---
title: "SMALL SPACE WORKSHOPS: Small Space Workshops"
id: "4658"
type: "page"
slug: "01-small-space-workshops"
published_at: "2026-07-18T01:29:16+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-18T15:54:32+00:00"
url: "https://preppers-paradise.com/library/smallspaceworkshops/01-small-space-workshops/"
markdown_url: "https://preppers-paradise.com/library/smallspaceworkshops/01-small-space-workshops.md"
excerpt: "This guide teaches readers how to design, organize, and maximize the utility of a functional workshop within limited spaces, such as a garage or basement. It covers essential considerations like effic"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Books"
  - "DIY & Home Improvement"
  - "Free Teaser"
taxonomy_post_tag:
  - "craft space"
  - "diy projects"
  - "home improvement"
  - "power tools"
  - "shop organization"
  - "small workshop"
  - "space saving"
  - "tool storage"
  - "woodworking"
  - "workshop design"
---

# SMALL SPACE WORKSHOPS: Small Space Workshops

[← SMALL SPACE WORKSHOPS](/library/smallspaceworkshops/)

Chapter 1 of 31 · Free teaser

# SMALL SPACE WORKSHOPS
How to Create & Use a Downsized Workshop >> **BONUS**: 12 Complete Benchtop Projects

Larry Okrend

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_2_Picture_4.jpeg "Cover image for Small Space Workshops")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_3_Picture_0.jpeg "Decorative image")

#### **NOTICE TO READERS**

For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher and BLACK+DECKER cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers' instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.

Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_4_Picture_0.jpeg "Decorative image for Table of Contents")

## Table of Contents

| Finding Inspiration                         | 5   |
|---------------------------------------------|-----|
| Selecting & Designing Your Space            | 11  |
| Lighting & Electrical Requirements          | 29  |
| Dust Collection & Ventilation               | 41  |
| Personal Safety                             | 51  |
| Portable & Stationary Power Tools           | 59  |
| Basic Woodworking Methods                   | 75  |
| BENCHTOP PROJECTS                           | 89  |
| Bench-Top Clamp Cradles                     | 90  |
| Sandpaper & Blade Storage Box               | 94  |
| Push Sticks & Blocks                        | 98  |
| Wall-Mounted Pipe- & Bar-Clamp Storage Rack | 104 |
| Downdraft Sanding Box                       | 110 |
| Simple & Sturdy 2  ×  4 Workbench           | 116 |
| Shop Step Stool                             | 122 |
| Foldaway Wall Bench                         | 128 |
| Folding Miter Saw Stand                     | 132 |
| Bench-Top Router Table                      | 138 |
| Wall Tool Cabinet                           | 144 |
| Tablesaw Cross-Cut Sled                     | 150 |
| Resources                                   | 156 |
| Acknowledgments                             | 156 |
| Photo Credits                               | 156 |
| Metric Conversion Charts                    | 157 |
| Index                                       | 158 |

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_4_Picture_3.jpeg "Decorative image")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_4_Picture_4.jpeg "Decorative image")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_4_Picture_5.jpeg "Decorative image")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_5_Figure_0.jpeg "Inspirational workshop setup")

## Finding Inspiration

There are few activities in our busy world that are as useful, affordable, and gratifying as engaging in a traditional craft. They're a stimulating escape from the electronic overload of everyday life—and making objects with our hands unleashes our creativity while serving functional needs. Crafts such as woodworking, carpentry, and metalworking have deep roots and traditions, but also require skills, space, and equipment. Although all three elements are needed, there's no need to be limited by them. Imagination can overcome many obstacles, and learning how to cope with meager resources can be a liberating experience. Unlike skills that will improve over time, shop space is often finite, so it's necessary to learn to live with what we have. But you can take heart that even those who have expansive shops often find themselves wishing for more space.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_6_Picture_3.jpeg "Small basement metalworking shop")
This small basement metalworking shop fits entirely against one wall and includes a drafting station for on-the-spot designing. Essential to any workshop, especially one with large power tools, are good lighting and ample electrical service.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_6_Picture_5.jpeg "Wall-mounted storage with hardware bins and cabinets")
Using wall space efficiently is key to making any shop work, and it's particularly important in small spaces where it's essential to minimize intrusions into working space. Here, well-organized hardware bins keep everything in its place, and a set of upper cabinets has been hung slightly lower than normal for easy access and to provide space above for hanging tools. Virtually no wall space is unused here.

The often-quoted rule about the value of real estate, "location, location, location," can be expressed in a slightly different way to understand what it takes to make a small shop successful—"efficiency, efficiency, efficiency." Small shops need:

- Efficient storage
- Efficient layout
- Efficient equipment

Starting with the last item, the scale and number of tools you use must be in sync with the size of your shop. Tools that are too large and too plentiful turn your space into a warehouse rather than a workshop. Of course, an efficient layout depends on efficient equipment, because you need space that allows you to move around (or even swivel on a stool) and produce your projects. And that space needs to support a smooth, logical workflow—materials in, projects out. Every item in your shop needs its own place so you can find it easily and so it doesn't get in the way of work in progress. If you look carefully, you'll find potential storage locations on walls, under benches, and even on the ceiling. There is no shortage of clever commercially available storage systems, or you can devise your own.

