How To Get I
nto Woodworking Without a GarageAlex Rennie - Oct 12
If you're interested in woodworking but fear you lack the proper space, don't let it deter you. Whether you're an apartment dweller or homeowner with an overstuffed garage, you can still tackle many types of woodworking projects.
While living in a small apartment in New York City, I started my carpentry career by joining a large co-working woodshop. It provided the space necessary to work with and store lumber while giving me access to all kinds of table saws, jointers and planers.
What You Need In a Woodworking Space
Your specific requirements will vary depending on the type and scale of your woodworking projects. I've used my experience plus the expertise of Brad Rodriguez, a woodworker and founder of FixThisBuildThat, to assemble this list of factors and considerations to keep in mind.
Space
You'll need sufficient room for equipment and maneuvering workpieces without damaging the walls. Rodriguez recommends "at least two to three times the longest dimension of your project as a comfortable place to move around and work on it." He says you can get a lot done in a space as small as 6- by 6-ft.
Ceiling height
Make sure the ceiling isn't so low that longer items bang into the lights. Think about the size of your finished project as well. If you're planning on building a 10-foot-high bookshelf, don't choose a room with an eight-foot ceiling.