HSM

A few things that I have in my workshop that I like:
 
I have several switches all next to each other that are run to plugs on the workbench. One powers the mini table saw, one the drill-press, one the disk sander and the other the vacuum. I can turn on and off the vacuum and any of the other 3 tools with one hand.
 
Wire one plug above the workbench to the lightswitch, and color that plug red. Use that plug for a soldering iron or plank bender, so even if you forget to turn it off, it goes off when you leave the shop and turn off the light.
 
Have an area for painting and staining. Hang a shower curtain(s) as best you can to section off that area and have an exhaust fan sucking from that area. Keeps the fumes out of the house very well!
 
Lots of light, with one movable so you can focus it on your workspace.
 
Have a deep laundry sink for cleanup.
 
In cabinets, drawers are better than doors/shelves, and more small drawers are better than fewer large drawers. Most of the parts and tools we use are small so large drawers get cluttered fast.
 
Opposite to the previous item, thin drawers with a large footprint (think map drawers... maybe 10cm tall...) are great for storing different cuts of wood, plans, metal, etc...
 
I have a foot-switch that I plug my dremel into. The switch on the dremel is always on, but the tool only runs when I step on the switch.
 
A drying-rack made out of wire shelving suspended below a furnace duct.
 
That's all I can think of right now, but there may be more...

Looks great! Now get in there and make it messy!

Looks great! Now get in there and make it messy!

I have to agree with ccoyl. They are both awful, but the second one slightly less awful than the first. It comes down to you get what you pay for, and $300.00 doesn't buy much. The Bluejacket USS Constitution KIT alone is $650.00. My guess is those models might be OK for a high shelf along the ceiling in a cheap seafood restaurant, but for a centerpiece of a room it wouldn't be very satisfying.

Looks great! Now get in there and make it messy!

Looks great! Now get in there and make it messy!

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

I have always used CA to secure rigging knots. It darkens light-colored lines so I have an anti-fray product for fabric that I use on light-colored lines, but I would prefer to use the CA. The first ship I built was in 1999 and I had it out of its case a few weeks ago to steal the pedestals for another project. I specifically checked the knots and the lines seemed as strong as when I first made it. This is just my experience, but everyone may do what suits them.

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

I have always used CA to secure rigging knots. It darkens light-colored lines so I have an anti-fray product for fabric that I use on light-colored lines, but I would prefer to use the CA. The first ship I built was in 1999 and I had it out of its case a few weeks ago to steal the pedestals for another project. I specifically checked the knots and the lines seemed as strong as when I first made it. This is just my experience, but everyone may do what suits them.

I have always used CA to secure rigging knots. It darkens light-colored lines so I have an anti-fray product for fabric that I use on light-colored lines, but I would prefer to use the CA. The first ship I built was in 1999 and I had it out of its case a few weeks ago to steal the pedestals for another project. I specifically checked the knots and the lines seemed as strong as when I first made it. This is just my experience, but everyone may do what suits them.

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

I've been building wood ship models for decades, and if I were to only have one power tool it would be a dremel like the one you have. With that and a few hand tools you can build most kits on the market to a decent standard. I'd say start building and then buy as you observe a need for more tools.

"1. You can use it to collect small parts as they are cut off - make a collection tube that fits the hose, and then place a piece of hardware cloth or window screen at the juncture of the hose and tube.  Place the tube opening near the saw blade The piece will be sucked into the pipe and trapped against the screen."
 
This is a great idea Bob, I will try this! When cutting small parts with my preac they fly everywhere.

Brilliant idea! Anything that makes tying ratlines easier or more accurate is always welcome!

"1. You can use it to collect small parts as they are cut off - make a collection tube that fits the hose, and then place a piece of hardware cloth or window screen at the juncture of the hose and tube.  Place the tube opening near the saw blade The piece will be sucked into the pipe and trapped against the screen."
 
This is a great idea Bob, I will try this! When cutting small parts with my preac they fly everywhere.

"1. You can use it to collect small parts as they are cut off - make a collection tube that fits the hose, and then place a piece of hardware cloth or window screen at the juncture of the hose and tube.  Place the tube opening near the saw blade The piece will be sucked into the pipe and trapped against the screen."
 