**Setting up an area along a garage wall** may be the most common type of home shop. It needs to be narrow enough to allow cars to park without being damaged. This workbench was custom made for the narrow profile required by the space, with shelves spaced to allow for efficient storage. The space serves mostly general home repair needs and car maintenance.
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_7_Picture_7.jpeg "Narrow workbench along a garage wall")

**Shops often need to be flexible** for more than one use, and sometimes for several different users. This workshop has an impressive array of hand tools organized in almost obsessive fashion, providing a tool for almost every purpose and every preference. Pegboard is an inexpensive storage solution that can be quickly modified and organized for different crafts.
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_7_Picture_9.jpeg "Workshop with extensive hand tool organization on pegboard")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_8_Picture_0.jpeg "Repurposed file cabinets for shop storage")
**Repurposing old file cabinets** as shop storage is an economical way to keep shop supplies clean and organized. This is a woodworker's shop, where a tall file cabinet with deep drawers is used to store hardware and wood accessories. Ordinary household cabinets and other accessories can be put to good use in a small workshop.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_8_Picture_2.jpeg "Garage shop with caster-mounted tablesaw and wall storage")
**This tuck-under garage shop** has a castermounted tablesaw for mobility. When the shop isn't being used, the saw can be wheeled against a wall so a lawn tractor can be parked. Extensive storage on the walls and ceiling allow this space to serve many purposes.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_8_Picture_4.jpeg "Cluttered small shop with repurposed dining room buffet as workbench")
**It's easy to collect more tools** and other items than there's space to store them. This shop could use some organizing; however, part of the appeal of a small shop is to accomplish big things in a small space. Note the dining room buffet cabinet reused as a workbench with storage drawers.

Whether you're a novice DIYer, a crafter, a seasoned woodworker, or a homeowner who's downsizing and in need of a functional workspace, there's a small shop solution that's ideal for your space, budget, and skills. For first-time shop builders, knowing what you need can be a challenge until you have a frame of reference. Perhaps the best way to figure this out is to see what others have done.

An unused closet may be too small for a shop, but it can be an excellent place to store shop supplies to reduce clutter in a working shop space.
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_9_Picture_2.jpeg "Closet used for shop supply storage")

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_9_Picture_3.jpeg "Dedicated wood-turning shop in a basement corner with mobile tools")
This dedicated wood-turning shop is almost entirely contained in a small corner of a basement. All the tools are on mobile bases so they can be easily moved into a working position.

Trying to reinvent the wheel makes no sense when there are so may available solutions for your shop requirements. Many basic design principles are applicable in any shop, so those with small shops can learn from those with large shops and vice versa. Where you locate tools, worksurfaces, and storage depends to a great extent on the type and scale of your projects, but seeing what others have done can be an effective idea incubator. If you already have an established shop, this gallery can provide the inspiration and ideas to change or improve your existing setup—or maybe confirm that you already have it right.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_10_Picture_1.jpeg)
**This basement model-maker's shop** occupies a very small corner and manages to use almost every bit of available space. Note the light fixtures mounted on pulleys so the intensity of the light can be adjusted. Such a method could be used in any type of workshop.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_10_Picture_3.jpeg)
**A folding wall cabinet** can provide far more storage than a pegboard panel using the same wall space. It's also easy to customize the interior for specific tools. This space belongs to a skilled woodworker with a need for many fine cutting tools.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_10_Picture_5.jpeg)
**Even spacious basement shops** like this have many takeaways that apply to small shops, including dust management, mobility, lighting, and wall-storage solutions.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_11_Figure_0.jpeg)
**One of the pleasant advantages of a garage or shed shop** is the ability to throw open (or roll up) the door in nice weather. Dust and fumes can be blown out with a fan (explosion-proof, if required) and natural light let in for a healthier, more enjoyable work environment.

## Selecting & Designing Your Space

Choosing and designing a shop space may seem like an intimidating job, but in many respects the process is self-defining once you identify your needs. In most homes, there are only a few appropriate spaces where a workshop can be located, such as a garage or an unfinished basement. The size of the area will probably limit the scope of your projects, so you may need to temper your ambitions with pragmatism.

Once you've settled on the type of work you'd like to accomplish, setting a budget is the next most important step. Your choice of tools, storage units, lighting, and ventilation/heating methods will largely depend on how much you have to spend. If money is no object, for example, there are some excellent shop-specific cabinets and worksurfaces sold at most home centers. A roll-around tool chest is always a good investment, but home-built storage and workbenches offer the best bang for the buck.

It's not uncommon for interests to change or expand as you become a more experienced DIYer, but you need to start somewhere. For example, if you're just starting out in woodworking, simple projects made of plywood, construction lumber, and interior trim boards will help build your skills without breaking the bank. Building storage and fixtures for your new shop is a logical starting point and will help you focus on the types of work you enjoy and can pull off in your new workspace.

Consider using recycled materials and old cabinets. They may not be as appealing as fresh new lumber and shiny new store-bought fixtures, but remember that things quickly get used and dirty in a shop, and anyhow there's nothing wrong with a little "patina" to provide a credible lived-in look. Investing in good tools should be a higher priority than fancy fixtures.

### Planning Considerations

As you get started planning your workshop, let's look at some of the important considerations.

#### Matching Form to Function

A shop that will be used for simple home repair and maintenance might get by with a large closet or small corner of the garage, while one intended for serious woodworking will need a lot more—in terms of both space and amenities. Your choice of where you put your shop, how much space you devote to it, and what tools and features you put in it will all follow what you plan to use the space for.

How big can a shop be and still be considered small? Although there's no official small-shop size limit, for the purposes of this book a single garage bay (typically about 15 by 20 feet) seems like a reasonable upper limit because many newer homes have an unused or underused third bay. Although the most obvious locations for a shop are in a garage or a basement, you don't need to limit yourself to those spots. Sheds and other outbuildings are particularly functional because they'll contain any mess you might make and keep it out of the house. Although building a shed is an option, you can also buy manufactured sheds in various sizes that are affordable and simple to assemble.

Small-scale projects don't require a large shop, so if that's your focus, even a large closet or a small spare room can be pressed into service. A foldout worksurface and wall-hung cubbies for storage are highly functional for a crafts-oriented shop.

Even if you lack adequate indoor space, a driveway or patio can work as a fair-weather shop for carpentry and woodworking projects. A rolling cart with a worksurface and tool storage is a self-contained shop that also makes a great project.

