Building Out a Small Tackle Workshop -- On a Budget

[foakes]

Please Read This Added/Revised Update

How about if we change this thread slightly?

(it is not supposed to be about me! That was never the intent, although the compliments were appreciated).

Lets post pics of our individual work areas -- with an emphasis on just 1, 2 or 3 items that we have found works great for us.  

Something we are proud of.

This can be anything from an item invented, purchased, adapted, system implemented, system we want to implement at some point, etc, etc..

The idea is to keep it short and simple -- this will encourage many ideas from the Worldwide Alan Tani family to be brought forward for all to share.

This is fun -- and the ideas and clever inventions for your work areas need to be shared.

It doesn't matter if your bench or work area is a kitchen table, a garage bench, a tailgate, or looks like Mission Control -- it is all needed and appreciated by all.

We all need 1 or 2 fresh, clever ideas -- and we get to help each other this way.

We all want to see your good works.

That is what this site is all about.

Best, Fred

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There has been a hesitation on my part about posting this.

This is kind of long -- so get a beverage, and sit back -- sorry for the amount of pics.

Been doing a little pre-Spring cleaning and better organization, purging of unnecessary items in shop, trying to make do with scraps and pieces -- and getting ready for the next Season.

While I am no Pilgrim when it comes to working on reels -- there are many folks on this site who have much more knowledge and experience than I do -- but there are also many more that have a little less experience -- and some new folks just starting out -- and these folks may pick up one or two ideas that may be useful to their shop layout and organization.

Not much of a collector -- really just a reel mechanic.

First off -- like Alan's often quoted "Gibb's Rules"...there are (10) rules here that have been developed over a few decades of working on thousands of fishing reels.

You will need to honestly recognize and apply rules that work for you -- not anyone else.

-- Make the system work for you -- don't work for the system.

-- Use vertical space where possible.

-- All tools need their own accessible place

-- Drawers are where tools go to die -- only keep little used, but necessary tools in drawers -- all else out and at arm length reachable without changing positions.

-- Drawers are for consumables -- parts you will use up and replenish as needed.

-- Make use of trashcans -- no litter or clutter -- keep shop clean -- just like an operating room.

-- Put away all tools after job is done.

-- Only work on (1) reel at a time -- if parts are needed, order, bag the reel, get it off the bench -- and into the parts waiting bin.  Move on to the next reel.

-- Your shop may be 90% functional -- but there is always 10% room for ongoing improvement.

-- Enjoy your skills -- relax -- have some music playing, and a comfortable place to take a break.

My working shop is upstairs in our house built in 1930.  There is hot and cold running water 30 feet down the hallway for rinsing.  The room is small, measuring 12' X 12'.

I installed cupboards along one wall that are unfinished as of yet -- 12' X 6' X 18" deep.

An 8' X 3' bench made out of two surplus college drafting tables are on the opposite wall.

So the shop is even smaller, now.

Installed flooring, lighting, a ceiling fan, glass door, and two new windows to the outside.

Bought very few tools new -- nearly everything was from second hand stores, closed reel repair shops, yard sales, family accumulations, retired friends, etc. -- basically used what was on hand.

My hope is that someone will get an idea or two about how to build their own shop on a budget.

Here is the nickel tour --

Best,

Fred


Entrance


Cleaning, greases, etc., top bench linewind spooler


Moving clockwise -- Penn Key# conventional parts up to about 6/0


Shipping Supplies & HD Line Winder


Bench


Main Reference Shop Manuals & Tool/Grease/Oil Carousel


Carousel


Reel parts, less used tools on top, lighted magnifier


Parts


More parts


D.A.M. Quick parts


Mitchell parts


Upper row of less used tools -- containers for used old parts to be cleaned


Pliers, needle-nose, vise grips, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, snap ringers, etc. -- used often
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Parts
[URL=http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/15-100_3743_zps5rjbqqy1.jpg.html]

Handles and drag knobs


Quick parts


The only tools in drawers -- less used, but necessary -- 1/4" sockets, tap & die sets, grinders, files, drill bits, brushes


Tools


Under bench -- large trash can, metal lid bucket for dirty shop rags, paper towels


Dirty shop rags


Cat and Bird proof Mono line discard burn box


Personal relaxing area


Personal relaxing/reading area -- Grandpa James old Rocker re-upholstered


Reels to complete for clients this week


Upper Mirchell spools & Dealer Service Kits


Lower Mitchell spools


Mitchell parts


D.A.M. Quick spools


Penn spools
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Auxiliary table for staging reels and using cleaning station
[URL=http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/34-100_3762_zpslpsmj0hh.jpg.html]

