In a small workshop, there’s a constant tension between wanting equipment that’s perfectly suited to each task and the practical reality of limited space; balancing efficiency with simplicity becomes a daily negotiation. In this post, I share the thinking behind, and fabrication photos along the way, of me building a torsion box to work for a small workshop: it serves as an adjustable workbench, an outfeed table, and a downdraft table; a scissor lift forms the backbone of this workbench but can also function independently to help lifting pieces on client projects.

What I originally thought was an extreme allergic reaction caused me to reevaluate and upgrade many air quality elements throughout my home and workshop - air quality monitors, additional indoor filters, and upgrades that basically force me to use my shop air filter and shop dust collection. Read on for the what, why, and how!

The final step in prepping my workshop for a 10HP three-phase planer is getting a source of three-phase power. But … what is three-phase power, why is it necessary, and why is it a bit more complicated to secure in a home workshop compared to a commercial or industrial environment? Read on to learn more.

A decision to upgrade my planer has forced me to also upgrade my dust collection system. Read more to learn about the custom two-stage dust collection system I built that is cleaner and more efficient, but yet fits in a more compact space, than my original off-the-shelf system … and all the challenges integrating PVC and ductwork!

From organization to vacuum systems, read on for a dozen tips from woodworking experts around the country on what to consider in creating - or updating - your ultimate indoor workshop.