**Space is at a premium** in any small workshop. In this older garage, the owner has built in storage between studs on the unfinished walls.
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_13_Picture_7.jpeg)

### Considering Others

Out of consideration for the rest of your family, isolation from other living spaces in your home is one of the most important factors in planning a shop, whether you use an existing spot or need to erect walls to create a room. Neighbors in nearby houses should also be considered with shops where noise will be an issue.

Most incorporated communities have ordinances that regulate noise, pollution, zoning, and other factors that may affect how you set up your shop, or even whether you can have one. Of course, you don't want to give the impression that you're operating a commercial shop out of your home so you don't run afoul of the zoning authorities. There may also be neighborhood covenants and restrictions that govern what you can and cannot do on your property. Permits are often required to build new spaces and perform electrical upgrades, and they may require inspections during the process and of the finished work. These are meant to protect you and your neighbors from shoddy and dangerous work, so you should not try to bypass them. Before you sink a lot of time, effort, and money into a shop, you should research what's allowed in your community. You'll find the information you need online or by calling your local code authority.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_14_Picture_0.jpeg)
**Although there's no definition** of how large a small shop can be, it really depends on how much space you can devote to it. A 15 × 20' single garage bay or a large section of an unfinished basement would typically be the upper end of a residential small shop. You could easily build furniture and cabinets in a shop that size.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_14_Picture_2.jpeg)

Just as important as adhering to code is being considerate of your neighbors by practicing good "shop etiquette." It would be bad form to blow dust and fumes toward your neighbor's kitchen window, or operate noisy machinery at odd hours. If your shop is situated in a place that could disturb your neighbors, it's not a bad idea to let them know when you'll be working and ask whether they might have any concerns. Helping neighbors with their DIY projects and even sharing some of your shop projects with them will go a long way toward the perception that you and your shop are a community asset rather than a nuisance.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_15_Picture_0.jpeg)

### Electrical Service

The availability of electrical service is a must—unless you plan on a human-powered, sunlit shop. (Actually, a skylight is a great addition to any shop.) There's typically no need for anything too complex, though. You can easily get by with 20-amp, 110-volt service the same as what's in most kitchens—if you stick with portable and bench-top power tools. Most bench-top power tools require this level of service. Note that if your current circuit breakers and outlets are 15-amp rated, you should not replace them with 20-amp breakers and outlets, unless you can verify that the current wiring is 12 gauge. Smaller wiring, such as 14 gauge (a larger number equals a smaller gauge), can overheat and potentially be a fire hazard. Large stationary tools, such as a cabinet-shop tablesaw, will likely require upgraded service—a 220-volt circuit and possibly a dedicated breaker box.

For a small shop, it's best to steer clear of large commercial-grade tools. You may be able to get by with one lighting circuit and one wall-outlet circuit. If only one wall outlet is available, you can use a multioutlet or power strip with a built-in breaker if you don't overtax the circuit. For example, you wouldn't want to run a benchtop tool, an air compressor, and a fan on the same circuit simultaneously. Adding new wiring and circuits becomes necessary if there are no nearby outlets in your chosen shop space, if you plan to run several tools at once, or if you need additional lighting.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_15_Picture_4.jpeg)
**Extending electrical service** to a sub-panel may be necessary if you need to use several tools simultaneously or run 220-volt machines. The ability to add a sub-panel depends on the type of service your main electrical panel supports and how many breaker stations are available. This is not a job that most DIYers should attempt to undertake; it should be left to a licensed electrician.

### Lighting

Good lighting is essential for working safely. You'll need general lighting and possibly task lighting. Most shops use **overhead fluorescent fixtures** to provide bright, even illumination for most work. But if you want long-lasting flicker-free lights, consider **LED shop lights**. They're initially more expensive than fluorescent tubes but they'll probably never need to be replaced and they can provide a more accurate and pleasing color balance. **Task lights** are helpful when working on small parts or crafts, such as wood turning. The directional light casts shadows, so you can more easily see contours and fine details.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_16_Picture_3.jpeg)
**Even if it's too cold to open the door,** a skylight can let in natural light yearround. Installing a skylight is a fairly simple DIY job, even one like this with a framed and drywalled shaft. Some skylights can be opened with a crank to provide extra ventilation.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_16_Picture_4.jpeg)
**Basements and garages often have fluorescent lighting,** and these can be converted to LED lights by removing the ballasts in the light fixtures.

### HVAC Needs

## Shop Environment Considerations

A wood shop, which is the most common type of home shop, is often the source of dust and fumes, which can pose health and fire risks that must be addressed. Ideally, the space should be close to an exterior wall for convenient ventilation. However, you can get around this problem to an extent if you use low-VOC water-based finishes and a self-contained dust collection system, such as some shop vacuums. (Remember to always read the directions for finishes to ensure that they're safe to use in your work environment.) Noise reduction is also something to consider if you plan to do a lot of sawing, sanding, and routing. The proximity of your shop to your living space or that of your neighbors will be a determining factor for how much abatement you'll need to do.

Woodworking tends to be an activity that's most often done in the fall and winter months. If you live in an area with "real" winters and work in your garage, you should strongly consider installing a heater. Gas and electric units are the most practical, but a kerosene space heater can work in a pinch. Ideally, the garage walls should be insulated and have drywall to retain the heat. Keep in mind that a heater can ignite dust and fumes, which makes proper ventilation and dust collection even more essential. But in warm weather, a garage has the advantage of being able to leave the overhead door open to reduce the dust and fume problem.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_17_Picture_3.jpeg)
**Shop ventilation** not only keeps you more comfortable, but also helps prevent rust from forming on machinery. A wall-mounted oscillating fan may be all you need to keep air moving.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_17_Picture_5.jpeg)
**Dust collection** is essential for health and safety in a wood shop. A shop vacuum or dust extractor will collect most of the dust produced by portable and bench-top power tools. Larger stationary tools may require a dust collector, which moves a high volume of air and debris.

### Worksurfaces

Worksurfaces need to be durable but not so hard or rough that they'll damage your work. A traditional maple or birch **butcher-block-style top** is ideal because it can be made smooth and flat, and it's easy to renew if it gets damaged or dirty. You'll find wood tops in various sizes at home centers, at lumberyards, and from online sources. However, it's not the only option.