Restored Penn reels, Penn rings, misc screws and fasteners for shop changes


Ultrasonic cleaner, cleaning tools, reel trays


Ultrasonic cleaner


Parts


20,000 vintage/antique hooks, lures, TLD parts, and old vintage dealer repair kits


Bulk cleaning supplies


Cabinets


Cabinets with bins, melamine shelves


Tunes unit -- remote controlled for multi CD, IPod, radio, iPad, USB stick -- 2 speakers


Most used reference books and manuals


Parts


80,000 D.A.M. Quick parts by number -- going back to 1950


Line spooling station, rolling box with Penn & misc., color magnifying viewer 18x, various modes


Line


Magnifying viewer


Rollaway Box


Penn plates


Penn handles & stands


Penn conventional & spinning parts by number


Misc parts -- this has helped me out of jams so many times!


Penn parts


Lighting & fan


Top shelf


SS scrap held up with chain to make table for cleaning and misc staging


Clock


Another shot


Power tools, drills, Dremel


One of three flashlights


Second of three flashlightd
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Third of three flashlights -- these are great for looking through parts bins, finding parts that fly away, etc..
[URL=http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/65-100_3793_zpsakwapzjp.jpg.html]

Carousel


Carousel


Carousel


Decorations -- Grandpa & Grandma


View to outside


Grandpa James & Grandma were rockhounds -- they found this out in the desert near Death Valley -- 100,000,000 year old bait


Penn parts


Penn spinner parts


Penn spinner parts


D.A.M. Quick parts


ABU parts

[Zimbass]

Hi Fred. I have just one word for your workshop..........................AMAZING !

Jealous Terry.

[Alto Mare]

Beautiful Fred, that would be my dream shop.
Thanks for taking us for a tour, but I still need to see all of that goodness live one day.
I really like everything you've showed us,  the one that caught my eye was the burn box...very nice buddy, I hope all do the same.
I burn mine outside in a mortar pan.

That panel on hinges with a chain is also a great idea, very simple and  functional.
Thanks again for sharing Fred, I really enjoyed it.

Sal

[Shark Hunter]

I knew before I walked through the door, it was going to be good.
If that is the Nickel tour. Its the best Nickel I ever spent.
I'm glad to see that red handled 12/0 has found a nice spot.
You are indeed the Master of organization and a true asset to this site.

[STRIPER LOU]

Fred ........ SPECTACULAR!!!! I believe your passion and organizational skills are unsurpassed.
............................Lou

[Tiddlerbasher]

Stunning I'd love to see it in the flesh

[reelrepair123]

thank  fred        i follow alot of your ideas, tools in arm lenght reach, put tools away after using, one reel at a time, bag a reel and move on to another if i can't finish the reel i'm working on, all good stuff fred , we all are always trying to learn new ideas, thanks fred.    harryk

[Reel 224]

Fred; I can see that you have been at it a long time and you have learned how to organize your work. I can say what everyone has said before me, but I won't. I can just say you are a man that obviously cares about detail and very contentious. 

I'm building a work station this weekend and if time allows I will improve on it a little at a time. Thanks for posting those pictures, I will get some ideas from them for sure.


Joe   

[DaBigOno]

Wow!

Thank you for allowing us a peek into your workshop.  I'm in total envy  
And you say "on a budget"

I like the clock, and the lazy Susan turntable,
Al

[anglingarchitect]

Very Nice and Organization is exceptional. You have a lot money in parts.

[Jerseymic]

Absolutely stunning!!

Mike.

[CaptainRMF]

I think if you looked up the meaning of "PERFECT" in Webster's Dictionary it would have a picture of your work shop Fred !! It is totally AMAZEING !

[Reel 224]

Fred: I see your Auxiliary table for working on reels heading, if you click on it it shows a gray kitten hanging on for dear life to a blanket. That's cute 

Joe   

[Bryan Young]

Wow...just WOW!!!

If you ever retire-retire Fred, I may just need to buy your set-up.  It'll be way cheaper than for me to try to get that organized and source all of the parts for the build. 

My wife is asking me to move out of the house so I'm looking to build a shed...a 12' x 12' shed and this may be what I need to consider...windows, sky light, and complete organization.

[MarkT]

"On a Budget", yeah, a Dept of Defense budget!