Description
These instructions are a complete step by step guide that will show you how to build the One Minute Workbench MicroShop
This project is designed to be an EASY build – no crazy joinery…HOWEVER….
THIS PROJECT IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
You MUST have a good understanding of using a table saw in order to build one. There will be parts of this build that will require you to use the table saw while it is partially built. Again you MUST be proficient in table saw use to use a saw in a partially built state. Do NOT attempt any aspect of this project if you feel uncomfortable. You assume all liability for injury or death by proceeding with this project!
About the plans:
- Formatted for normal sized (8.5″ x 11″) printer paper, so you can print them at home.
- Includes Imperial (U.S.) version
- Includes Metric version
- They also include:
- A complete shopping list for the materials you need.
- A complete list of parts you need to cut with all the dimensions necessary (with images).
- Step by step instructions that accompany and compliment the build video.
About the MicroShop:
- 30″ (76cm) wide x 20″ (51cm) deep x 15 & 5/8″ (40cm) tall.
- Includes a table saw, router table, jigsaw table, 9″ (22.9cm) disc sander, drill press, and oversized miter gauge with extended material support arm.
- About 17″ (43.2cm) rip capacity (could be modified to do more).
- Drill press has a 4″ (10.2cm) swing, 3″ (7.6cm) drilling depth, and about 8″ (20.3cm) of height adjust-ability.
- Disc Sander has a variable angle adjustment, anywhere from 90 to 180 degrees.
- Designed to use high quality Baltic Birch plywood for durability and strength.
Tools required (or at least strongly suggested) to build this project:
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- 23 Gauge Pin Nailer & Compressor (unless your Pin Nailer is electric) (this is optional, but HIGHLY recommended)
- Drill with the following bits (or metric equivalents): 7/64″ brad point, 1/8″ brad point, 9/64″ metal drilling bit (for pilot holes in saw bases),1/4″ brad point, 5/16″, 5/16″-18 tapping, 3/8″ brad point, 1/4″ spade (long), 3/4″ spade, 7/8″ spade, 1″ spade, 1/4″, router bit, 1/2″ forstner, 7/8″ forstner, 1″ forstner
- Caliper (Highly Recommended)
- Wire Strippers
- Sander/Sandpaper
- Flat File
- 9″ Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Sanding Discs (available at Harbor Freight)
- Hacksaw (or Angle Grinder)
- Coping Saw (you can get by without this, but it sure made my life easier)
Wondering if your existing tools that will fit?
The guide below shows the overall maximum dimensions of the tools I used. If your tools are smaller than this, they will most likely fit without any modifications needed. If you your tools are larger than this, then you will likely have to modify the tool layout inside the cabinet, or use tools that are smaller. Depending on your specific set of tools, you may have one that is smaller, and one that is larger, in which case you could probably get them all to fit by simply adjusting the tool layout a bit. Measurements are shown both in inches and centimeters:
Because this is a digital product, no refunds are allowed.
Ian Mackintosh (verified owner) –
Commitments made by Tommy in providing complete sets of plans and then metricating them were met promptly and efficiently. Having reviewed the plans in detail, I am very impressed by the clarity and detail provided. I have purchased plans from other sites and no – one has come close to the professionalism displayed here. Minor queries have been answered promptly. Once my “micro-shop” is completed I look forward to building more of Tommys’ designs. Well done and thank you Tommy.
Tommy Rich –
Ian, thank you so much for that wonderful review! Keep me posted!
Raimo Leinonen (verified owner) –
The plans are VERY easy tog follow! Looking forward to build in spring.
A perfect workbench for my shed (4’x8′)
Raimo
Sweden
Tommy Rich –
Raimo, thank you for taking the time to write your review! Let me know how it goes in the spring!
Darryl Bertie –
For a newbie like me, I did question the $30, but I am so happy I bought the plans. I found them easy to follow as they are very well details. I am now half way through the build and with any queries, a quick email to Tommy and the response is very quick. I’m so chuffed my micro workshop resembles your one. Very happy customer and $30 well spent. Thank you Tommy.
