From Basic Tools to a Functional Workshop: Part 1

Introduction :

Coming from an IT DevOps background, I’m no stranger to the feeling of starting daunting new projects. In DevOps, each project presents unique challenges, but with every completed task, you add another tool to your toolbelt. Over time, you build up a reliable toolchain, allowing you to bootstrap future projects with confidence and efficiency quickly. I wanted to take this DevOps approach and apply the iterative process to help me with the countryside renos.

Much like adapting tools and scripts in DevOps to fit different environments or project needs, the same principle applies when working with physical tools in the workshop. It’s all about creatively using what’s available. Take the old, discarded bench left by the previous owner—most would see it as junk, but it became a makeshift jig. It’s like finding an outdated script in your Git repo and repurposing it for a new build—just flipping the mental model to apply to the physical world. This crossover between DevOps and woodworking isn’t just about being resourceful with materials; it’s a mindset. In both fields, we continuously tweak, iterate, and optimize, whether we’re building workflows or workbenches. Think of it as open-source hardware hacking—each adjustment brings you closer to a more customized and efficient setup.

Setting up a workshop in the countryside with minimal tools can feel like an uphill battle. In this series, I’m documenting my journey from that makeshift jig, constructed with an old bench, to eventually building a fully functional Multi-Function Table (MFT) workbench. In this first post, I’ll showcase the tools I’m starting with and how I’ve created a functional (if rudimentary) setup using what’s on hand.

The Tools I Have So Far:

Like any good project, my workshop is a work in progress. It’s far from fully equipped, but the tools I have are a solid starting point. While it’s been a while since I’ve done in-depth trades work, I’ve spent time in workshops long before I entered the world of DevOps. In high school, I was part of the last group to experience hands-on shop classes before those programs were unfortunately cut by the government. I took courses in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical wiring, and electronics, so I’m no stranger to industrial tools. Later, after graduating from university, I even had a brief stint working with CNC machines and 3D printers (spoiler alert for future posts in this series).

And no, I am not sponsored.

Here’s a look at the current toolchain that’s helping me get from Point A to Point B:

Cordless Drill Combo

Let’s face it: everyone starts with a cordless drill as it is the most used tool for everything around the house, shop, and outdoors to help with fastening. Whether I’m setting screws, building jigs, or prepping pieces for the next build, the cordless drill is essential for both big and small tasks.

Brushless Sub Compact Reciprocating Saw

I must admit this isn’t a common tool to get it immediately. When my wife informed me that I would have to do quite a bit of demo work in a short time frame, I decided the best approach was to get a reciprocating saw to help tear things down quickly. Additionally, the saw helps with clearing out tree limbs in outdoor spaces.

Cordless Circular Saw

With the circular saw, things get a bit more versatile. It’s not as specialized as the reciprocating saw, but it’s a step up in speed and efficiency. While not always essential for finer details, it’s been a game-changer when I must make quick, straight cuts through lumber, beams or sheet material. The circular saw has saved countless hours of hand sawing, from rough framing to prepping boards for more detailed work.

Orbital Sander

If you read my last post, I had to remove the paint from the window frame to see the condition of the wood. We initially used a sanding block, but it took too much time. To speed up the process, we got a cordless orbital sander. Now, I admit, the cordless option wasn’t the brightest idea since the battery drains quickly, making us constantly swap out. I will probably choose the corded option next time.

Of course, I do have some hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, speed squares, measuring tapes, and clamps lying around that I can grab when a project needs them, and I will also document those in a later post.

However, there is one problem that I quickly encountered in my initial build/reno work: the lack of a work surface. The saw horse can do some work by holding up the item that needs to be worked on. Still, the saw horse is very limited in its surface area, sometimes making working on the material even more complicated than working off the ground, leading me to the next section.