For less money, you can opt for a **particleboard, plywood**, or **hardboard top**, and these are good choices if you need a sacrificial surface for doing rough work. The best way to make this kind of top is to "sandwich" two or more layers together with screws and then fasten a thin sacrificial hardboard layer on top with a few brads. Fastening layers together will make a flatter, more rigid top. If you do any light-duty metalworking or some forms of craft, such as jewelry making, a metal-clad, stone, or smooth concrete worksurface can be useful.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_18_Picture_0.jpeg)
**For fine woodworking projects,** a cabinetmaker's bench with a laminated hardwood top affords a solid and precise worksurface. This type of bench should be accessible from all four sides, so it's not a practical choice for a smaller shop.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_18_Picture_2.jpeg)
**Most small shops** are best served by a shop-built workbench. This is an easy DIY project using construction lumber for the base and plywood or particleboard for the top. The bench's size, features, and location can be customized for your shop.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_18_Picture_4.jpeg)
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_18_Picture_5.jpeg)
**A small wall-mounted folding workbench** can be useful in any shop but especially so in a shared garage where space is at a premium. It's a relatively straightforward project to build out of a single sheet of ¾" × 4 × 8' cabinet-grade plywood. A bench like this is best used for smaller projects and fine work.

### Storage Needs

There are many types of suitable shop storage solutions, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. What you choose will depend on budget, preference, and available space. **Pegboard** and **slot wall** (also called slot board and slatwall) are favorites for hanging regularly used tools and other items that you want to be kept readily at hand and organized by task. Although hooks are the most common way to hang tools, there are also brackets available to support shelves and bins. It's a common practice for DIYers to paint a silhouette of the tool in its hanging position so there's never any doubt where it resides. Pegboard is inexpensive, is commonly available, and comes with a good selection of hangers and fixtures. Slot wall has the advantages of having more structural strength and a wider variety of hanging fixtures that can be secured in position, plus it's more attractive than pegboard, but also more expensive.

**Floor standing shelves** are strong and relatively inexpensive. Metal shelving will support a heavier load, but plastic shelving is lightweight and easy to assemble. Standing shelves offer excellent versatility for storing oddly shaped objects and provide fairly easy access. The downside of both is that they take up floor space that you might otherwise use as a work area or for bench space.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_19_Picture_3.jpeg)
**Wall units** are one of the most efficient ways to store items such as hardware and portable power tools. DIY shelving is inexpensive and easy to make, but there are size and weight limitations. As a rule of thumb, shelves and cubbies should not be deeper than 12".

**A mechanic's tool chest** is just as useful for woodworking as it is for auto repair work. It's an ideal place to store tools that are difficult to hang or that need extra protection, and it's helpful for organizing tooling, such as router bits.
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_19_Picture_6.jpeg)

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_20_Picture_0.jpeg)
**Pegboard** may be the most common, least expensive, and most versatile shop storage solution. There are many styles of hooks, bins, and shelves available, and it's easily mounted to walls with cleats. Labels or silhouettes ensure that tools are always returned to the same place.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_20_Picture_2.jpeg)
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_20_Picture_3.jpeg)
**If your wall space is limited,** a cabinet with pegboard doors (left) for tool storage can triple the usable storage area. Because the depth of this cabinet is shallow, it won't intrude into your workspace. A clamp rack (above) that uses depth rather than width for storage can also save wall space.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_21_Picture_0.jpeg)
**Slat wall** can be a little expensive but is a premium wall hanger system, lending a professional look to your shop. A variety of accessories are available to use with such systems. *Image courtesy of Flow Wall®*

**Wall shelving** may be the least expensive storage solution because you only need brackets, boards, and fasteners. It's typically installed over worksurfaces, and although it's out of the way, it's also harder to reach, so you may need a shop step stool or ladder. This is still a good storage solution for occasionally used items. Of course, any open storage will collect dust, which can become a housekeeping headache.

**Cubbies** are in the same vein as shelving but they tend to keep things more organized and less cluttered. They're a great way to store hardware items and portable power tools. You can build them yourself out of plywood or use one of the many commercially available systems. You don't need to limit yourself to shop-specific systems; there are organizers designed for closets and kitchens that are just as useful in the shop.

**Built-in cabinets** with doors and drawers will give your shop a professional vibe—even if they happen to be recycled old kitchen cabinets. They'll provide the most organized, dust-free storage with an uncluttered look, and you can customize the interior to fine-tune their efficiency. However, in a small shop, built-ins can lock you into a particular work style, so you'll want to carefully think through their placement before you install them. If you use volatile finishes and solvents, a fireproof metal storage cabinet is a must-have item and a legal requirement in some communities.

**Portable** and **rolling storage units** are perhaps the most small-shop-friendly and versatile fixtures, and they also allow the greatest opportunity to customize your shop. A roll-around work cart can have a worksurface that accommodates a variety of bench-top tools and provides storage in its base with drawers, shelves, and bins. Miter saw stands are a small-shop staple, and folding versions are ideal for working at remote job sites. A wall-mounted workbench may not be portable, but because it virtually disappears when stowed, it's a way to keep a multi-use space open. This is an inexpensive and easy-to-build project with plywood and hinges.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_22_Picture_0.jpeg)
**High-mounted wall shelving** for infrequently used items is inexpensive and easy to build with metal shelf brackets and standard shelving. It's important to note that the brackets should be securely screwed to the wall studs.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_22_Picture_2.jpeg)
**Commercially available parts bins** are an excellent way to store hardware and shop supplies. Units with transparent boxes allow you to easily categorize and identify items. Wall-mounted units such as this keep clutter off of benches and countertops.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_22_Picture_4.jpeg)
**If your shop space is large enough,** a dedicated storage area for new and scrap material will keep them out of the way of your workflow. It doesn't need to be fancy; recycled plywood and 2 × 4s work well for building horizontal and vertical stalls.