Tommy Rich –
Darryl, thank you for the wonderful review! I can’t wait to see it when it’s done. Also, I have a confession to make…I had to google what “chuffed” means 😂 Thanks again!
Tommy Rich –
Update 1/17/2020 Darryl has sent in pics of his progress! Have a look here, and scroll down to the images that were added on 1/17/2020 to see his build!
Cynthia Spring (verified owner) –
I haven’t started the project yet, holidays and family, but I look forward to this build. My brother is awaiting my photos as I build. The instructions seem pretty straight forward.
Tommy Rich –
Cynthia, thank you for taking the time to write a review – I look forward to hearing how it goes!
Kimberly L Medley –
The plans are very well written but there are a couple missing pieces, such as what is that piece of metal you’re using for a riving knife. I think I’ll use splitters instead. Still I can’t wait to start building. Thanks for including the shopping list to make it easier.
Tommy Rich –
Kimberly, thank you so much for taking the time to write a review! FYI ~ the board splitter details are in Part 1 on page 55. I’ll update the materials list so future customers know – thank you for point that out!
Jann Churchill (verified owner) –
Love the plans as well as the YouTube videos to assist. I’m a beginner but am having a blast with this project!
Tommy Rich –
Jann, I’m very happy your having fun with the project! Thanks for taking the time to let everybody know!
Gabe Swan (verified owner) –
I’m an OCD-style neat freak with nearly 900sf of garage space. There are tools I’ve never purchased because of the amount of room they take up for something I’d only use a handful of times a year. I can safely say that this is the coolest, most compact build I’ve ever seen. The plans are exceptionally detailed, Tommy responded to the only question I had so fast it made my head spin. Definitely looking forward to future plans and projects. Thanks, Tommy!
Tommy Rich –
Gabe, thank you so much for the awesome review!
Tony King (verified owner) –
The build plans for the Micro Shop are extremely thorough. I’m amazed by the amount of effort that was obviously put in to package this.
The material list with part numbers made my Home Depot trip so easy. Just punch the part number into the search bar of the Home Depot app and head to the appropriate aisle! Explanations on how to proceed throughout the build are easy to follow and whenever I’ve had a question, Tommy has been very quick to respond. He’s obviously a professional with a great eye who wants me to succeed at this project. I recently had some issues with tearout. He was not only able to guide me in correctly remedying my problem, but was also able to tell me why it had happened and how to avoid it in the future.
The Micro Shop is a genius idea that will help me accomplish so many other projects in the future! I can’t wait to see what Tommy comes up with next.
Tommy Rich –
Tony, I’m very happy that you’re happy, and I appreciate you taking the time to write this awesome review – thank you so much!
claudio –
the project very precise and accurate down to the smallest detail, described in a clear and legible way and impossible to make mistakes even for beginners like me. I congratulate you for how you organized the project as a true engineer, I recommend it to everyone from Italy
Steve (verified owner) –
As a beginner I’m learning a lot by following each step of this project.
I’m going slowly and trying to be as much precise as needed in mesuring and sawing, thanks to the very good documentation and video provided.
I have just finished the table saw assembly for now but because of the Covid and the confinement where I live, I can’t go to the hardware store to buy the necessary materials to continue. I can’t wait to finish and to see some other projects from Tommy.
Ben Eggens (verified owner) –
Ik woon in Nederland/ Holland en zag de werktafel op “You Tube”.
De video’s bekeken en daardoor zo enthousiast geworden, dat ik de bouwtekeningen en de instructie heb besteld.
Inmiddels het werkstuk gemaakt met de duidelijke aanwijzingen.
Het was een hele uitdaging , maar het resultaat mag er zeker zijn!
Ik ben er heel trots op hoe het geworden is!
Tommy Rich –
Bedankt dat u de tijd heeft genomen om uw recensie te schrijven. Ik waardeer dit zeer!
Amos cohen –
This project is really amazing.
I wanted to know if the dimensions of the program you are selling are in inches or inches?
Tommy Rich –
Amos, both Imperial (inches) and Metric (centimeters & millimeters) are included with purchase of the plans. I hope this helps!
