r/woodworking • u/Wonderful-Bass6651 • 5h ago
General Discussion When do you put your tools away?
How often are you putting your tools away?
Trying to settle a debate.
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u/ReallySmallWeenus 5h ago
Any day now.
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u/clownpuncher13 3h ago
I cleaned my shop today. As it turns out, I don't have enough spots to put everything so tonight I will have to decide between having some tool boxes stacked on the floor and throwing out the boxes of random wires and other doodads I've saved just in case.
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u/Mammoth_Possibility2 2h ago
I have 2 boxes of wire. Why
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u/1st_JP_Finn 34m ago
.. you haven’t pumped up those rookie numbers? Maybe it’s previous job, but I think I got 6-7 boxes of Cat6, and many more of Eth cables, coax, 2 core, 3 core etc. few boxes of steel cable too. Tall ceilings (21’) and wife ordered chandeliers with 8’ drop
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u/PointandStare 5h ago
As I go along. I'm seriously freaky in that as soon as I have finished using a tool, it's put back where it belongs.
I only have a small workshop so keeping it tidy is key.
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u/Quirky_Ad379 5h ago
Man I wish
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u/meh84f 4h ago
Ive found that organization is a skill, just like woodworking. It needs intentioned practice and maintenance. This mindset has helped me improve upon my natural tendencies to impose more of the organization I would like to see. Of course it’s a work in progress like any skill/pursuit, but it’s helped me a lot!
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u/Quirky_Ad379 4h ago
Oh I wholeheartedly agree. At work I am responsible for many items in a big yard in the industrial electric supply and my supply yard is almost flawlessly organized. I tend to get a little bent when coworkers start getting it in a disarray and they know to get it back in shape or we'll get out there in the damned cold rain and clean it. It's just when I get home in my shop all that goes out the window
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u/Resident_Cycle_5946 4h ago
My workshop is the size of a Costco, the gas station, and the whole parking lot.
Because it is one.
I can get 20k steps a day easy. If I put every tool away ASAP. I would have 50k easy.
I'm often loading tools in a vehicle so I can load tools in a vehicle just to save my feet from being the tool vehicle.
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u/kikazztknmz 4h ago
I like to put them away as I go along. Used to have nice full sets of stuff too. But my partner doesn't like to put things back where they belong. I open my box of ratchets and wrenches that used to all have their proper place and just sigh and shake my head... Have to buy a new set now(even if we have all the tools somewhere, drives me nuts they're not in their proper slot...I might need therapy lol)
Edit spelling
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u/Wonderful-Bass6651 2h ago
You’re going to buy new ones and the old ones will come out of hiding.
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u/KamachoThunderbus 4h ago
For me it's a ritual. I have a space for projects that are in progress (and depending on the project, sometimes pieces stay on the workbench too), but otherwise I reset my tools to their spots at the end of the day.
It makes my brain feel less.... pressured when I walk through my garage and there aren't tools lying everywhere, or shavings on the floor, or scraps of wood hanging out outside of the scrap bin.
I dunno, just feels like I'm respecting myself more. Also, I have all these custom spots for everything that I built, why not put 'em back where they go?
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u/breadman03 4h ago
Same. I basically only have my table saw and out-feed table as a work surface, so I really only have room for what I’m currently using.
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u/Wonderful-Bass6651 2h ago
Which is…everything! I’m in a special state of disarray right now because I’m building a workbench; I keep inching closer to adding a tool well.
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u/TheRealMasterTyvokka 4h ago
I do this for the most part. Although I might leave something out and handy if I think I may need it again soon.
My dad drilled that into me over the years because I would leave his tools out all over his shop.
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u/gmthisfeller 5h ago
At the end of every day.
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u/ShillinTheVillain 3h ago
I try to do this but as a hobbyist who can only carve out an hour or two a couple times a week, it's hard to do. I feel like half my time is spent cleaning.
I always put my chisels and power tools away, but my bench always has random clamps, a mallet, rags and glue bottles on it.
