One of these could save your life!

Every year we get back into the shop and into the groove of making projects. Have you ever stopped to pay attention to it? The state of the layout, tools, and even inventory levels are important aspects to consider! I've put together a list of 5 "tips" for keeping your shop in good working order while still pushing towards Shop Greatness.

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This video is sponsored by Carbon Method

[jajablonsky]

Great reminders Travis. Once again, you show you have a lot of the same issues we have in our lives. You showed your shop in the condition some of ours gets in, not the perfectly clean and every tools back in its storage area. I really enjoy your videos and honesty.

[lincolndickerson]

Be Prepared was taught to me early on.

Not that I am perfect at this but in general have the shop prepared for next use.

1) At the end of the day, don’t leave the shop until things are clean, sharp and put away.
2) When 1 can’t be achieved then it is your resposibility to arrive early next time to prepare the shop for use.
3) When 2 can’t be achieved schedule time to reset the shop. If you stay on top of the shop most of the time an hour or two is all it should take.
4) For longer maintenance cycles, do the maintenance then put an event in your phone calendar for the next time it needs to be done.

Your mileage may vary

[fidgetshouse]

Filter replacement/cleaning in your dust extraction system. And going through your drill bits and either sharpening or replacing the dull ones. Deep cleaning and getting into those places you daily cleaning does not catch. But if you saw my shop right now, you would be stunned on how unusable it is. Thanks for this simple to do list that I can add to my tasks to achieve shop greatness!

[LauraKelsh]

Dont forget to add router bits to this one too!
Anything that cuts timber and requires a sharp edge should be part of this check 😊
I forget to do it and can’t figure out why my router is bogging down and its usually because the last time I used it, I had the speed set wrong and let soot buildup or had sap buildup on the bit. A quick clean and touch up with a cheap sharpening stone brought it back in good health.

[billybike]

I’ve come up through the trades, both and a tin knocker and a sparky. I learned that when to take a tool out of its home, put it back at night. I’m late 60s now snd that’s still my policy. Neighbors walk by as I’m working and they ask me “how do you keep your garage so clean, I tell them that you need to budget time like money. Leave time to clean up and putting tools away, cleaned, repaired if needed and ready for your next job. But that’s just me I guess. 😊

[MaxG]

“I didn’t know saw blades were such a rabbit hole” Woodworking is nothing if not a collection of rabbit holes. Dust collection, finishing, hand tool sharpening, lathes and turning, each of these and more is a whole world of details and conflicting opinions when you just want to make something.

[roberthernandez]

That aggravated scream sound bite is hysterical!

[seen]

Super great point on the compressor and draining the water. Oiling your Air tools is another one to add while draining the compressor.

[JohnThawley]

In the 'misery loves company' affirmation department, the short glimpse of your sawdust covered Corvette was oddly satisfying.

[AxGryndr]

If you have dust filters either for your dust collect or shop air, now is also a good time to clean or replace them.

[lv_woodturner]

I clean my table saw blade every few months. Easy to see when the resins are building up. After cleaning it is a good time to inspect every tooth. Carbide is brittle and so easy for a tip to break off. It has happened to a regular kerf and a thin kerf. Ridge Carbide did a terrific job resharpening the blade and replacing chipped tooth.

[JeepinMaxx]

Thanks for reminding everyone about the importance of draining your air compressor (at least monthly - even if it just sits) I work in the air compressor industry and the danger is real - compressed air is a LOT of stored energy...

[cwfrasa]

Build a cabinet under the current drill press, you will love it!

[d.bishop]

Your examples at 1:40 and 2:05 of the cluttered toolbox top and under the drill press really bursted my bubble of the Shop Greatness guru. YOU still have clutter??!!

OTOH, it makes me feel better... maybe I'm not so bad after all!

But seriously, great video as always. Good tips!

[ChrisHornberger]

I'm absolutely a between project guy. I have retail level tools, and some are better at holding square/alignment than others.

[flatlander]

All great ideas. Another bang on video about organization. I have same issue. Although the very first action you must take NOW is clean the 'vette off and cover it. Really, do it!

[TinusBruins]

Finally someone who explains how carbon coat works, and from that I conclude it's just a liquid pencil. Which makes sense, as you can use a pencil to prevent rust and as a lubricant for joints.

[bradleytuckwell]

I watched that video where the guys air compressor exploded he had his little boy in there when it went off so I try to do mine every month. Thanks for sharing your tips we all get complacent with these great name for it too

[MichaelwAEL]

Love it, you are so organized in thoughts. I am with you!!!

[RobDucharme]

I just have one of those portable Makita compressors. I drain the air out after I'm done with it every time.. If I wait a few weeks, I find there is a little bit of moisture that comes out. So draining the air every time seems better.