My Makeshift Jig:

Working off the ground is okay in some situations, but the constant ups and downs impact time efficiency. Below is a photo of a bench we found in one of the buildings that the previous owner just left behind. We repurposed the bench to work as another saw horse to help hold up some material for cutting using the circular saw.

A shot of the makeshift jig

To help with the cross-cutting, a T-square was built out of scrap wood sitting in the broken barn (more on the broken barn later). The T-square is in the photo above on the bottom right of the bench. The clamps held the T-square in place and to the bench as the circular saw ran over the wooden piece to help create a squared cut.

This makeshift jig helped speed up the cuts needed, but we must improve the cross-cutting jig to allow for mitring and rip cuts.

What’s Next – Building a Multi-Function Table (MFT):

While the makeshift jig gets the job done for now, it’s far from ideal for more advanced woodworking tasks. The concept of an MFT (Multi-Function Table) has always appealed to me because it provides the adaptability I need in my workshop. Unlike the temporary jig, which requires time to set up and is limited to basic cuts, the MFT will offer a versatile framework that can be configured for a wide range of tasks—from precision cutting to assembly. It’s not just a flat surface; it’s a tool in itself.

The inspiration for my MFT build came from a few makers I follow, including Spencley Design Co. and 10 Minute Workshop on YouTube. Their builds showed me the potential of what an MFT could bring to a workshop, but I’ll be putting my spin on the process. While they’ve showcased some excellent tools and techniques, I plan to take a slightly different approach by designing and building my jigs to assist in the table construction. This allows me to tailor the process to my specific needs and materials, creating a custom workshop solution.

The real limitation of my current setup is its single-function nature. It’s great for rough cuts and quick fixes, but it just can’t keep up with more advanced woodworking—like routing and joining. An MFT, on the other hand, will bring precision and efficiency to my workflow. I can handle a much more comprehensive range of projects by incorporating dog holes, clamps, and measurement guides without constantly adjusting my setup.

One of the standout features of the MFT is the system of dog holes, which allows for an infinite number of clamping configurations. This flexibility is crucial for me because it means I can secure virtually any material, regardless of its shape or size, and work on it with ease. Whether I’m making detailed cuts, sanding, or assembling, the dog holes will ensure the piece is held firmly in place without needing constant adjustments.

Another key feature of the MFT is its adaptability to different tools. I like embedding a routing table directly into the surface, transforming the MFT from a simple workbench into a multi-functional powerhouse. By switching between various tools—like clamping down a saw for cross-cutting or setting up a router for edgework—I’ll be able to tackle complex tasks with the same level of precision as I would in a fully equipped workshop. The precision measuring capabilities of the MFT, combined with this tool-changing flexibility, make it the perfect fit for someone like me who needs to pivot between different types of projects regularly.

My next post will focus on building a jig to help create the MFT surface. Jigs will be critical in ensuring that all cuts, holes, and measurements are accurate without relying on complex machinery.

Conclusion:

I’ve managed to scrape by with basic tools and an improvised jig, but every maker knows that a solid workbench is essential for taking your projects to the next level. The journey from makeshift setups to a well-built Multi-Function Table (MFT) is something that any DIY enthusiast can appreciate. In the next post, I’ll dive into planning and constructing a more professional MFT that will serve as the cornerstone of my workshop.

For the DIY Community, this series will focus heavily on building your tools—especially jigs—to make your projects more efficient and precise without relying on expensive, pre-built solutions. I aim to show how anyone can transform their workspace using accessible materials and practical techniques with creativity and much hands-on effort.

This series will evolve so the Tech/Maker Community can explore how technology can seamlessly integrate with traditional woodworking. While this post introduces the physical foundation of my workshop, future posts will highlight the potential for incorporating IoT devices and other tech-driven solutions to enhance workflow. If you’re a maker who loves the intersection of hardware and software, this journey will offer plenty of insights into how to modernize your workshop with smart tools and systems.

Stay tuned as we begin building the MFT and lay the groundwork for a workshop that blends the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern maker tech.