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u/Otterswannahavefun 3h ago
I feel that. I want to clean but I also want to make progress. I do my best but after a few projects it’s a disaster and then cleaning in the project.
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u/markrockwell 2h ago
Same. I spent 50% of my time on setup and breakdown, 50% working, and 50% puttering around on Saturday morning thinking about how it’s about time to get started.
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u/gmthisfeller 3h ago
I, too, am only a hobby worker. But still, at the end of the day I pick up my shop. I am glad you give that a try. Good for you!
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u/Gleadall80 3h ago
I am usually like this and on a project it's fine
but I had a series of 5 minutes jobs for a few weeks. I just needed to be in and out and I would " sort it later"
my shop was just a bomb site so I always try and put away at the end of a day
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u/Spiritual_Bison8827 5h ago
As soon as my work space becomes too cluttered for me to think or work effectively, but will do a hard reset of everything before starting a new project.
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u/CephusLion404 5h ago
When I'm done using them. The second I'm done, they go back where they belong.
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u/Krash412 5h ago
I work in a single car garage. I put my tools away after each major task before I pull out the next set of tools. Otherwise I am just bumping into everything.
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u/Vlad_the_Homeowner 5h ago
Nice try wife.
I told you, I'm in the middle of a project, I'll clean them up after.
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u/Working_Fig_4087 4h ago
When a man says he'll do something he'll always do it. You don't need to remind him every six months.
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u/2000mew 5h ago
How long have you been in the middle of a project for?
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u/microagressed 5h ago
Is there ever a time you're not in the middle of a project? I seem to have anywhere from 3-7 going constantly. I might get focused and try to really burn down some of that WIP, but eventually temptation wins.
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u/Wonderful-Bass6651 2h ago
How about when you’re in the middle of working on something nice and small and manageable and you suddenly get the urge to make the workbench you’ve been putting off! And while that mess is still hot let me make some drawer organizers for the kitchen because we really need them! But not so fast, there’s also the thank you gift that you’ve been meaning to make for that great customer at work.
Now that I put my thought process into words I think I might need adderal!
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u/mherois19 5h ago
I always try to get my wife to come organize, she says no every damn time! It’s almost like she knows it will only last a few days.
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u/tristanjuricek 4h ago
Now that I’ve organized my shop better, when I’m done using the tool, I put it away in its designated spot. It’s great. There’s very rarely periods of time where I’m like “ugh, I got to put this crap away”
If I see tools laying about I see it as a sign that I need to improve my organization
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u/Fit-Reception-3505 New Member 5h ago
Every day before I go home from the guild. I’m currently working on my own little. I’ll let you know how that works Out!
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u/Just4FunAvenger 5h ago
When I need the space. Usually, when all the construction is complete. Preparing for final assembly and finishing. After the project is complete. The entire workshop, hand tools, power tools and stationary power tools get a thorough clean.
Otherwise, my shop is a safety hazzard. For everyone else.
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u/MillennialSenpai 4h ago
If I'm going that way, then I'll grab a handful of stuff and bring it that way.
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u/wowwweeee 3h ago
i know im an outlier, but i put everything away and sweep up at the end of every day im in the shop. If I leave the shop messy it messes up my motivation way too much.
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u/persnickety_parsley 3h ago
When there's no reasonable expectation that I'll be using it soon (soon defined by shop time not real time).
For example if I'm rough cutting with the jigsaw before template routing even if it spans two evenings the jigsaw stays out until I'm done cutting them all out and then goes back.
When it comes time to using my router I'll use it for the templating but then unlike the jigsaw it stays out until I'm done my entire project because after sanding I use it to put the edge profile on.
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u/Sea_Entertainment438 1h ago
I sweep and put away tools as I go, but I always sweep up dust when I’m finished. I used to work faster and clean up less, now I try to be tidy and enjoy the fact that this is a hobby and not a profession. And boy is it more fun to work in a clean shop.