Dave Everett (verified owner) –
I know how long it takes to make a set of plans for a project, usually many times as long as it does to build the project. Tommy has produced wonderfully detailed plans to go along with his videos. I had an issue with Paypal, Tommy solved it immediately. I had a question about some details in the plans, Tommy answered that immediately. I can’t speak highly enough of his dedication and detail. Thanks Tommy.
Tommy Rich –
Thanks, Dave! I’m glad you had a good experience, and I appreciate you taking the time to write a review!
Dean Chanley (verified owner) –
Have recently downsized to a new home to less than half the space I had before. When I came across the videos I watched several times and decided this would work well for me with the smaller space I have available now. I’ve ordered/received the plans and am totally impressed with their layout, instructions, the admission of mistakes/corrections as well as the willingness to recommend alternatives to some parts of the plans/tools/materials. Have not started on it yet–still getting settled in–but will certainly make use of everything in the close future. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to other projects of yours as well.
Tommy Rich –
Dean, thanks for taking the time to write this awesome review! I look forward to seeing how the build goes – keep me posted!
Jason (verified owner) –
I purchased the plans after watching the YouTube videos. The plans are comprehensive and look like it will be simple to follow. I had an issue with downloading the plans and finding all pieces needed. Tommy is very responsive and goes out of his way to help. I look forward to starting the project soon and give feedback.
Rich Cory (verified owner) –
I bought these plans as a novice Diyer who wanted a tool to use to help build a garden room. I watched Tommy’s YouTube videos twice before deciding to buy the plans. I live in the uk and having the plans in both measurement formats (imperial vs metric) was really handy.
I am so pleased with the plans. They are comprehensive and detailed with enough information for anyone who can work systematically to use. I like the way the plans match the videos and how Tommy also shares his mistakes which helps to explain why decisions are made instead of blindly following instructions. For me knowing why certain ideas work and why some do not is valuable.
Thanks Tommy and I will be looking at the other plans you provide and wish you well with any future ventures you embark upon. Rich
Tommy Rich –
Rich, thanks for the awesome review!
Brian Callaway (verified owner) –
Plans are in superb detail and the videos explain everything. Have not started yet but looking forward to building it. Excellent product well worth the price
Brian Callaway. Uk
Tommy Rich –
Brian, thanks for the review! I look forward to seeing how your build goes!
Bryan (verified owner) –
Read through the instructions, very impressed. Easy to understand and thorough. I’,m in the process of building now. Can’t wait to start using it. Thanks Tommy!
Tommy Rich –
Bryan, thanks for the review, and good luck on finishing up the project!
Salim Patel –
I am not a professional and never done any woodwork before, Tommy is very helpful and knowledgeable, he responded within minutes, and I will enjoy my first project as I know Tommy will be available when I need him, even though his plans are very detailed, thanks Tommy.
Peter Henry (verified owner) –
These plans are really well done – nicely laid out and comprehensive. Although I haven’t actually started this project (still locating a source for Baltic Birch Ply in the UK) I am confident they will give all the information I need (especially when combined with the video). One small point, the metric versions appear to be a direct conversion from imperial sizes so the dimensions are not friendly. Sticking with the imperial version should make the build less error prone. Anyhow – thanks Tommy for the ideas and good luck with the channel.
Robert James Cox (verified owner) –
Im just about finished with this. I think there was only 3 or so mistakes in the whole write up – the last 20 pages (Imperial). Which is pretty damn impressive. I thought about making notes of the mistakes, but @ 30 a pop he doesnt need my help! I would of loved to see dust collection in it though! I have started designing a carry case that will double as a lift for the main unit as well as a small workspace!
Tommy Rich –
Robert, thanks for the review, and congrats on your progress! Feel free to email me any mistakes you find – the feedback is welcomed. I’ll add them to the list and fix them in the next round of updates. Thanks again and good luck finishing up!
Robert A (verified owner) –
I purchased the plans nearly a month ago. I’m scrounging all the materials and tools first… after that the build is on. I have printed the plans and started studying each phase of the build. Thanks again, Tommy.
Robert A.
Tommy Rich –
Robert, no problem – keep me posted on your progress!
