© mixetto/Getty ImagesIf you're interested in woodworking but are worried about a lack of space, don't be discouraged. Whether you live in an apartment or own a home with a large garage, there are still plenty of woodworking projects you can tackle.
While living in a small apartment in New York, I began my career as a carpenter by joining a large lumber shop. It gave me the space I needed to work and store wood and gave me access to all kinds of table saws, jointers, and planers.
What you need in carpentry
Your specific needs will vary depending on the nature and scope of your cabinetry projects. I used my own woodworking experience and that of FixThisBuildThat founder Brad Rodriguez to create a list of factors and considerations to keep in mind.
cosmos
You need enough space for equipment and moving parts without damaging the walls. Rodriguez recommends "at least two to three times the size of your largest project for a comfortable place to move in life and work." He says that you can do a lot in an area as small as 20 feet by 20 feet.
ceiling height
Make sure the ceiling is not so low that taller objects collide with the lamps. Also consider the size of your finished project. If you plan to build a 10-foot bookcase, don't choose a room with an 8-foot ceiling.
electric vehicles
No power tools required for threading or engraving. But for most projects, you'll need at least a drill and some kind of chainsaw.
You can use a power drill to drill holes into the wood and remove screws and other fasteners. Hand held circular saws and miter saws should suffice for ripping (across the grain) and sawing (across the grain). If you use power tools, Rodriguez says, make sure your location can handle your power needs. If not, call an electrician for an update.
dusting
If you use a saw or power tool that produces sawdust, you need a dust collection system. A small vacuum cleaner that plugs into your tool's dust port will cut down on cleaning time significantly and reduce any harmful dust or debris you might inhale.
At a minimum, buy power tools that come with dust bags. These are relatively small and can fill up quickly, but it's definitely better than nothing. Rodriguez cautioned against using heavy, dusty tools like sandpaper in a room with a cold air intake that can spread dust throughout the living room.
ILLUMINATOR
Proper lighting is important for making accurate cuts and measurements, as well as controlling the amount of material being removed when sanding. You'll need it especially for small, delicate projects like building a birdhouse or finishing a piece of furniture.
Proper lighting also improves overall safety. In a well-lit work area, you may trip over an extension cord, misjudge depth when cutting, or lose screws or other fasteners on the floor that could cause you to slip.
the work table
It is the most important part of the carpentry area. These sturdy work surfaces are usually made of wood and can be used sitting or standing.
Unlike garden or electronic work, workbenches designed specifically for woodworking should ideally include some type of woodworking aid or clamping mechanism. So your part is firmly fixed and you have both hands free.
Alternative Woodworking Locations
Depending on the type of woodworking you do, there are plenty of open spaces that can be used in place of a garage.
cellar, cellar
Basements are ideal for storing wood, as they often offer a lot of space. If it's not finished, you don't have to worry about damaging the walls or floor. Rodríguez's first three carpentry shops were located in basements.
However, with limited windows, basements don't offer great ventilation and aren't ideal for staining or painting projects that produce noxious fumes. They are also not suitable for storing and retrieving objects, especially large furniture.
BALCONY
According to Rodríguez, the apartment balconies are doing a good job. "They usually have electrical and storage cabinets where you can keep all the tools," he says. It's easier to keep dust out of your living space and provides excellent ventilation for painting and staining.
The balcony can be narrow and your neighbors will have problems with too much sawdust.
friends room
Depending on your needs and the patience of family members, an unused bedroom can serve as a center for cabinetry. In this way, you are limited to simple projects that require hand tools. Electric saws and grinders make a lot of noise and sawdust can seep into the rest of the house. Also, paint and stains can fill your home with harmful fumes.
outside
A patio or driveway provides unlimited ventilation and no height restrictions. It's good for working with long or bulky objects like plywood sheets, forms, or boards.
You can't leave your tools and gadgets outside, so you'll have to return everything when you're done. But if you're doing a one-time project, this can be a great option.
community workspace
It is an excellent option for those who start in carpentry. They typically stock a full range of power tools, saving you money, and experienced members can guide you on how to use tools properly and safely.
These jobs pay a cheaper monthly fee than buying all your tools, so it might be worth the investment. the exchange is a convenience; They cannot be open 24/7 like a basement or garage.
Tips for working wood without loading
stay organized
"When you're in a small or mobile space," says Rodriguez, "knowing where all your tools are and having easy access to them is crucial." Rolling dressers and tool chests are great options for temporary workspaces.
start small
If you're just starting out, don't overdo it. Start with a small project that doesn't require a lot of space or ventilation. This will let you know what type of woodworking you prefer and gradually determine what type of workplace is right for you.
If you find that you prefer wood carving to heavy assembly projects, avoid buying expensive tools and creating space you don't need.