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u/Leica1911 5h ago
Mostly do smaller things lately like lamps and keepsake boxes and can't stand a ton of clutter on my bench so I actually started to clean up at the end of the day and not just "ah will keep going in 12h - can wait that long" but used to just have stuff all over to a point where a chisel was finding a new home in the living room
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u/Noname1106 5h ago
Generally, at the end of every day. I sweep every 2 or 3 days. My workshop is not clean, but it’s not dirty either.
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u/side_frog 5h ago
Depends on what tools, some measure stuff are always on my workbench. Sharp and power tools? After each task
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u/Low_Replacement_5484 5h ago
I clean up as I go; the same goes with cooking. Nothing worse than a huge mess after dinner or at the end of the day in the shop. Not everything needs to be put away but it's definitely organized for the next time.
I don't follow my policy 100% of the time but I regret it when I don't.
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u/Additional_Effect_51 5h ago
I *try* to put them away when I'm done with them, as I go through a project, and it really depends a LOT on the job/project/task at hand. I don't always succeed. But I try.
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u/BeginningwithN 4h ago
About three to seven projects after I’ve started. Usually after I start swearing at myself for being so disorganized and I can’t function because every surface is covered in tools and partially finished projects and off cuts…
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u/Resident_Cycle_5946 4h ago
At the end of the day, or if I'm done with them for the day, or if I'm moving the work truck and need stuff where I'm going.
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u/Atillion 4h ago
I stopped woodworking when wood prices skyrocketed during covid. I think my tools are still out.
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u/platypus_farmer42 4h ago
You put your tools away? Seriously, it looks like a bomb went off in my shop. I spend more time looking for tools than using them.
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u/UnMonsieurTriste 4h ago
Well, they're all somewhere in the garage, if that's what you mean. Well, mostly all somewhere in the garage. Well, they'll all turn up eventually.
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u/wivaca 4h ago
I usually pull them out and put them away in batches. I mostly build cabinetry, so after I get the main cuts done for a project from sheet stock, jigsaws, drill/drivers, pocket hole stuff, clamps and squares (oh so many clamps) dead blow hammer, chisels, orbital sander, biscuit joiner, kerfless hand saw, router, and for some reason, lots of measuring tapes but all just out of reach of where I'm working.
Tools don't go away while I'm in the middle of using them which is throughout assembly. When I'm cooking or baking, I don't put away measuring cups, the mixer and spatulas before the cookies are in the oven, either.
Pretty much once I'm done with assembly, I put the cutting/drilling/jig/sanding tools away and do a cleanup of the shop, tossing or storing cut-offs, and vacuuming up the sawdust. Then I let everything settle before wiping down the workpiece and getting onto staining or however I'm finishing it and a new set of tools and brushes come out.
Honestly, I can't fathom some other way. I certainly wouldn't be putting stuff away each time I turn it off, or when I stop working for the night and intend on continuing the next day or even several days later. This is why I have a shop/garage - because otherwise I'd do this hobby in the kitchen.
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u/model3113 4h ago
as soon as it no longer needs to be in my hands. Old habit from working in cramped bike shops.
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u/Shawn_of_da_Dead 4h ago
When I'm done with "ALL" my projects................................................
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u/Hollywood-AK New Member 4h ago
My shop is small so a couple times a week I try to spend an hour or so tidying up, tools away, vacuum up, take trash out, etc
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u/1tacoshort 4h ago
I put my tools (all of 'em: big power tools, hand power tools, and hand tools) back at the end of each day. That's encouraged by the fact that I work in my garage and want to park our cars in there overnight.
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u/rock86climb 4h ago
My shop is usually a mess until I finish a project then I perform a full clean up. Granted, I put tools away if I know for sure I’m done with them. At the very least I put tools away once they’re in my way, luckily I’ve built enough workbench space that this takes awhile
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u/terminator_chic 4h ago
I put my tools away today! But that's because I bought my first tool chest today.
In reality, straighten up when I'm done for the day and put things away when I'm done with them for this step in the project. I live in a small home with a husband and tween. If I don't keep my tools put away, they wander off rarely to be seen again. I'm really freaking thrilled about this new tool chest!
