3 Ways To Maximize a Small Space Workshop
I get questions about small space workshops everyday.
People want to maximize their small workshops for real heavy-duty woodworking while maintaining safety and comfort.
And I always say… the best way to maximize your space is to make your tools and machines MOBILE. When you do this, you can move something out of the way when you’re not using it.
Now, how do you make a tool mobile? Well, here are 3 ways to do this with very little effort.
1. Casters
The first and easiest way you can make your tools and shop furniture mobile is with casters.
There are many caster options. Casters specifically designed for workbenches are great for wood workbenches where you have a place to easily attach the caster using screws.
Generic casters are also work great, but be sure the casters have locks, otherwise you’ll be chasing your tools around your shop. Casters also have weight limits, so be sure to choose a caster that is compatible with the weight of your tools.
2. DIY Mobile Bases
The second way to make your tools portable is by DIYing your own mobile base.
These three below are great options you can consider. (my guide Ultimate Small Shop provides plans to 5 different mobile bases you can build easily)
3. Store Bought Mobile Bases
The third way to make you tools mobile is with a store-bought base. These HTC bases get great reviews and they are available for several tool weights.
The HTC-2000 Adjustable Mobile Base works for tools weighing up to 500 pounds and the HTC-3000 Heavy Duty Adjustable Mobile Base works for tools weighing up to 700 pounds.
The Shop Fox Adjustable Mobile Base is nearly identical to one of the bases I use in my small workshop. It works well and has a 700 pound weight capacity.
I used to own the Central Machinery base from Harbor Freight but I don't recommend it. The wood needed to complete the base isn’t a standard size and needs to be ripped to width, which is an extra step. It does roll back and forth well, but changing direction is a challenge.
What I Recommend:
If you’re in a hurry, store bought is the way to go. But you almost certainly won’t find a mobile base that perfectly fits your equipment… so that means you’ll probably have to get one that is too large.
Which goes against what we want to do – save space. (although you will still net-gain space from the movability)
So I say, go with the second option – build your own mobile base.
Doing this will let you get the perfect dimensions for your equipment.
More Inspiration For Your Shop:
Want some more space-saving ideas for your small workshop?
Then you'll love my new guide, Ultimate Small Shop. In it, you'll discover how to setup a fully equipped wood shop for just under $1,000...
....including a shopping list of the best tools and where to buy those tools for the lowest price… along with floor-plans for optimized layouts in spaces as small as 8'x8'!