Phil Larson (verified owner) –
The microshop is exactly the kind of solution that I need given that I don’t have room for a garage full of power tools and I am interested in doing casual woodworking projects. I purchased these plans and am very happy with the detail and clarity. The plans, combined with the videos make this project very doable. I reached out to Tommy via email with a rookie question and he responded very promptly with the help I needed. Once I finish the microshop I plan on building more of the projects on One Minute Workbench.
Michael Spears (verified owner) –
Very good design, I had a little trouble with the instructions. Read carefully and review often.
Tommy Rich –
Michael, thanks for taking the time to write this review! I’m wondering what trouble you had, so I’ll send you an email to follow up. If there’s anything I can do to improve the plans, I certainly will!
Chris Faust (verified owner) –
I found the metric and standard sizes very helpful. I live in the Philippines and know getting some of the parts will be difficult but having optional sizes is really helpful.
Building right now – great job on the instructions.
Tommy Rich –
Chris, thanks for writing this awesome review – good luck with the rest of the build!
Bart –
This project turned out to be a great kick start of my woodworking / DIY adventure. In my current place I have not got a proper workshop space but I still managed to complete 80% (as of today) of this using widely available tools. I also started my tiny YT channel motivated by how easy was to read the detailed plans and build along. That could be best $30 spent this year!
Tommy Rich –
Bart, thanks for taking the time to write this review, and to share about your build along the way! For anyone wanting to check out the video documentation of Bart’s build, you can find his YouTube channel by clicking here.
Jim Price (Ex-P.Eng) (verified owner) –
Thanks Tommy for inspiring videos. Your plans for are amazingly detailed. I am transferring them to Solidworks 3D. It would have been nice if you could have provided tour 3D model with the purchase. I am modifying it to adapt to a Workmate portable. I will include a smaller variation and will show means of stabilizing using additional struts and some weights. Would be glad to share wit you.
Peter (verified owner) –
This is the first internet project that I felt inspired to try to build myself. This was because I wanted the features offered by this bench design but also it looked to be genuinely interesting to build. I found the build experience to be quite consuming and satisfying. Almost all the issues I experienced were due to my carelessness or plywood warping. The jig saw mounting is a little tight on space though! There are a lot of innovative features in this design and I believe the plans are well worth the price. The biggest improvement I made was replacing the sanding table with a 5 sided box that acts as a table and point for dust extraction (mounted using keyhole hangers). This works very well but you do lose the table angle feature. Overall this bench has exceeded my expectations and has has a lot of use. Thanks Tommy
Tommy Rich –
Peter, thank you so much for the awesome review! I’d love to see pics of your build, so feel free to send me an email!
Dieter –
Very comprehensive plans that were clear, where nothing was omitted and simple to follow. Accuracy was spot on and this workbench sits nicely in the garage and can be easily moved from location to location. It really was an enjoyable project to build. Thanks.
Tommy Rich –
Dieter, thank you for the awesome review! I’m glad you’re happy with it!
Malcolm Dancy (verified owner) –
The instructions are really clear, and very comprehensive. I’ve just started my build, but I spent a couple of weeks looking through them while I didn’t have the time to spend in the garage.
I’m using the metric versions as I’m in Europe, and I’m grateful Tommy has taken the time to translate the measurements over. I’ll post again when I’m finished and have more to say, but so far so good – and I’m having fun!
Tommy Rich –
Malcolm, thank you for the awesome review – keep us posted!
Andrei (verified owner) –
Amazing project.
Excellent detailed plans.
I will build it.
Tommy Rich –
Thank you, Andrei! Good luck with the project!
Haydn Mellowship (verified owner) –
Hi Tommy,
I have started on this project and I am having a great time putting it together. I appreciate the detailed plans and the videos. I noted that there are a few tools that you use in the video and have not listed on the plans (large framing square, hand saw etc.) no big deal, but I did not have everything I needed at the start. I also decided to add the board splitter out of order from the plans and the video as, I felt adding this safety device was a higher priority than the mitre gauge or the fence. I also added the updated. Board splitter which is a great improvement. Thx. Haydn
Tommy Rich –
Thanks for the awesome review and the feedback – when I get a chance, I’ll add those items to the materials list. Thanks again!
