Small, cheap, shed/shop organization

[paulsharvey]

So, some of yall have 40x80 insulated, air conditioned shops with lifts and all; but most of us dont. What are some ideas to maximize function in a smaller building/shop, that arent too expensive. One issue is, I have a lot of varied interests, so metal working, reloading, wood working, and the misc auto tools.

At the old place, I had a 24x16 with concrete floor, and I pretty much dedicated a corner to wood working, a corner as welding/metal cutting/drill press/vise, a corner for lubricant/paint/adhesives, and a corner with a work bench, that i did bullet casting, and beer drinking.

New place, one handi house type, aluminum shed, is 12x30, and another 12x16. Both have power and lights, bigger one has a small window AC, but not insulation. When we moved, priority was getting stuff moved, unloaded, and out of the weather, not setting anything up in an organized manner.

 

[anomad]

I would focus on insulating the better shed and getting it sealed/air conditioned/dehumidified first. Especially being down in Florida. When I lived down there I was constantly spraying everything with WD-40 and/or Boshield to prevent rust. Keep your fancy toys in there and just make it yours. Storing beer in a cool dry place is highly recommended. Mount a screen on the wall to surf here while you cast from your phone.

 

[paulsharvey]

I would focus on insulating the better shed and getting it sealed/air conditioned/dehumidified first. Especially being down in Florida. When I lived down there I was constantly spraying everything with WD-40 and/or Boshield to prevent rust. Keep your fancy toys in there and just make it yours. Storing beer in a cool dry place is highly recommended. Mount a screen on the wall to surf here while you cast from your phone.

The smaller one has kinda been claimed for a "finish" by wife for a work out room, and its on the "list". Right now its got just random piles of seasonal stuff.

On the larger one, thats part of why I haven't build more shelving and racks. It really needs atleast lightly insulated. As you noted, I dont need it to be "comfortable", im ok with 85, and AC to draw down humidity, although 80 would be better.

The previous owner was a lineman, so atleast he ran power to everything, although its just 120v. I tend to just drag out the generator and welder and do welding outside in the sand.

 

[lostcause]

I'm probably the last person who should offer advice on organization. even as an adult, i'm terrible at putting my toys away. i'm a bit of a pack rat - not yet at hoarder status, but still probably not at a healthy level, except to many of my kindred spirits here. what i have found is that i need to think "up" when it comes to storage. i find that if you go into many people's storage buildings, and pan around at eye level you have a clear line if sight, meaning that only the lower few feet of the footptint is being used. i'm trying to make storage that utilizes the upper heights of the space where possible. in some cases i've got sections where it is floor to ceiling storage, with other open areas set aside to actually use tools & equipment, in other areas where i can, i have the storage above the usage areas. regardless, always trying to be mindful of the overhead "dead space"

 

[anomad]

Get a quote for spraying the inside with foam. It ain't gonna be cheap, but you will save it on electrical costs in the not too long run and be more comfortable doing it.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I built wooden shelfs against the back wall of my 24x32 shop in three 10' long x10' high units. I cut down pallets for the floor level. Taking the 2x4 with plywood shelve height into consideration, I spaced the shelves to allow two stacked cardboard boxes to fit on each shelf. I had a lot of the same sized cardboard boxes to work with. The shelves are a deep as the boxes are long. It is literally a wall of boxes. 3x10 equaling 30, I have a short space to vertically store lengths of PVC pipe i have on hand.

 

[Shane Hanna]

So, some of yall have 40x80 insulated, air conditioned shops with lifts and all; but most of us dont. What are some ideas to maximize function in a smaller building/shop, that arent too expensive. One issue is, I have a lot of varied interests, so metal working, reloading, wood working, and the misc auto tools.

At the old place, I had a 24x16 with concrete floor, and I pretty much dedicated a corner to wood working, a corner as welding/metal cutting/drill press/vise, a corner for lubricant/paint/adhesives, and a corner with a work bench, that i did bullet casting, and beer drinking.

New place, one handi house type, aluminum shed, is 12x30, and another 12x16. Both have power and lights, bigger one has a small window AC, but not insulation. When we moved, priority was getting stuff moved, unloaded, and out of the weather, not setting anything up in an organized manner.

I dealt with, and am still dealing with a similar situation, you have a lot more space than I do, I have installed a crazy amount of shelves, mostly 24" deep, with heavy duty brackets, and using hoist up shelves that take advantage of upper space in garage, this will depend on the height of your garage.