### Comfort & Safety

Working in a shop often requires long hours of standing, which can be hard on your legs and back. Concrete can be particularly fatiguing, and you may feel the need for a more compliant surface. There are a number of ways to add comfort, such as foam and rubber mats, wood overlays (plywood, snap-together flooring, tongue-and-groove flooring), and roll flooring (linoleum, vinyl). Regardless of what you choose, you'll want the surface to be easy to clean and provide good traction. If you're happy standing on concrete (or if you're using mats), coating it with an epoxy garage-floor finish will protect it and make it more attractive while still providing traction. Most hardware stores and home centers sell water-based DIY-friendly epoxy coatings.

If you're building a shop in an unfinished garage, basement, or shed, adding insulation and drywall will help reduce noise, provide more wall-hung storage options, and be brighter and more attractive than bare concrete or open stud bays. It's an inexpensive fix that makes a shop much more livable.

Don't neglect your basic comfort and safety when building your shop. Keep some wall space open for one or more wall-mounted fans and, if possible, an exhaust fan to the outside. They'll help increase air circulation and keep you cooler on hot days. Electrical cords can be a trip hazard, so if it's necessary to route them across the floor, keep them against a wall or use wire raceway. For obvious reasons, you don't want unsupervised kids to have access to your shop, so install locks on doors or on cabinets where you store power tools, cutting tools, and finishes. If something bad does happen, you'll want to be prepared. A first-aid kit and an ABC-rated fire extinguisher are shop essentials.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_23_Picture_5.jpeg)
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_23_Picture_6.jpeg)
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_23_Picture_7.jpeg)
![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_23_Picture_8.jpeg)

**Your shop's floor** plays a big role in comfort, cleanliness, and aesthetics. Clockwise from top left: a wood floor, such as the convenient subfloor panels shown above, is much easier to stand on for long stretches than concrete. Floor mats or roll-out rubber sheeting are good ways to provide additional comfort over any surface. Epoxy coatings provide a surface that's easier to clean than bare concrete and add visual appeal to any shop. Interlocking floor tiles are easy to install and offer some resilience under the feet, relieving fatigue during long working sessions.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_24_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="Four images showing different shop floor solutions: wood subfloor panels, rubber floor mats, epoxy-coated concrete, and interlocking floor tiles."

## Refining Your Plans

Once you've identified a potential shop space, you'll need to check whether it's large enough to accommodate you and the fixtures, storage, worksurfaces, etc.—by creating a layout on graph paper or a grid. The shop will exist in three dimensions, so don't forget about ceiling height. Anything less than an 8-foot ceiling can literally cramp your style. The most efficient layout for most small spaces is to place fixtures on one or two walls and leave the remaining floor space for tasks such as assembling larger projects. In a garage, using an existing wall to attach fold-up worksurfaces and to store rolling fixtures is efficient and should still allow you to park vehicles.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_24_Picture_4.jpeg)
alt="A garage workshop shared with vehicles, showing a fold-down workbench, rolling cart, and pegboard storage to maximize space."

**If your shop shares space with your vehicles,** it's essential to keep the fixtures and storage as low profile as possible. A folddown bench protrudes only a few inches when stowed, so it won't encroach on a car's parking spot. The garage's back wall will generally work to house deeper fixtures, such as a rolling cart and a countertop with storage underneath. Pegboard tool storage should work on any wall.

Efficient workflow should be a primary goal of your plan. A small shop may need to use the same worksurface for multiple purposes, such as cutting, assembly, and finishing. Where you store tools and how you use them on a bench (in the case of bench-top tools) should require you to take as few steps and motions as possible. Obviously, the most used items should be the most accessible, and rarely used items can be located in harder to reach places, such as on overhead shelving or cubbies. Being efficient requires keeping the space clean, especially if you do finishing in the same area as cutting. A centrally located spot for your vacuum will make cleanup a routine, less onerous task.

If you already own tools, you'll have a ballpark idea of how much storage and worksurface will be needed. But if you're just getting started, do some research to find the overall size and footprint of benchtop tools you'd like. A fixed space, such as an existing room, might mean you'll need to reconsider some of your tool choices if they're too large for the area. Trying to cram too much equipment into a small space can create a workflow nightmare. Aside from tools, consider the other things you'll need in your shop. Hardware storage is important because there are standard items, such as nails, screws, nuts, and bolts, that you should keep on hand to avoid making constant trips to the hardware store. If the space is big enough, you may also want to store some materials, such as some common lumber, or at least have a place to keep useful scraps.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_25_Picture_3.jpeg)
alt="Layout of a single-bay garage workshop with a linear workflow, showing a tablesaw aligned with the overhead door and a workbench serving as an outfeed table."

**A single-bay garage shop affords many advantages,** including easy access through the overhead door, generous room, a linear workflow, good dust and noise abatement, and excellent ventilation. In this example, the tablesaw is in line with the overhead door to allow efficient cutting of sheet goods and the workbench serves as an outfield table for large stock. This shop also has a wall between it and the other garage bays, which creates more potential storage and keeps the dust off of vehicles.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_26_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="A basement workshop in a corner, featuring framed walls, rolling tools, a long worksurface with pegboard, and double doors for material access."

**Basement shops are often located in a corner.** Framed walls help contain dust and noise and provide the opportunity for more hanging storage. Bench or stationary tools on rolling stands give a small space more flexibility and ease cleanup. A long worksurface against a wall is a good spot for benchtop power tools and some assembly work. Pegboard above the worksurface provides quick access to often used tools. Double doors allow moving large materials and projects with ease.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_27_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="A shed converted into a workshop, with work areas and storage along the perimeter, leaving the center open for other storage or tasks."