Mike Medley (verified owner) –
I really like the plans for the micro shop and the micro shop container. They are beautifully written and drawn. Just what I need when we go to Texas for the winter months. I get very bored without my shop. I’m sure that I will be back for more. Thanks Tommy!
PS love your videos!
Tommy Rich –
Thank you for the wonderful review!
Tony Del Castilho (verified owner) –
This find was very timely, as my wife and I moved to a small townhouse about 18 months ago, and I have very little space for a workshop. In fact, the main shop area is a 5′ x 7′ Rubbermaid tool shed. The storage box for the MicroShop is just the right size to be stored on the lower shelf of my small workbench, which spans the 5′ depth of the shed. So I really needed a micro workshop and here it is!
I purchased the MicroShop plans just over 3 weeks ago and started the build shortly after getting comfortable with the detailed plans and videos. I have to say, in all my years experience, this is probably the best set of documented plans and build instructions (with very high quality videos to boot) that I have ever come across. And for a bargain price as well.
In addition, Tommy’s responsiveness to emails is awesome and much appreciated. I’m about to start assembling the main box and am really enjoying this experience, which I’m using as an opportunity to educate my great-nephew in the finer art of woodworking, to assist him with his school projects. In fact, we will be building two MicroShops – one for each of us. Tommy, let me know if you need another $30 from me! 🙂
I also plan to buy plans for some of the other items as well.
Congratulations on a great product Tommy, and keep it coming.
Tommy Rich –
Tony, thank you for the awesome review! I’m glad you’re excited about the project, and look forward to how it goes – good luck!
Ryan (verified owner) –
Jimmy, I love your plan and has just completed the table saw. However, I notice the 1/4″ table top attaching the circular saw actually sags a little bit (probably 1/16). Do you have suggestions on how I can fix it?
Tommy Rich –
Ryan, thanks for the review (I won’t even give you a hard time about calling me Jimmy 😉)! Did you use Baltic Birch or some other high quality plywood? I wouldn’t imagine sagging issues with the good stuff, but either way, you could probably build a cross brace that spans across to the 1/2″ sections and takes some of the weight off. If you’re still having issues, send me an email, and I’ll make sure we find a solution for you! Thanks again!
Marco Bustamante –
Awesome project during this pandemic! I Never worked with wood before But want to get into the hobby of building cool things for fun!
Started the Micro shop build I’m almost there! How can I submit pics?
Tommy Rich –
Marco, thanks for taking the time to write a review – I’m glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed the project…especially as a newbie woodworker! You can send pics by email – I’ll email you to let you know what to do. Thanks again!
Ryan TSENG (verified owner) –
Tommy,
I love your design and just finished the table saw and the drill press. Your plan has been extremely helpful and detail and has made my build quite smooth so far. My local home centers do not carry Baltic Birch plywood so I went with maple plywood. My bad. I have seen my table saw top sagging about 1/16″ since the saw is quite heavy. I’m thinking of replacing just the top layer (since the bottom two were glued in) but not sure if that will help. Any suggestion?
Also, for the drill press, it seems that I will have to adjust the squareness of the drill every time I remove the drill and put it back on even with the set screws on both sides. Is that correct?
Again, thank you for the videos and I will be back for more projects.
Arnold Altuna (verified owner) –
I purchased this workbench plan to get rid of my other tools (i.e. miter saw, floor saw, drill press) that are just eating too much space in my garage and are hard to store when not in use. The said tools are also way expensive compared to this novel 5-in-1 workbench. I figured that if I build this workbench, I will not only get rid of unwanted clunky items in my garage but also gain financially since the tools you can install on the workbench can be acquired cheaply from either Harbor Freight or Wal-Mart. Before buying the plan, I considered getting a similar, ready-to-use multi-tool and watched perhaps more than 50 related YouTube videos. However, none could compare to Tommy’s brainchild in terms of price point, versatility and user-friendliness. I am not yet halfway through my project. But this early I am seeing what this beauty will turn out to be. I have several modifications in mind that I can’t wait to share with everyone. If you purchase the plan, I am sure that you will not regret it. Building this workbench is both fun and challenging. I highly recommend that you make that USD30 investment. Kudos to Tommy for his invention.
