Popular Woodworking 2007-02 № 160, страница 37

Racks can provide two separate sides for storage so they can hold a large number of clamps conveniently. A wall-mounted or freestanding storage rack also keeps long clamps available and out of the way, but when you need a lot of clamps for a big glue-up it's a lot easier to wheel a rack over than it is to make a half-dozen trips across the shop.

If you work in a basement shop, or in any shop with a low, unfinished ceiling, you'll find an ideal storage area for spring clamps and handscrews by looking up; the bottom edge of a joist or rafter will hold many clamps and keep them within easy reach. To store a row of spring clamps beneath a shelf, string a length of heavy wire between two eye-screws so it hangs an inch or two below the shelf. Compress the clamp, pop it over the wire and release it.

Keeping Up with the Clutter

Providing specialized storage cabinets, shelving and rolling racks is certainly a big part of winning the war against shop clutter and keeping small tools organized. These fixtures can represent a significant investment of time and materials, but you don't have to build a shop full of them right away. Let your ideas percolate for a while, take a look at what other woodworkers have done to

Many shops have sizeable numbers of clamps, although few will rival the collection of Sam Maloof. A tapered rack keeps them organized. Adding casters would make the rack portable, an advantage in any shop.

solve the same problems you have and then set about to fix one storage problem at a time.

The other side of it, of course, is taking the time to keep tools organized once you've made room for everything. Few people return a tool to its proper place the instant they've finished using it. We're more likely to put it aside and get the next tool we need. In the end, though, shops with plans for managing that mountain of small tools will be more efficient, safer and happier places to work. pW

Don't overlook the space beneath a table saw extension table. This cabinet holds extra saw blades and other accessories.

Everything you need to know about setting up your shop!

From getting the most out of your space, to choosing machinery location, lighting, power and material storage, this seven-chapter series offers all the answers.

Chapter 4 Small Tool Organization

Tips and strategies for tackling storage issues for the smaller tools in your shop.

IN FUTURE ISSUES

Chapter 5

Material Storage

Proper lumber and sheet-good storage keeps the materials straight and handy.

Chapter 6 Dust Collection

Keep your shop (and your lungs) dust-free by planning ahead for any task.

Chapter 7

Workstations & Benches

Beyond machines, workstations and benches are where everything gets done in a woodshop. Choose well.

IN PAST ISSUES

Chapter 1 (issuE #157)

The Right Location

Learn the pros and cons of basement, garage and outbuilding shops - and how to make the most of any shop.

Chapter 2 (issuE #158) Lighting & Power

Task versus ambient lighting? 110v or 220v power? Learn the best options for your shop.

Chapter 3 (issuE #159) Placing Machinery

The right machines in the right locations will make your woodworking smooth.

BUB!®!

Popular Woodworking

Order back issues online at popularwoodworking.com or call 800-258-0929.