**A shed makes a good "instant shop"** if you don't have the space in your house and it's allowed in your neighborhood. Using the perimeter for the work areas and storage, and keeping the center floor area open, allows storage of other items, such as gardening tools and mowers, when not using the shop. The open areas under the counters are usable for drawers, shelving, and modular containers.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_28_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="Overhead view of a well-organized workshop in a garage stall, showing efficient placement of stationary equipment and workstations."

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_28_Picture_1.jpeg)
alt="A detailed view of a workbench area within a garage stall workshop, demonstrating organized tool storage and a clear workspace."

**If you have the luxury** of an extra stall or storage area in your garage, the workshop layout world is wide open—even if the square footage of the space is not large. Whichever stationary equipment and work stations you select, arrange them to create an efficient workflow.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_29_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="A workshop interior."

## Lighting & Electrical Requirements

Good lighting and safe electrical service are not just nice to have; they're a requirement for any shop. A shop that's properly wired to support your tools' electrical needs reduces the risk of fire and can also extend the life of your tools. Being able to see clearly reduces fatigue and can even contribute to the quality of your work—fine, precise woodworking is hard to accomplish if you can't see. Of course, having enough illumination to work safely depends on factors such as the size of your shop, the ceiling height, the reflectivity of the walls and ceiling, and the type of bulbs and fixtures. Because of these factors, there's no one-size-fits-all formula, but there are some good starting points. Ultimately, you must be the judge of whether the illumination in your shop meets your needs.

Proper electrical service is more complicated, though, and unless you're well versed and skilled in electrical matters, you should leave all but basic upgrades and tasks to a licensed electrician. A good place to start thinking about electrical service is with some basic understanding of lighting.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_30_Picture_3.jpeg)
alt="A bandsaw with a point-source LED lamp illuminating the work area."

This bandsaw uses a conventional point-source fixture with a screw-base LED lamp to illuminate the work.

### Lighting

Most shops need at least overhead fixtures for area lighting. And when using some tools, such as bandsaws, lathes, and routers, a point-source light can provide visual modeling that makes it easier to see fine details.

Standard fluorescent shop fixtures (two 48-inch 40-watt lamps or the LED equivalent) provide the best all-purpose area lighting. They can be mounted to or in the ceiling directly over workbenches, stationary tools, and assembly areas for the most benefit. Alternatively, the fixtures can be mounted at regular intervals to provide even light throughout the shop. Depending on the size of your shop, start with a minimum number of fixtures and add more as needed—your shop should be bright enough so you don't have to strain to see. For example, an 8 × 10-foot area will typically require at least two standard fixtures. However, if the walls and ceiling have low reflectivity or the ceiling is unusually high (more than 10 feet), additional lighting may be needed.

Fluorescent lights (both tube and screw-base) are rapidly being phased out and replaced by LED lamps. Recently, these fixtures have become much more affordable and have several significant advantages. Unlike fluorescent lamps, LEDs don't flicker and generally have better color balance characteristics that are more akin to natural daylight rather than the green- or blue-tinged light common with fluorescents. The lopsided color balance of fluorescent lamps can make it difficult to accurately see fine details and color, and causes eyestrain. LEDs are also highly efficient, which means they're more economical to run and

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_31_Figure_5.jpeg)
alt="An illustration showing various types of fluorescent light fixtures and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs."

**A variety of fluorescent light fixtures and bulbs** are available and are still common for workshops. Those designed to screw into standard light fixture sockets are known as compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Although beginning to be replaced by LED fixtures and bulbs, fluorescents still offer advantages over standard incandescent lights, such as consuming much less electricity.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_32_Picture_0.jpeg)
alt="A screw-base LED bulb, highlighting its compact form factor."

**Screw-base LEDs** have the same advantages as their strip-light counterparts, and they also run much cooler than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. generate less heat than most other types of lighting. Unlike fluorescent lamps, LEDs achieve full brightness instantly. The long life cycle for many LED lamps—typically 25,000 hours or more—means they'll last for many years without needing to be replaced. So, the higher initial cost is more than offset by their long life. Screw-base LEDs, which are useful as point-source work lights, are also more rugged than standard incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescents, and, like incandescent lamps, they can be dimmed with suitable switches.

Natural light may not be as consistent in its brightness and color balance as artificial light sources, but it's the easiest on your eyes. Skylights and windows can provide warmth and soft, pleasing shadows for a less "clinical" work environment. Windows that

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_32_Picture_4.jpeg)
alt="A workshop interior with natural light coming through a window, illuminating a workbench."

face north deliver consistent, diffuse light throughout the day, but any window will work if you equip it with a translucent shade or screen.

Regardless of the light source you use, walls and ceilings that have been drywalled and painted white increase the efficiency of the light by reflecting rather than absorbing it. White walls also ease harshness by diffusing light for even distribution. If drywall isn't an option, you can use a white material such as foam-core board or melamine-coated hardboard as reflective surfaces in strategic places, such as over your workbench.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_32_Picture_7.jpeg)
alt="Decorative element or separator."

#### **TERMS**

- **Color temperature**, for practical purposes, refers to how the light in a room appears to your eyes, such as warm (red) or cool (blue).
- **Incandescent lamps** use a wire filament that glows brightly at a high temperature when an electric current is applied.
- **Fluorescent lamps** are highly efficient light sources that use mercury-vapor gas and phosphors to produce a glow when an electric current is applied.
- **LED** stands for light-emitting diode. It is perhaps the "best" light source in terms of cost, life span, and efficiency.
- **Lumens** is a quantitative measurement of how bright a light source is: more lumens equals more light.

### Electrical Service

Determining the right amount of electrical service for your shop is a bit of a chicken-or-egg discussion. The tools you use will determine the level of electrical service you need, and the electrical service you currently have will set the safe limit on the number and types of tools you can use.

