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Design of the new workshop is officially underway. I’ve spent the past few weeks working on the layout of the space. To create the layout, I used Google Sketchup, which is a free 3d sketching and design tool from Google. This is an incredibly powerful tool and perfect for designing everything from a breadbox to a skyscraper. Yep, it’s that powerful. I used Sketchup several years ago, so it didn’t take me long to relearn it’s major functions. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry. It’s a very popular tool and there are tons of online tutorials and resources that will have you up and sketching in no time at all.

One of Sketchup’s most powerful features is the thousands of free 3d models created by Google and Sketchup users that are available for use in your project. Did I mention that the models are free? Yes, free! Every model I used in my workshop layout I found in Google’s online database. This not only saved me an enormous amount of time, it saved me a lot of money since I didn’t have to buy the models from a third-party vendor.

Below are images of the planned layout. In the design, I’ve arranged the major pieces of equipment in such a way that I can connect them all to the Cyclone Dust Collector using one major trunk line. Also, I’ve arranged the workshop in such a way that I can still have access to one garage bay for the occasional large project or auto/tractor repair if needed. All I need to do is move the wooden workbench and miter saw and I have one bay of the workshop free. I’ve also left room for future growth, especially around the jointer and planer. Don’t tell my wife, but I hope to replace the planer sometime down the road with something a bit more powerful and larger.

Take a look at the layout images below and let me know your thoughts. Feel free to share your ideas and let me know if something could be improved…I rather change it now…it’s much easier on my back when I move the tools in Sketchup!