The kids are at an age to where they need less of my attention and I can
get back to woodworking, so:

1) Move the bike hobby off to one corner of the shop. www.bunchobikes.com

2) Buy two tool boxes. ( Actually, one was a gift. ) A Snap-on for the
"mechanical" type of tools and a Craftsman for wood working tools
exclusively.

3) Addition of some new items. Mostly a Delta 6" jointer. Also a
sliding mill table to modify and improve the "drill press attachment"
Delta mortiser.

Lights, outlets, benches and storage were the first things I created
years ago. I make my living as a mechanic and one thing I can't stand
is working with a drop light. So there are more flourescents than
anyone should be allowed to have!

Rich Stern wrote:

I just finished a project and was cleaning up the shop, moving stuff around to
get at all the sawdust, putting tools back, etc. I was musing about changes
I've made to my workshop over the years, thinking about the successes and the
failures. Here's what I came up with for my best three:

1) Compressed air from an overhead, retractable reel. How the heck did I get
through the early years without this? I leave my portable compressor hooked up
via quick disconnect to a feed line for the overhead reel. I can disconnect
and roll out quickly if I need the compressor in the yard, garage, or at a
neighbor's. The reel also has a quick disconnect, stuffed with a blowgun when
not using any other air tools. This setup is great for woodworking, but the
air gets used for all kinds of other tasks, too.

2) Stopped overcrowding the shop with machines. For years, my semi-portable
power tools were set up and ready to work. Visions of moving from station to
station with effortless efficiency. I thought it made projects go faster. The
opposite is true. As I run low on space, the shop gets messy and projects
begin to crawl. Now I take out the miter saw, belt/disk sander, scroll saw,
etc. only when needed. The rest of the time, I enjoy the free space around the
bigger machines. The shop stays much cleaner.

3) Rolling tool chest. You know, the mechanic's type. Just a low end,
stacking unit from Lowes. Measuring tools, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers,
drill bits, etc, stay organized and dust free, and I can wheel the thing around
if needed. My pegboarding of all this stuff never stayed organized. Somehow,
I manage to keep it neat in the rolling cabinet.

What are your best three easy imrpovements?