# Shop Electrical Service Upgrades

You may already have adequate service in your shop, but if you have visions of a shop with more and larger tools, you'll most likely need to increase the scope of service. That's not something you should attempt yourself unless you are quite skilled; in most cases, it's a job for a licensed electrician. And if you're in the process of designing or building a new shop area, it pays to get advice from an electrician. Once you know the types of tools you'll use and where they'll be used, an electrician can help you determine the service required and its placement. Whether you do electrical upgrades yourself or not, you should always be sure to get a permit for the work and have it inspected as required by code and your municipality.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_33_Picture_3.jpeg){alt="A licensed electrician working on a main circuit breaker box."}

**If your main circuit breaker box** is located not too far away from your shop and has empty circuit breaker positions, it's a fairly easy job to have an electrician run a few extra circuits to your shop area.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_34_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="A sub-panel installed in a shop or detached garage."}

**If your shop and main service panel** are separated by significant distance or if the available empty slots are inadequate in the main, then you may need to have an electrician run a sub-panel to your shop site—a solution that may be most practical if your shop is in a detached garage or shed.

Residences have an electrical service panel (also called a load center) that divides power usage through circuit breakers. Most residential service panels range from 100- to 200-amp capacity. Higher-capacity service panels have more circuit-breaker stations and allow more electrical devices to be run at the same time, within the specified limits of the panel. (Some older homes may still have fuse boxes, but most have been modernized.) The job of the circuit breaker is to automatically disconnect the power if the electrical load being placed on it exceeds its rating. A breaker can be reset once it's determined that the cause of it tripping isn't a systemic problem, such as a defective breaker or loose wiring. A tripped breaker can be the result of several factors, such as a sudden electrical draw, a short circuit, or overheated wires. It's important to remember that if a breaker trips you should never try and override it by installing a larger one (this also applies to fuses) or try to lock it into the on position, which would create a serious fire risk.

Most 120-volt household lighting circuits are rated at a minimum of 15 amps using 14-gauge wire. Circuits that draw higher loads, such as kitchens and laundry rooms, are required by electrical code to use 20-amp breakers and to be wired with 12-gauge wire. Most shops also require at least that level of service and may also need 30- to 50-amp, 240-volt dedicated circuits to serve larger stationary tools, including tablesaws, jointers, planers, and large dust collectors. Trying to operate a workshop on standard 15-amp household lighting circuits will be very difficult, and you may quickly find you are tripping circuit breakers regularly, even when operating only portable power drills or power saws.

If your shop is close to your home's main service panel and it has open breaker stations, it may be fairly inexpensive to upgrade it with a few additional circuits for your shop. Most main service panels tend to be located in basements or garages, which conveniently are both common shop sites.

However, if there's too much distance between the main panel and the shop (for example, one is in the garage and the other is in the basement), a small satellite sub-panel might make more sense than running several independent circuits. It will also put control of your shop's electrical system within easy reach and make future upgrades easier. Electrical code dictates where service panels can be installed and how far away from other utilities (gas and water lines, HVAC, etc.) they need to be. You will always need a permit and inspection for this sort of electrical work. National, state, and local codes are very specific and can vary, so that's another good reason to leave the work to a qualified electrician. Of course, the size of the box and the number of circuits you need depend on the size of your shop and how many workstations and tools you have. One 20-amp circuit in a shop should serve no more than one quadraplex outlet, but that doesn't mean you can, or should, run four power tools simultaneously on that circuit. The four outlets are there mainly for convenience to reduce the need to constantly swap plugs. The number of amps each tool draws will determine how many you can run, and the combined total should not exceed the circuit's rating. (Power tools generally have the amperage rating, watts, voltage, and other information printed on their identification label.)

### Identifying Shop Circuits

**Identifying shop circuits—**whether in your main panel or in a subpanel—will help keep you safe and save time if you need to resolve a problem, such as resetting a tripped breaker or shutting off a circuit.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_35_Picture_5.jpeg){alt="A labeled circuit breaker panel in a shop."}

**An electrical tester** like the one shown here can help you diagnose a problem with an outlet and check to make sure it is properly wired. A key label will tell you how to interpret the combination of colored neon lights that light up when the tester is plugged in.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_35_Picture_7.jpeg){alt="An electrical outlet tester plugged into a receptacle."}

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_36_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Surface-mounted steel conduit and outlet boxes in a shop."}

It's a good practice to number or name the circuit breaker in the service panel and on each corresponding outlet box to make identification easy if a breaker trips. Surface-mounted steel conduit (GRC, galvanized rigid conduit; or EMT, electrical metallic tubing) and steel outlet boxes make it easy to run circuits and provide excellent protection against physical damage to the wire conductors. (The box connectors used to join conduit and outlet boxes must be compatible and code-compliant.) This method also simplifies moving outlet boxes if you decide to change your shop layout.

Only three-prong grounded receptacles should be used in a shop. Although many power tools have two-prong plugs, this does not eliminate the need for grounded circuits. Typically, in the United States, 120-volt wiring uses black or red hot-wire insulation, while the neutral is white and the ground is green or bare. If you need to replace an outlet, you'll want to be careful to match the colored wires to their correct corresponding positions on the receptacle. Also, outlets are rated for amperage, so depending on the applicable code, you may be required to use 20-amp-rated outlets for your shop.

### Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs)

**A ground-fault circuit-interrupter** (GFCI) receptacle has a built-in circuit breaker that trips almost instantaneous when short-circuited. It's required in wet areas such as bathrooms, as well as any below-grade or outdoor locations. Basement shops and garage shops will normally require GFCIs.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_36_Picture_4.jpeg){alt="Various types of 230/240-volt plugs and receptacles."}

**There are several types** of 230/240-volt plugs and receptacles for various load ratings. Your shop tools may have several different shapes; the variation serves as a safety feature to ensure that you plug the tool into a circuit that has the correct voltage and amp rating. Shown above is a 20-amp 240/250-volt plug and outlet. It is very important that you not attempt to plug a 120-volt tool into this type of outlet. If you have tools that don't match the outlet shape, call an electrician for assistance.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_37_Picture_1.jpeg){alt="A heavy-duty multi-outlet extension cord."}

**If the circuit you're using is suitable,** this type of heavy-duty extension cord makes it convenient to run more than one tool at a time, or to use them alternately without having to unplug and plug in constantly.

