An
epic dishwashing session following a particularly messy omelette
changed the way I'd been using my auto shop for the past 20 years. As I
scrubbed at dried egg, it occurred to me that my kitchen is just another
workshop. But many of my more successful culinary routines and
organizing techniques were isolated in the galley--even though the
principles of good kitchen design and work practices apply to the
garage. So here's what I've adapted for my shop.
Brighten Walls
My
garage was typical: a concrete slab with exposed-stud walls and poor
lighting. But professional auto shops and any good kitchen--home or
commercial--are bright. Painting a garage's walls and floor white or a
light gray improves the effectiveness of the lighting, makes dropped
parts easier to find, and highlights fluid leaks.
Consider Triangles
Where
do you put your big, heavily used shop tools? In my garage the answer
used to be "no place in particular." Kitchen designers position the
sink, fridge, and range in an unobstructed triangle to keep movement
efficient. So I set up multiple triangles for related tasks. For
example, the welding table, grinding stand, and drill press all live
together.
Stash Underused Tools
A
stand mixer left on a kitchen counter is clutter, unless you bake
daily. Same goes for my miter saw, since I don't cut lumber very often. I
moved it onto a shelf under a bench, which earned me an extra work
surface. I stash the heavier or more fragile stuff closer to the ground,
where it will do less damage to itself--or to my feet-- should I drop
it.
Clean as You Go
I've
always done this, both in the kitchen and in the garage. In commercial
kitchens, dishes, pots, pans, cups, knives, spatulas, work surfaces, and
everything else are washed and sanitized constantly so work flow is not
interrupted by a greasy mess. Apply that thinking to your garage. Wipe
down tools and put them away as soon as you're done with them. Anything
not needed for the immediate task should go straight back in its box;
knowing exactly where to find a tool saves time. Sweep the floor and
toss out the garbage whenever you can (see page 114). It creates a safer
work environment. Besides, you won't feel like cleaning up at the end
of a long day when all you want to do is retire to the kitchen for a
beer.
Hang From the Rafters
Some
of the best kitchens have overhead pot racks that free up cabinet
space. I hang squares, handsaws, bolt cutters, and caulk guns above my
worktable so they're within reach but out of the way. You may have to
fabricate a rack to ft your needs, but, hey: That's a good reason to
spend more time in your newly organized shop.
~~~~~~~~
By Ben Wojdyla
