Popular Woodworking 2006-10 № 157, страница 35

for the HVAC system that for some reason had to be run below the ceiling height - not to mention water and electrical lines. Then there's the frequent lack of windows and the likelihood of dampness that is anathema to woodworking equipment.

When you are woodworking, one of the common byproducts is dust. Guess what else is often housed in a basement? The furnace and air conditioner have a bad habit of drawing air from the basement into the rest of the house. Along with that air goes your wood dust and any woodworking-related odors.

So why in the world are people turning basements into woodworking shops? Because that's the only space they have available. Working in a challenging space is a testament to the enthusiasm woodworkers have for their craft.

Now that we've discussed the negatives, there are a couple of positives worth mentioning. Basement shops are much more likely to be climate controlled, making the space an easier year-round workspace. Heat is often already in place and if the basement isn't air conditioned for the summer months, the below-ground location helps to keep things cooler.

Security and noise are two other benefits. When you're in the basement, casual passers-by aren't able to see the tools and machinery that are a mere locked door away, reducing temptation. Also the noise commonly related with woodworking is muffled in a basement, reducing annoyance to neighbors - though your family might prefer a little more sound insulation.

While a lack of windows in the basement could make lighting an issue, wall space is reclaimed for hanging clamps, jigs and for adding cabinetry for tool and supplies storage.

Power is an issue in any shop, but basements have the advantage of usually having electrical service of some type already in place. Garages and outbuildings are less likely to be pre-wired for adequate electricity. There's a good chance the service will still need to be upgraded to meet your woodworking needs, but it's easier to upgrade an exist

ing service than run new service to an unwired space.

Now let's look at how to make the best of the negatives in a basement shop. Short of digging a new entrance to your basement, loading in materi-

als will continue to be a problem if you don't have walk-out access. In some instances longer lumber can be fed through ground-level windows, but more often than not your best answer will be to cut your lumber and sheet

Popular Woodworking's publisher, Steve Shanesy, has his shop in the basement of a 150-year-old Victorian house. As you can see, space is a challenge, but Steve still manages to crosscut a sheet of plywood. Let's not talk about ripping a 4' x 8' sheet. Machinery needs to be stored out of the way when not in use. Much of Steve's materials are cut down to manageable sizes before being moved into the basement.

Ductwork, piping and the ceiling itself allow a minimum of head space in Steve's shop. His assembly bench and his most-used machine - the lathe - are positioned near the only window in the workshop to provide as much natural light as possible. Fluorescent fixtures mounted between the ceiling joists provide even light to the rest of the shop, while impacting the ceiling room as little as possible.

Popular Woodworking