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Workshop

My wife and I moved into a condo shortly before I retired at the end of 2020. I spent the next few months setting up my new - and probably last - workshop in the basement. Because I only work with hand tools, the 300 square feet is more than adequate for my needs.

Although these photos were taken immediately after completing the shop, I do not subscribe to the idea that a busy shop means a messy one. I habitually sweep up at the end of a day, return tools to their respective storage locations when through with them, and vacuum/mop regularly. Perhaps I'm a bit anal, but I can't see any value in being up to my ankles in shavings or having to search for tools.

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One end of the shop holds a workbench, lumber rack, and tool cabinet, while still allowing good open space for sawing and assembly.

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The other end of the shop has plenty of easy access tool storage, a utility bench for carving and sharpening, and a 75 year old Delta-Rockwell lathe, my only "tailed apprentice". 

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My main bench consists of the base from a cheap one purchased when I didn't know any better, a maple top scavenged from the maintenance room of a former employer, and enhancements such as bracing and planing stops. It is quite sturdy and does not move or rack when sawing or planing.

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This old pine cabinet holds my planes, files, braces, bits, and other sundry items. Aside from the files and rasps, most everything you see here is in excess of a hundred years old.

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