A big challenge in woodworking is that there are so many critical aspects to consider before we can actually get to work. Our annual Tools & Shops issue offers an opportunity to take a step back from building things and look at the state of our tools and the places we call our shops. From there we can chart a course toward doing better work and finding more enjoyment in the time we spend in those shops.

While most of us would like to have a bigger space to work in, our ability to adapt the space we have can make a bigger impact on our enjoyment and productivity than increasing the square footage. In this issue, Alan McIvor shares his ingenious strategies for getting
the most from his single-car garage shop, with tips from layout to storage solutions that make the most of the space he has to work with. Regardless of the size of your shop, I’m confident there will be many ideas that you can put to use as well.

When our results don’t match our intentions, we tend to blame our lack of skill or experience, but the reason for our troubles can often be attributed to the condition of our tools or machines. Following his review of mid-size lathes in FWW #307, Andrew Finnigan suggests in this issue some lathe upgrades that can help turn a solid tool into a top-rate performer. And on the subject of tuning-up tools, Mark Harrell presents a valuable primer on getting a vintage backsaw up and running.

Setting up a shop can involve a big financial investment, and gathering all the machines on our shopping lists can take a long time. This doesn’t mean that we need to wait until we have everything in place, or limit what we make. Vic Tesolin illustrates how to get by just fine without that shop cornerstone, the table saw. Not only can you do good work without one, but you may find you can skip that purchase altogether.

While often overlooked, sandpaper is a staple in just about every shop, and it often plays a leading role in finishing a project. Adam Godet dives into the world of coated abrasives and offers insights into the factors involved in choosing the right product for the job. Whether you’re sanding by hand or machine, the right grit, coating, and backing can make faster work of the task and offer better results. From sandpaper to backsaws, machine upgrades to shop layout strategies, I’m confident that this issue will help you to get set up in your shop, have more fun when you’re there, and achieve the results you want.