Making a Garage Workshop More Efficient
Discover workshop upgrades that will help you maximize efficiency, minimize mess, and save lots of space
CPA, woodworker, and avid DIYer Jeremy Sweek recently embarked on a mission to optimize the flow and efficiency of his nearly twenty-year-old garage workshop. Located in a small bump-out of his two-car garage, the shop was originally comprised of several custom cabinets built by Jeremy himself.
It was already an impressive space, but Jeremy wanted to find a way to spend more time working on projects and less time cleaning or putting away tools. Thus began “Workshop 2.0.” What started with plans for a new workbench quickly snowballed into reprioritizing drawer space, 3D printing custom shop accessories, investing in a dust collection system, and more.
The Progression of Workshop 2.0
Jeremy started the reimagining of his workshop with tool organization. Once hidden hand tools now hang in an easy-to-reach chest while power tools can be quickly grabbed off the wall and put to work. He also reorganized each drawer, prioritizing space based on usage. Often-used items like fasteners were placed in drawers closer to the action while less frequently used supplies were shelved in clear plastic bins.
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One of the most notable time-saving upgrades to Jeremy’s shop was the Festool dust extractor. His trusty old shop vac works fine but requires a lot more time and energy to keep the space (that also houses two cars full-time) dust-free. With the new extractor, when he finishes a job, cleanup is a breeze.
Self-Built Accessories
For the next phase of Workshop 2.0, Jeremy and his teenage son put their heads together to model and 3D print several custom shop accessories. These accessories include a space-saving dust collection elbow for the miter saw, adapters that connect different sanders to the dust extractor, a sliding hook that holds the shop vac hose, bench dogs, router templates, and more.
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A self-built MFT workbench on wheels is the new heart of the shop. It’s never more than a couple steps away from all the action and can be moved to the center of the garage for bigger projects. There’s also a retractable hose mounted in the workbench with an air compressor, so nailing is always quick work. An outboard shelf and MFT clamps help Jeremy make fast cuts with the tracksaw, keeping it out of the way between uses.
Enhanced Comfort and Efficiency
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeremy’s workshop also became his remote office. With temperatures ranging from 110 to 20 degrees in Fort Worth, TX depending on the season, he decided to invest in a minisplit heat pump. The unit has since become one of Jeremy’s favorite additions to the space, allowing him to work comfortably in any weather. In addition to his upgraded dust collection, Jeremy runs a Jet air filtration system in the shop.
With all these impressive shop updates, Jeremy can now get more work done without backing a single car out of his garage—an impressive feat considering the limited space available. He’s managed to make the most of every square foot in his workshop, improving efficiency and workflow as he set out to do.
— Photos by Jeremy Sweek; CPA, woodworker, and DIYer in Fort Worth, Texas. Edited by Abby Coté.
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The combination garage / workshop houses two cars full-time.
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A minisplit helps regulate the shop's temperature throughout the year.
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This custom-built MFT workbench is the heart of the shop.
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Hanging tools on the wall makes them more quickly accessible.
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A custom dust-collection elbow makes for mess-free work.
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Sturdy shelving keeps materials out of the way.
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Custom 3D printed accessories connect tools to the dust extractor.
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A self-built outboard shelf and MFT clamps help make tracksaw cuts quick and mess-free.
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Less frequently used supplies are organized and shelved in plastic bins.
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A custom 3D printed dust collection elbow helps keep the chop saw work area mess-free.
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Most projects can be finished with both cars in the garage.
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The new Festool dust extractor has been a serious game-changer.