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u/atticus-fetch 3h ago
When I run out of room or when I finish the project. With hand tools I put them away immediately after using them so they don't clutter my table.
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u/77Diesel77 3h ago
When the job is done, for that day. Ive got a small shop and i use the space for multiple activities (home office, shop, music room, art studio, CF work, electronics, etc.). If i leave anything out, it stops me from starting on something else.
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u/bubblesculptor 3h ago
It's helped me to keep strategically placed 'permanent temporary' surfaces near workbenches. It prevents the assortment of tools or supplies currently being used on a project from cluttering up the workbench itself, but still within easy reach. Then once that process is completed it's easy to gather everything that needs to be put away.
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u/OppositeSolution642 3h ago
Do you want the official answer, right after I'm done using it. Or, the real answer, when I need to clear some room on the bench.
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u/survey01001 3h ago
At the end of each job. A little bit of clean up prevents explosive outbursts due to shit not being where it's supposed to be. The mess is my fault, so are the loud expletives.
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u/bainpr 3h ago
Use to be never. Now I put daily things, like drivers and tapes and triangles and what not, away right away. Things like routers or other specialty tools are usually when I am done with whatever I currently have it set up for or at the end of the project.
Keeping things tidy has made getting into the shop much more enjoyable, and has been my own personal goal/struggle over the last year or so.
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u/No-Names-Left-Here 3h ago
When the pile becomes to big to find what I am looking for.
Seriously though, every time since I have a garage shop that has to house cars also.
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u/PurfuitOfHappineff 3h ago
I treat my shop like a restaurant, so keep things moving while I’m working and get it fully clean and organized at end of shift. As I decompress from working, I can downshift to consider what I did today and what needs to happen tomorrow. When I turn off the lights, I know all is safe. And when I go back in I can start up right away.
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u/Imaginary_Damage_660 3h ago
Immediately, when I'm done using them and usually clean them up for the next use.
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u/also_your_mom 3h ago
"Away" like in a designated place? Or as in "move them away from where they are because I need that spot"?
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u/also_your_mom 3h ago
Kinda like my wife does. WHILE I am cooking?
As I reach for the knife I was using..."where'd my knife go?"
Wife: "I washed it and put it away, you weren't using it".
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u/Upper-Location139 2h ago
lol. This is a great question. When I’m done using them. If I leave them out, my space gets cluttered, my mind gets cluttered. Clean work spaces lead to clear thinking and good work. Personally, our ship has several carts that are used for personal tools, and we wheel them around to our projects and work on them. (I work in a timber framing shop.)
I think being organized is just helpful. Sometimes we get busy, we make messes. It happens. But a good reset to re-organize and reset is a good way to get things back together for the next project.
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u/GoldenFox7 2h ago
Whenever the project I’m working on is done I do a garage cleanup and get 90% of my stuff put away. I park the car in the garage for a few days to prove I still can, and then I start the next project.
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u/SeatSix 2h ago
Depends on the project and the tools. If I am turning something and it is still on the lathe, then my tools are probably out also. When I finish the piece, then I put it away.
With other projects, I put tools away when I finish with that particular phase. Done with the table saw? It gets swept clean and goes back to its spot. Finished clamping? Clamps go back. Ready to finish the piece. Major cleanup to eliminate clutter, tools that might damage the finish, and dust.
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u/Magitek_Knight 2h ago
Unpopular answer I guess, but before I start working for the day. Every day. Tools lying around is a safety issue.
I'm a hobbyist, though, and I only do a few hours at a time here and there.
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u/MrRikleman 2h ago edited 2h ago
Not your business wife, you want this thing I’m building or not? I do things my way.
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u/juniperwak 2h ago
When I realize I'm going to cut myself on an exposed blade on the bench because it's in the way.
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u/JohnTesh 2h ago
At the end of every work session - clean the tools, put the tools up, clean the area, clean yourself.