This is a great idea Bob, I will try this! When cutting small parts with my preac they fly everywhere.

Brilliant idea! Anything that makes tying ratlines easier or more accurate is always welcome!

Brilliant idea! Anything that makes tying ratlines easier or more accurate is always welcome!

Brilliant idea! Anything that makes tying ratlines easier or more accurate is always welcome!

A few things that I have in my workshop that I like:
 
I have several switches all next to each other that are run to plugs on the workbench. One powers the mini table saw, one the drill-press, one the disk sander and the other the vacuum. I can turn on and off the vacuum and any of the other 3 tools with one hand.
 
Wire one plug above the workbench to the lightswitch, and color that plug red. Use that plug for a soldering iron or plank bender, so even if you forget to turn it off, it goes off when you leave the shop and turn off the light.
 
Have an area for painting and staining. Hang a shower curtain(s) as best you can to section off that area and have an exhaust fan sucking from that area. Keeps the fumes out of the house very well!
 
Lots of light, with one movable so you can focus it on your workspace.
 
Have a deep laundry sink for cleanup.
 
In cabinets, drawers are better than doors/shelves, and more small drawers are better than fewer large drawers. Most of the parts and tools we use are small so large drawers get cluttered fast.
 
Opposite to the previous item, thin drawers with a large footprint (think map drawers... maybe 10cm tall...) are great for storing different cuts of wood, plans, metal, etc...
 
I have a foot-switch that I plug my dremel into. The switch on the dremel is always on, but the tool only runs when I step on the switch.
 
A drying-rack made out of wire shelving suspended below a furnace duct.
 
That's all I can think of right now, but there may be more...

A few things that I have in my workshop that I like:
 
I have several switches all next to each other that are run to plugs on the workbench. One powers the mini table saw, one the drill-press, one the disk sander and the other the vacuum. I can turn on and off the vacuum and any of the other 3 tools with one hand.
 
Wire one plug above the workbench to the lightswitch, and color that plug red. Use that plug for a soldering iron or plank bender, so even if you forget to turn it off, it goes off when you leave the shop and turn off the light.
 
Have an area for painting and staining. Hang a shower curtain(s) as best you can to section off that area and have an exhaust fan sucking from that area. Keeps the fumes out of the house very well!
 
Lots of light, with one movable so you can focus it on your workspace.
 
Have a deep laundry sink for cleanup.
 
In cabinets, drawers are better than doors/shelves, and more small drawers are better than fewer large drawers. Most of the parts and tools we use are small so large drawers get cluttered fast.
 
Opposite to the previous item, thin drawers with a large footprint (think map drawers... maybe 10cm tall...) are great for storing different cuts of wood, plans, metal, etc...
 
I have a foot-switch that I plug my dremel into. The switch on the dremel is always on, but the tool only runs when I step on the switch.
 
A drying-rack made out of wire shelving suspended below a furnace duct.
 
That's all I can think of right now, but there may be more...

A few things that I have in my workshop that I like:
 
I have several switches all next to each other that are run to plugs on the workbench. One powers the mini table saw, one the drill-press, one the disk sander and the other the vacuum. I can turn on and off the vacuum and any of the other 3 tools with one hand.
 
Wire one plug above the workbench to the lightswitch, and color that plug red. Use that plug for a soldering iron or plank bender, so even if you forget to turn it off, it goes off when you leave the shop and turn off the light.
 
Have an area for painting and staining. Hang a shower curtain(s) as best you can to section off that area and have an exhaust fan sucking from that area. Keeps the fumes out of the house very well!
 
Lots of light, with one movable so you can focus it on your workspace.
 
Have a deep laundry sink for cleanup.
 
In cabinets, drawers are better than doors/shelves, and more small drawers are better than fewer large drawers. Most of the parts and tools we use are small so large drawers get cluttered fast.
 
Opposite to the previous item, thin drawers with a large footprint (think map drawers... maybe 10cm tall...) are great for storing different cuts of wood, plans, metal, etc...
 
I have a foot-switch that I plug my dremel into. The switch on the dremel is always on, but the tool only runs when I step on the switch.
 
A drying-rack made out of wire shelving suspended below a furnace duct.
 
That's all I can think of right now, but there may be more...