Building codes require the use of ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets in many locations. If you have a sink in your shop and need a nearby outlet, for example, it should be a GFCI outlet. Similarly, most codes require GFCIs for any outlets installed below grade, such as in a basement, or in outdoor or outbuilding locations. This means that your shop outlets very likely must be GFCIs, and it's a good idea to install them in your shop even if not mandated.

This type of receptacle has a built-in breaker that will trip almost instantly to reduce the risk of electrical shock in the event of a short circuit. Things can get complicated with larger tools that require 240-volt service; they have a specific plug to support the amperage draw of the tool's motor. You should not change the plug to fit an existing receptacle, but rather ensure that the circuit's wiring and circuit breaker are a proper match for the tool. Bear in mind that many newer 240-volt tools use a four-wire setup—two live wires, a neutral, and a ground.

### Extension Cords and Power Strips

Extension cords and power strips are shop staples, and choosing the right ones and using them properly will keep you and your shop safe and your power tools running properly. For shop use, you should almost always choose round-profile cords with three-prong plugs. Flat, two-wire cords are fine for lamps and table radios, but not for power tools, and especially not for heating appliances, such as portable space heaters. If there's any doubt about the specific size and safe maximum length of the extension cord you can use with a particular power tool, refer to the tool's instruction manual for advice. But there are some basic guidelines to follow:

*   The cord's gauge should never be larger than the gauge of the circuit's wire. In other words, if the circuit is wired with 12 gauge, the extension cord should be the same size or smaller (i.e., 14 or 16 gauge).
*   The longer an extension cord is, the more the voltage will drop due to resistance. If the cord is too long, it can cause a power tool's performance to suffer and possibly damage or ruin it.
*   It's never a good idea to gang extension cords of different gauge sizes together, particularly when running smaller to larger ones in the direction of the electrical flow.
*   If the tool you're using has a grounded three-prong plug, always use a grounded three-wire extension cord. A "cheater plug" is not an acceptable workaround, and conversely, never remove the grounding pin on a three-prong plug to make the plug fit a two-prong outlet.
*   When a cord becomes damaged (the insulation is cut or cracked, exposing bare wire) it should be discarded—it's cheaper to replace an extension cord than a house.
*   In most cases, extension cords are not substitutes for proper wiring. If you're using an extension cord to supply power to a stationary tool, you should move the circuit so the receptacle is within reach of the tool's power cord. However, there are some tools that have very short power cords and require an extension. In these instances, you should refer to the tool's instruction manual to choose the correct length and gauge of extension.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_38_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Damaged extension cord insulation exposing bare wire."}

Power strips are useful because they allow you to plug in several tools at once to eliminate the hassle of changing plugs when you switch tools. However, that's not to say you can run those tools at the same time you're still limited by the capacity of the circuit. A power strip can be plugged directly into a receptacle or into an extension cord, provided the strip's wire gauge number is the same or less than the extension cord's.

Some power strips have a built-in circuit breaker to guard against an overload or a short circuit, although it's probably redundant if your shop is wired properly. There are also some models with surge protectors, which can help protect electronic equipment but aren't really needed for power tools. Look for power strips with three-prong outlets that can handle the amperage draw of portable power tools.

**A power strip** such as this with a built-in GFCI makes a convenient bench-top power source and can also be used for site work.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_39_Picture_3.jpeg){alt="A power strip with a built-in GFCI for bench-top use."}

## Estimating Power Loads

The relationship between volts, watts, and amps can be expressed in a simple mathematical formula: Volts × Amps = Watts. This can be expressed in a number of variations:

- Watts = Volts × Amps
- Amps = Watts × Volts
- Volts = Watts × Amps

Let's imagine, for example, that a single 15-amp lighting circuit on a standard 120-volt circuit has the potential to supply as much as 1800 watts (15 amps × 120 volts). It is generally recommended, though, that you place no more than 80 percent of the total capacity on a given circuit. This means that you really should be demanding no more than 1440 watts at any one time.

That might seem like plenty, if you are doing nothing more than operating a handful of 100-watt light bulbs. But heating appliances and devices operating motors draw quite a lot of power. A space heater, for example, may draw 1100 or 1200 watts when it is operating at high temperature. And a simple power miter saw may draw as many as 1400 watts when it first pushes the blade up to speed. It's not hard, then, to understand why your lights might dim, or your circuit breaker might trip, when you start up your tablesaw.

The answer? Make sure your shop has at least three circuits and maybe more, and don't operate anything other than basic overhead lighting off standard 15-amp household circuits.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_40_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Diagram illustrating electrical concepts like volts, watts, and amps, and their relationships."}

- **Volt** refers to the electrical potential of a circuit, tool, or light fixture.
- **Watt** is a unit measurement of electric power. This is normally the rating by which the power draw of tools, lights, and other fixtures are measured.
- **Ampere (or amp)** is a unit of electric current.
- **Service panel** is the device that divides the main electrical feed into circuits.
- **Circuit breaker** is an an electrical switch in the service panel that automatically interrupts electrical flow in the case of an overload or a short circuit.
- **Wire gauge** is the numerical expression of the wire's size. Most 120-volt home wiring is either 14 or 12 gauge.
- **Receptacle/outlet** is the fixture that allows electrical equipment to be connected to the power supply.
- **Short circuit** is when an electrical current travels along an unintended path and has the potential to cause damage and physical harm.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_40_Picture_9.jpeg){alt="A power tool's electrical specification label showing wattage, amperage, and voltage."}

**All power tools** have an electrical specification label that will help you determine how many tools can be safely operated on a single circuit. This can also help you match up the proper extension cord to the tool if it is necessary to use one.

![](https://preppers-paradise.com/wp-content/uploads/x402-books/smallspaceworkshops/_page_41_Picture_0.jpeg){alt="Image related to electrical safety or tools."}