, clamps, chisels,best stored on racks that prevent warping and water
files,grinders,screwdrivers,punches,wrenches,anddamage.keeping the wood ot of the way and easy to
hammers are just a few of the hand and power toolsreach. Shelves ,drawers,and cabinets are the most
that must be conveniently available when needed-andconvenient and economical spaces for storing tools.
out of the way when not.There are a variety of commercial storage devices on
Add to these the lumberthe market,but you can build a tool cabinet and
scraps,locks,hings,screws,nails,spare parts,andinexpensively.Hardware can be sorted in
containers half full of finishes--all sure to be invaluabledrawers,subdivided into separate compartments or, for
some day very soon--and you may have the makinggreater visibility,in glass containers. For tools like clamps
of a monumental storage problem.that are used all over the shop,consider a wheeled
Adequate workshop storage should accomplish tworack.
goals: Tools and materials should be kept within easyNo matter what devices and techniques you choose,
reach of each operation, and the storage devicesyou may find that proper storage not only provides
should encroach as little as possible on work space.more space and convenience,but conveys a sense of
No matter what your particular needs, you should findorder and purpose that will make your shop an even
a number of storage ideas that conserve space. maymore pleasant and productive place to work.
find that proper storage not only provides more space.