One of the challenges of small space living is having to find room to do "workshop" type projects. When we redid our desk during the January Jumpstart (thats right, dead of winter, in Chicago) we had to work down in our unheated, communal basement - not so fun. BUT, in June it's a whole new story...
Look! Our Outdoor Workshop
While working on a project that required lots of power sawing of wood this weekend, we moved operations outdoors and it was a great solution...plenty of room, easy cleanup, and the enjoyment of chatting with neighbors and balmy breezes.
We purchased these two steel sawhorses from Home Depot to create a large worktable and are very happy with the purchase. The sawhorses were inexpensive ($19.99 each), super sturdy, adjustable, solidly made and they fold up to a very compact size for storage in between projects.
We simply combined them with a simple c clamp, a sheet of plywood and a good long extension cord running from our apartment and we were all set.
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Look!, tools & electrical helpers, lumber & building supplies, How To..., painting, fixing & repair, DIY, workshop, small space solutionsRelated Links
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Comments (9)
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The holes in the sawhorses top surface are so you can attach a 2x4 to them. That way you dont messup your saw blade when you cut through the top surface
view pronechr's profile
If I tried that here (nyc), my neighbors would shoot me.
And frankly, if you operated a circ saw within earshot of my open windows on a pleasant June day, I'd shoot you...
view Bolder's profile
I have been using an old ikea table as a work bench but found it lacking (wobbly, not square etc). also living in an apartment I was hogging valuable 'living' space, thanks this is a great idea.
view Huw's profile
your neighbours were ok with you taking up the sidewalk space with your project?
view ange_lune's profile
I am freaking begging you and all AT staff to nix the editorial "we" for personal stories like this one.
view Cassis's profile
I take it you had someone watching your setup when you inevitably had to go back indoors to get tools or parts? I don't think I would ever do that for fear of something getting forgotten outdoors or stolen.
view John H's profile
Seconding what John H said... or worse yet, some precocious child nipping off fingers with the saw!
Also, SUPER SECONDING Cassis' comments on the "Royal We". I'm quite impressed/inspired by someone who manages to do a project solo, so why not celebrate it?
view rockypondgirl's profile
So what were you making?! I remember seeing a photo or two of your place a while back (tall bookshelves, low bed) and would love to see more. House tour?
view Lori in Florida's profile
I've seen this done before and no one seems to mind. Last weekend one of my neighbors did this and it was no big deal.
view jooly's profile