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In about three weeks, we’ll be moving into new digs after more than 10 years in our current location. It’s less than a mile away. With the move date fast approaching, the new shop space is getting very close to completion.
I’m excited about the move because I think the new shop will be even better than what we’re leaving. While it’s only slightly larger at 1,500 square feet, its rectangular shape will work better than the L-shaped space we’ve had. Also, moving equipment and material in and out will also be far easier. We’re on ground level and have a large roll-up door.
The new place has been set up exactly to our specifications, so if anything’s wrong we’ll have only ourselves to blame (or me to blame since I’ve been the project manager). We’ve had windows installed as there were none to begin with. All the wiring is new with outlets just where we want them. Just about every bench will be at least partially under a north-facing window. Lighting will be upgraded from what you see in the interior photo here. Did I mention new heating and air-conditioning? 
What started as concrete block walls have been built out on the interior with studs, insulation and sheathed with plywood. That will make hanging cabinets, tool racks, etc. a breeze.
I’m sure some of you – especially those near by – are wondering about our machinery. Sorry, it’s all moving with us so no, there’s no sale taking place.
The only dread about the move is sorting through 10 years of stuff that’s accumulated around here. There’ll be plenty of “discoveries,” I’m sure, of items we thought we lost or tossed long ago. Maybe my bed-bolts will show up. They went missing prior to last move. One can only hope.
–Steve Shanesy is the magazine’s editor. He’s also the new shop project manager and new office space planner. In his spare time he writes for the magazine.
Like to learn more about setting up a new shop or improving your current shop? Check out “The Complete Workshop Guide,” a book by Charles Self that is currently on sale for just $4.99 (regularly $26.99). You’ll find it and hundreds of other books, DVDs, project plans and more at our online store, ShopWoodworking.com, where there’s a huge warehouse sale in progress until the end of November, 2011.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
Nice new space! Congrats- are you going to have a dedicated finishing room/space?
Happy Moving Day!
Mark
address?
open house?
Hopefully you will cover those concrete floors with something a little friendlier (friendlier to dropped tools).
So where are you moving to that is only a mile away?
I’ll need to learn a new path to your offices.
I have had the opportunity to be at your current place for several events over the years with SAPFM.
Looks like the new space will be great – once all the unpacking is complete!
Congratulations and good luck with the move!
Moving is always like digging out a deep splinter. You may have to endure a little extra pain, but it feels great when all is said and done.
How are are floors in the new space?
Cheers,
Niels