How to Set Up a Garage Workshop | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva heads to Chicago to transform a garage into a woodworking shop.

Cost: $2,000-3,000

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools:

Shopping List:

Steps:
1. For the folding workbench, build a frame out of 2x4 lumber approximately 4 feet long by 3 feet wide. Include two additional 2x4s for center supports.
2. Attach a 2x4 leger to the long side of the workbench using hinges. This leger will screw into the wall.
3. If you’re also using the workbench as an outfeed table, it should be slightly lower than the top of your table saw. Once you know that height, cut two 2x4s to serve as legs and attach them to the inside of the front of the frame using hinges.
4. Use a masonry drill bit and concrete screws to fasten the leger of the folding workbench to the wall.
Cut _” plywood for the bench top, and allow 1 1/2-2” around three sides for an overhang for clamping. Attach the workbench top to the frame by countersinking screws.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Set Up a Garage Workshop | Ask This Old House

[jeffmclowry]

Sure wish someone would show up at my house and bring me tools.

[guyhandsome]

"Here's a free $1100 compound miter saw and stand"
"NEAT"

[OneIdeaTooMany]

That mitre saw is pretty impressive. It moved itself out of the way!

[TheRogermursick]

Tom's approach to doing things is straight forward, smart, creative and a pleasure to watch, always.

[DoleshEdit]

I like how they did not 'over complicate' the fan system. Great shop set up!

[dmorga]

"HOW OFTEN DOES THE TRAIN GO BY?" "So often, you won't even notice it."

[glibbis]

Tommy Silva is so awesome he can move things by telekinesis at 7:52!

[austinmarius]

I think it’s great that it was sponsored by anyone at all. Especially Bosch. Lots of comments about that - Who gives a damn. Love that she is wanting to get into wood working and hope this episode helps other women get into this awesome hobby! That’s the only important thing here in my opinion is that smart, capable people are wanting to do things with their hands and imagination! What else can you ask for.

[benchtopwoodworks]

I liked the gate latch on the fold away bench, great tips for a small shop! I also reccomend locating tools around a central assembly table with parallel runs.

[bobbymiller]

I like how Bosch sponsored this and made him put black tape over the Makita drill name in beginning because Bosch didn't wanna give her a hammer drill

[vinced.]

Original NES console was the best part.

[chuzzrocket]

Silva is the best. A mountain of practical knowledge and wisdom.

[vincentdwen]

Well, first thing is you need to have an empty garage the most difficult part

[muziclover-zrgx]

My respects to Tom and all his knowledge. I admire and respect, people like, Tom, for their love and dedication to their craft. Awesome job, Tom!

[mrjodoe]

lol very impressive safety sandals. The yolo style

[sterling]

Nice to see Tom Silva again, ,Reminds me of getting up early living in Canada to watch all his shows, , learnt a lot about woodwork, , helped me to finnish off my basement, ,Happy days, , 20 years now living in Perth W, Australia and no basement, But alas a 25 by 25 ft workshop to make bush bashing 4x4, s for my boys.

[tonys]

"You might wanna pawk a caw in here in the winter time"

[cesargonzalez]

Bosch tools are rock solid. I am impressed with their 12 volt line. It's been my go to over their 18 volt drills. Most of the time thats all you need. I have the axial glide miter saw 12 inch. According to the specs it weighs about 88lbs add another 60lbs for the stand and its really freaking heavy. I mounted it on the cheaper Bosch stand and it tipped over and smashed my arm and leg. Huge bruises. Best miter saw but don't get a weak stand. I also have a bunch more tools by Bosch. You can't break them. They are insane.

[gatewaysolo]

Gee I wonder if bosch sponsored this episode

[farukatasever]

Always a pleasure to learn something new from Great Construction Master TOM SILVA.