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  1. #1
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    Default Workshop layout.

    I'm in the process of re-configuring my shed layout. Current machines are Hafco AL320 Lathe, Toolex RF31 Drill/Mill, small bench drill press and 2 bench grinders. Hoping I can fit in a small combination Bandsaw some time in the future. Without going into actual specifics of area available etc ,I'm be interested in hearing the peoples thoughts regards minimum work areas etc.
    Hafco AL320G Lathe
    Toolex RF31 Mill/Drill
    Saber Bandsaw

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Oldhack View Post
    I'm in the process of re-configuring my shed layout. Current machines are Hafco AL320 Lathe, Toolex RF31 Drill/Mill, small bench drill press and 2 bench grinders. Hoping I can fit in a small combination Bandsaw some time in the future. Without going into actual specifics of area available etc ,I'm be interested in hearing the peoples thoughts regards minimum work areas etc.
    This is a bit of a, "how long is a piece of string?", type question. If you only work on small stuff you can have your machines very close together. If you work on big stuff then either you have to allow more space around machines or be able to easily move at least some of your machinery around.

    My MW BS is shoe horned between my grinder stand and my DP. It might not look like it but the grinders have to be aligned a certain way to allow the BS arm to fully swing up out of the way. However by pulling the BS (on wheels) out about 100 mm there is enough clearance so that I can still cut up to 4m long stock with it in that location.
    To tackle longer stock I have to wheel it into the short alley way that leads out the front door so that I cut longer stock up with the stock hanging out the door.
    Same applies to my WW BS and planer thicknesser
    trigrinder.jpg

    Your bench, grinders and even the drill press could be put on wheels - the lathe and drill mill maybe not.

  3. #3
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    thanks BobL, its all a bit like big jigsaw puzzle, but I'll no doubt find the right combination sooner or later. I have about 7 square metres to play with, but given the effort required in moving and relocating the big bits of machinery, Id prefer to only have to do it once. I just need to guesstimate minimum clearances required to be able to work at each workstation.
    Hafco AL320G Lathe
    Toolex RF31 Mill/Drill
    Saber Bandsaw

  4. #4
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    What ever space you do have,it will never be enough.

    I have as many machines as practical mounted on castors.Whenever I need space I can wheel them away from the others that are stored all grouped together.

    They are:
    Drill press
    Linisher
    Horizontal band saw
    Scroll saw
    Permanently inverted Jigsaw-Worx brand machine from Masters.
    20 ton Hydraulic press.
    2.4m x 1.200m bench.

    When I have a large messy job the machine to be used is wheeled to an outside covered area that can be later swept and hosed down afterwards.

    Grahame

  5. #5
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Oldhack View Post
    thanks BobL, its all a bit like big jigsaw puzzle, but I'll no doubt find the right combination sooner or later. I have about 7 square metres to play with, but given the effort required in moving and relocating the big bits of machinery, Id prefer to only have to do it once. I just need to guesstimate minimum clearances required to be able to work at each workstation.
    Well with that much space you will only ever be able to work on small stuff. I do know someone with a 6m^2 workshop and in that he has a lathe/mill/DP/grinder/linisher/bench and they are all basically hard up against each other with just enough room for his mill table to reach full extension and he gets to stand in the same spot in the middle. He works on small steam engines.

  6. #6
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    Adelaide
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    I only have a small shed, 5m x 5m, so space is at a premium. I've graced several times trying to squeeze tools and machinery in. I'm pretty well sorted now with lathe, pedestal drill, bench drill, blasting cabinet, compressor, wood table saw, bar bender, two belt grinders, linisher, bandsaw, wood chop saw, metal table saw, two bench grinders. All the machinery is mounted on stands around the perphery of the shed, the 2' x 6' welding table is mounted in the middle. All my handtools are hung overhead. For storage I have two 3' long cabinets, a 5' long bench with compressor underneath, 2' x 6' welding table with two vices. eight 2' small drawer units, metal rack, mezzanine shelf for wood and a full sweet of cordless and corded tools. Lots in there, but keeping it tidy helps and is essential.

  7. #7
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    I'm like Grahame, in that I have lots of stuff on wheels, although only the small stuff. This is in a 6m by 6m garage that also has to house a car.

    I'd start with some stands and ropes or boards. Place them around your machines and see how much room you do need. It will depend on your mobility as well as what you are doing. Once you know the envelopes you can play with bits of paper on a floor plan. Lots easier to move.

    If you have access to old MEW's there was a short article about workshop layout in March 2008

    Michael

  8. #8
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    thanks Micheal, great minds, I've just finished drawing a plan of my available space , next will be some cutouts of my machines.
    Hafco AL320G Lathe
    Toolex RF31 Mill/Drill
    Saber Bandsaw

  9. #9
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    further to my post above, can someone tell me the approximate footprint of a small metal combination Bandsaw, similar in size to the Hafco BS-4 or Saber MSB115S2 (550W)
    Hafco AL320G Lathe
    Toolex RF31 Mill/Drill
    Saber Bandsaw

  10. #10
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Oldhack View Post
    further to my post above, can someone tell me the approximate footprint of a small metal combination Bandsaw, similar in size to the Hafco BS-4 or Saber MSB115S2 (550W)
    I just measured mine and its 900 x 300 mm.

  11. #11
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    I've moved house and workshop many times. I simply have a image in my head and then try and put it in to action. Then I move everything around several times until I'm happy. Generally the workshop ends up looking the same, lathe and mill on one wall, work table and tool storage on the other and everything else scattered around.

    Ben.

  12. #12
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by bwal74 View Post
    I've moved house and workshop many times. I simply have a image in my head and then try and put it in to action. Then I move everything around several times until I'm happy. Generally the workshop ends up looking the same, lathe and mill on one wall, work table and tool storage on the other and everything else scattered around.

    Ben.
    I've moved my workshop once (in 1978) when I had about 10% of the gear I have now Hopefully I never have to move again.😊

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    I've moved my workshop once (in 1978) when I had about 10% of the gear I have now Hopefully I never have to move again.😊
    It took 2 20' containers to move my stuff last time. Since then I've added a big HBM, 2 metal planers and the 2.6 tonne Monarch lathe. Plus stuff I've forgotten about.

    If I move again I may well decide that *none* of it is going with me.

    PDW

  14. #14
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    Think I've found a layout I like and that should work, much easier shuffling on paper. Decide to make new Mill and Lathe stand as part of the reshuffle, so lots of shed time ahead. thanks every one for your ideas and comments.
    Hafco AL320G Lathe
    Toolex RF31 Mill/Drill
    Saber Bandsaw

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