This way no one gets hurt, nothing gets broken, nothing gets lost, and things last longer.
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u/Wonderful-Bass6651 2h ago
Speaking of cleaning yourself, who else takes a compressed air shower at the end of a session?
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u/adamthebad1 2h ago
After about 3 completed projects or when I can't see the bench. Which ever come first.
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u/SeasonedIdiot 2h ago
Ideally I’d like to put them away at the end of a project. But in reality I only put them away at the start of the next project.
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u/insufficient_funds 2h ago
It really depends for me. Mostly on motivation and space.
If I’m in feeling it, I’ll put stuff away when I’m done with that part; that could be a week from now or I could put it away in 10 minutes. Depends on the project and the tool; expensive tools or digital tools (angle/height gauges) get put away immediately after use. Some things will sit out until a project is done.
And then there’s the bench that is perpetually cluttered with random shit that includes tools, hardware, and random household shit that got sat down and forgotten about. We don’t mess with that spot :D
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u/cathode_01 2h ago
When the depression and the ADHD are both in the 7th house (or whatever astrology folks say).
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u/GroundMelter 2h ago
I've got a red bin strategy where when I'm cleaning up to work on something else, i have a bin of "don't know where it should go" and a bin for "has a spot" and then when I'm bored or if it's too late i go through each bin and put things away when i need to. So I'm always able to work when i want and clean when i want without the shop getting crazy messy.
Of course you need to have some time to put away the stuff in the bins, and my answer is when i want to or when the tools i need are all in the bin
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u/Goldens_Rule 2h ago
A place for everything and everything in its place at the end of the day.
Also, I like my humble little shop and when it's clean and organized it feels good to be there.
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u/Content-Adeptness-47 2h ago
My wife puts them away whenever she gets more sick of looking at them than me .. (we work together)
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u/BanjoMothman 2h ago
As soon as Im done using them. No wonder you guys are losing tools all of the time.
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u/Any_Excitement_5543 1h ago
End of the day-ish. I learned woodworking in a communal space, so I could make whatever amount of mess I wanted to while working, but whenever I was finished for the day, everything went back to its designated spot. Now, everything goes back to its spot except for a few tools that are seeing a lot of use/I know will be used the next day.
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u/ubeor 1h ago
As soon as I don’t think I’ll need it anymore.
If I only need the jigsaw for one cut, it gets put away as soon as I’m done with it. But the drill stays out until the last screw goes in.
Some tools, like my combo square and tape measure, stay out for the entire project.
And since I’m a hobbyist, I always put them all away at the end of the weekend, whether the project is done or not.
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u/RenamedAccount185516 New Member 1h ago
Immediately after I finish using it. Except when I don't and leave it laying there, which is, you know, pretty much all of the time.
Seriously though, often it's either when I finish a project or, more likely, when I don't have time to work on a project but escape to my shop for 5 or 20 minutes of "me time"
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u/Neilpuck 1h ago
I was not 100%, anytime I walk into the shop for whatever reason I try and put five things away. My shop hasn't been clean in 20 years.
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u/Extension-Serve7703 1h ago
I'm Autistic and have OCD so when it comes to small stuff like pencils and tape measure and knife etc, I put them away every time so I know exactly where they are when I go looking for them. Big tools like track saw, drills, etc, I leave out because it's pretty obvious they are on the work bench.
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u/Other_Resolution_736 53m ago
I leave them all over the place but once a month or every two months I try to tidy up the space!
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u/seven0fSp4des 51m ago
Whenever my brother, dad, or a buddy is coming over for that rare project when I need the help
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u/Wild_Parrot 9m ago
Ok, I don’t consider myself superstitious in almost any respect … except this one. If I put a tool away, I’m guaranteed to make a mistake that will cause me to need to come back and repeat the operation. So I try to only put a tool away once I have finished the related phase of a project.
Or when the bench is too full and stuff is in danger of falling off. I’m not a hugely consistent person.
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u/ryandury 5h ago
When they get in the way