Shop Setup, Tools, and storage,... Lasers and 3D printing

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I have started re-organizing the shop and tools for better availability and to take up less workspace.  While not complete and still on the edge of messy, it is past due time for an update.




I have kept my Mac mini (2014) running in the shop for now, but I have changed to a smaller Dell display that is mounted on the wall over the review K40 Laser (there will be a series of posts on that soon)

I am testing the Comgrow middle-size enclosure for my Xtool D1 laser.  More on that later!



One of the most significant changes is moving my supplies and tool storage to "portable"  containers.  I am using the Ridgid system from Home Depot.  I started with a couple of stackable open-top bins and expanded with two boxes for fasteners, a go box with tools, a mid-sized box for the single-purpose power tools, and a rolling box with the high-power tools.  These all stack and lock together.  


https://www.homedepot.com/b/RIDGID/N-5yc1vZ18g/Ntk-elasticplus/Ntt-ridgid%2Bmodular%2Btool%2Bstorage%2Bsystem?NCNI-5&sortby=bestmatch&sortorder=none








I have moved to battery power tools for almost all of my needs. I am using the Milwaukee M12 series of battery tools as my primary. The High Power tools are my existing 20V Dewalt tools.  I am amazed at how well the new M12 Fuel tools perform; they are closer to the Dewalt 20V line than expected and sometimes surpass the older ones.  


I will highlight a couple of these tools over time.  For a start with M12, only buy the M12 Fuel Tools.  Here is the first one as a homeowner, that is, the M12 Fuel Installation Drill/Driver.


https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2505-20


From the way, the tool hangs on your belt to the magnetic holder for bits, etc.  This tool is one of the most flexible.

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