Tommy Rich –
Arnold, thank you for the awesome compliments, and of course for taking the time to write your review! Keep me posted on your progress!
Daniele Chiaudrero (verified owner) –
Very good, impressively well done!!
Thank you for your work!
Daniele Chiaudrero
Tim (verified owner) –
I am not an experienced woodworker, taking this up due to lockdowns. The plans are very clear and with the video’s to support this is proving to be easier to complete than I thought. I am still in the early stages of the build but enjoying the process, it is nice that there are stages and modules. By breaking this down into steps you do not get daunted by the whole project, and can just concentrate on the next bit you need to build. It looks good and I have surprised the neighbours that I am capable of this.
I am in the UK and the metric version is good, a lot of the metric products still have their roots in the imperial measurements. This means that the circular saw is the same size, and you can still get the sand paper etc. So going metric is not an issue.
Darwin (verified owner) –
Your plans are very concise, and easy to follow. The parts layout is easy to follow as they are laid out by tool. Your saw guide is fantastic and makes cutting larger items a piece of cake. I am looking forward to actually building and using the tool. I haven’t done any woodworking in 40 years but I think this will be a fun and easy project.
Junio (verified owner) –
I came across one of the MicroShop videos on YouTube while looking for ideas on how to make a router table. This turned out to be even better. Instead of having one tool, I can have five tools in one. This works great for me since I have a small garage with limited space. Great job designing it!
Tommy Rich –
Junio, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! For anyone reading this review, do yourself a favor and check out Junio’s build in the gallery. It is nothing short of amazing. Just click here and scroll down to the build that was added on 4/9/2021 to see it in all its glory!
Jake (verified owner) –
I have started cutting the wood needed but stressed because of very limited space in my apartment patio. a couple of cuts on the 1/4 piece of wood are a little bit off because of limited space to build. I am still in the process of making it work because it will be perfect for me. Instructions are very nice and easy to follow!
Tommy Rich –
Jake, thanks for taking the time to write your review! Don’t get too stressed. Just take your time and try to make it a time for relaxation, and if you have any questions along the way, just send me an email!
Joe Gohlke (verified owner) –
I’m about 1/2 way through the Microshop build. I am working from the plans purchased on this site. Plans are excellent. Very detailed and thoughtfully engineered. Easy to follow. Highly recommended.
René –
Bravo. C’est du très joli travail. Étant maintenant à la retraite et désirant travailler un peu le bois je pense que je vais commander les plans afin de m’attaquer à la réalisation.
Encore bravo
Wimpie van den Berg (verified owner) –
I have started building my microshop and the plans are very easy to follow. Congrats Tommy on a job well done! I am now searching for switches as the options for use here in South Africa is different. I will first buy the switches and then do cutouts on the front according to that. I have watched every video a few times already and cannot wait for the finished product. Thank you Tommy. Oh and before I forget, I am following the metric plans and can really recommend it to anyone interested. Have a blessed day further. Kind Regards. Wimpie
Stewart –
Plans + videos are outstanding! Love the way the plans build on each other. I built a track saw first, now I’ve built the table saw, including new splitter and dust collection system. On to the drill press next week! Lots of fun. Thanks, Tommy!
Csaba (verified owner) –
I watched the full set of videos before buying the plans because I like Tommy’s design very much, it is by far the most compact yet very versatile mini workshop on the web. The plans are surprisingly well detailed, very clearly laid out and the explanations are very useful. For me resident in Spain the metric dimensions are of great help. I am now in the process of buying the materials and look forward to building this great project soon. For 30 dollars ( 27 €) these plans are extremely good value for money. The videos are so clear and detailed that one could even attempt to build this project entirely based on the videos. But now that I have purchased and checked out the plans, it makes a lot of difference. Well done Tommy!
Tommy Rich –
Thank you so much for that awesome review! I’m glad you are happy with the quality of the plans. Good luck with the project, and feel free to reach if you need anything along the way! Keep us posted on your progress!