The Reason I joined FWW forum
This single post and the replies says it all. For all the lurkers out there who have not joined this forum and derived the benefit so obvious in this post now is the time to think of joining.
Where else on the web can you get so much help advise and concern for a new guy but here on the Family Woodworking forum.
I would also second the advice Todd has provided. Listen to the masters they are seldom wrong.
I am a newbie and wished I had found the forum before I bought a single tool. Alas I was self reliant and stubbornly independent, did not do too bad in my choices for tools but would have done a million times better if I had asked the question you have and listened to the response.
I sometimes think woodworking is like flying. The train most pilots on a prop plane or jet trainer before they get to fly a expensive fighter jet.
So too with tools. A good stint with quality hand tools and some training will be worth a ton.
Personally I have chosen to buy the best tool I can afford each time. I also thought about the advent of forced resale of my tools in the event of this ever needing to happen. I did not want to be caught in the upgrade cycle. I do believe that there are real good bargains around for good quality second hand tools. I just recently picked up a oscillating sander for Larry for a song and in good condition. Take the time to look around. Some guys have reached the stage where they are wanting to upgrade and in most cases a hobbyist has not used his tools to the extent that a real woodshop would have so there is plenty of mileage still left on them.
My advice would also be to invest in some books. Both in relation to the shop and in realtion to tools and what you wish to build. Then you will get a fair understanding of where you want to take it.
Take a good look at the shop tours here, there are many guys who have been very creative with space utilization.
I second Glenns suggestion that you might want to join the Fine Woodworking site and examine the info there. They have dealt with the subject of space in garage shops several times. In fact one of the editors and writers had a very small shop of his own before getting to build his dream shop. He is featured in one of the books that Taunton sells re small shops.
http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/small-woodworking-shops-070768.html
Just noticed he is on the cover. I think his name is Mathew...
I have this book and studied it before I built my own shop.
Most important remeber a word of advice my wife gave me the impatient one.
" Its not about the desitination enjoy the ride" Take your time and enjoy each part. When I started doing this I took a great deal of pressure off and found I actually got more done and enjoyed what I did do more. One needs to remember you are not at work and so your productivity is in your own hands.
Best of luck. The above threads are all excellent advice from guys way more experienced than me who have been there and done it and got the results to prove it. They will also go out of their way to help as you can see.
Thanks guys, boy I am proud to be in this family.