Does anyone have any suggestions for how to maximize use of a very small space? I have a 6 x 10 shed that also houses all the garden tools, lawnmower, tiller, etc. I have a small table saw, a scrollsaw, a bandsaw, a miter saw, a big tool chest and a folded-up Workmate. There is literally no room inside the building to actually work on anything. I have to move the garden power machinery outside, set up the Workmate in the driveway about 100 feet away, and then carry out whatever tool I need to use and set it on the Workmate. I can't move the table saw by myself, so its use is limited to cutting very small items. I don't have the option of building a new workshop (or garden shed), so I'm going to have to do the best I can with what I've got.

Has anyone used a mobile base with a table saw? Is it a safe option? I could build a ramp to move the table saw outside, but I'm reluctant to do that unless it's safe to use it on a mobile base.

I have a similar problem. I live in a townhouse and I have to drag the table saw out to my double carport. I put lockable wheels on one end of the saw (two legs) and a 2x4 on the other end. It is still heavy to move but doable. I have had no issues with the saw during use. I bought a Kobalt rolling tool box set that has helped as well. It has a large box on the bottom where I keep my drill, sanders and jig saw. The top box holds cords, and small tool like the hammer and screwdrivers. I can just roll it out to the work area to use what I need.

Thanks, I'll probably do something similar then.

Hello, I'm new to the forum, so I'm getting my feet wet with this reply. You do have a space problem. If you cannot build a new shed, can you add a wing? Even if it's just an extended roof? Then maybe keep the garden stuff undercover outside? Yes you can put your tablesaw on rollers. They must lock tho, and stay locked, so you don't chase your saw around your backyard!!!

My shop is a 1 1/2 car garage, with too many tools which kind of puts me in the same position as you are in. As it stands now I have to go outside just to change my mind;-)

I have made every thing that I can mobile, which helps a lot.

One of the best items I have came up with is a mobile storage/work bench.

It is nothing more than a long box made with a 2x4 frame and covered with plywood, and locking casters for mobility. It has two doors, and I keep my planer and miter saw in it along with whatever else I can cram into it.

Outside on each end I have adjustable risers which server as in/out feed support for the planner and saw.
I have also wired it with a long cord and plugs on each end. One of the plugs has a switch that is used when I have my router table set up. I use it as a glue up station when it is not in use as a small power tool station.

Is it possible to make a seperate storage unit for the yard tools? I have always tried to keep gasoline equipment away from my house, and I keep them in a small shed along with thinner etc. as far away as possible.

Good luck
Joe

Ok this calls for creative thinking INSIDE the box.

Yes you can have a nice little workshop in that shed and store stuff in there too.

Plan on moving the tiller and lawnmower out of the shed when you want to do projects. They already have wheels installed and a little rain won't kill them.

Table saw can be put on those heavy duty slippery slider feet used for moving furniture, that is much less expensive than a rolling base. Store the tablesaw against the wall right in line with the center of the shed. You will only need to slide it back and forth a few feet that way.

Now here is the trick to make it possible to cut long boards. All you have to do is cut an opening in the wall of the shed opposite the main door. The bottom of the opening is just lower than the top surface of your table saw. The height can be as little as one foot. Width is dependent on how wide a panel you can cut. A piece of plywood with a hinge and color to match your shed will do nicely. Flip it open and use a catch to hold it open when you want to cut something. You are standing in front of the table saw with the main door behind your back. You can do this same thing with the bandsaw and for the chop saw too.

The top of the tablesaw makes a nice flat assembly table for projects when not using it for cutting.

Problem solved with very little time and very little money.

Don't forget to put a header over your hatch opening and some cripple studs to properly distribute the load on the shed wall. But hopefully that wall of the shed is the one under the peak of the gable so the load bearing is not as much of an issue.

You did not say if you have a wood framed shed. If so create shelves between the studs if you can. If not pegboard the interior on all possible surfaces other than the roof. Get everything off the floor so you can move around in there. Keep deep shelves reserved to space higher than your head.

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Karin Corbin

Edited: 04/07/2010 at 12:53 AM by karincorbin

Hi Liz, every table saw I've owned from a Craftsman contractor saw, General 650 cabinet saw and now a Hammer B3 Winner were/are mobile.

I like a semi live design, which means wheels on one end, feet on the other so the machine is easy to move and yet stable in use.

I've included some photo's of the base and handle I made for my jointer/planer, which is 600 pounds. Your saw wouldn't need the handle, you could wheel it like a wheel barrow by hand.

Regards, Rod.

I'm a little late posting on this topic but it's one I bet is a common problem for many folks. Woodworking is a hobby that can fill lots of space! BUT I think it is possible to find at least aspects of it that can be done in a smaller footprint. The table saw on wheels is a great option but many folks may find even that takes more space then they have. And apartment dwellers have a real issue with the noise that machines can make. I think scroll saws and hand tools are probably the limit then. Maybe a small lathe.

I have a one car garage (14'x18') for my shop and even then I find I am continually saying "no you can't store more garden tools in here!". Or whatever new item it might be. I share the space with a lawnmower and a few selected garden tools but I put my foot down to any more! We are considering a new storage shed so I can rid the workshop of gardening equipment. Even then, I put my tablesaw and large lumbar cart/worksurface on wheels and have plans to put them on the bandsaw as well. I'm just now putting up some extra cabinet space. Castoffs from a friends kitchen remodel. It's fun setting up the shop though I've been in there for 3 years now! That was a good idea though..I had time to see what would work best BEFORE I did any definitive set up.

Betty