A healthy mind starts in a healthy body. Likewise, a tidy, clean joinery job starts in a tidy and organised workshop. In the latest from TensorGrip Tips, we share some simple yet effective advice on setting your workshop up for success. Get reading, grab a broom and get ready to sharpen up your space!

Nobody likes clutter and mess - especially where saws and power tools are concerned. However, keeping your workshop organised and tidy is important for a number of reasons, and not just for its obvious visual appeal. Aside from the obvious health and safety benefits, keeping your workspace organised allows you to work faster and more effectively.

Is your workshop cluttered, dusty and disorganised? If so, here’s a few reasons why you should pause your work to give your space a bit of TLC…

• Reduced hazards: Whilst keeping your workspace clean and hygienic will significantly reduce your risk of falling ill, it also keeps things that little bit safer for you and any of your employees. Who needs boxes getting in the way of the job, or worse - fire escapes?

 

• Increased productivity: Here at TensorGrip, our customers work to tight deadlines. This means that productivity is all-important. Keeping your workshop clean and organised minimises unwanted distractions whilst reducing man-hours spent tidying up.

 

• A professional impression: In the world of joinery, professionalism matters. Indeed, the state of your workshop will give your client an impression of how you approach the job at hand. By keeping your space well regimented and organised, you give off the organised impression your customers will want to see.

The benefits of keeping a clean and organised workshop are obvious. However, how can joiners do this effectively? It takes more than a mop and broom - keep reading to learn more!

Keep Your Tools Organised

Joinery tools can be an expensive bit of kit. So, give them the respect and care they deserve by keeping them well organised. Not only will this reduce the chances of your tools becoming damaged or even missing, it will also help you find them faster when time is tight. Forget slinging your tools over a random hook: there’s better ways of doing it…

• Keep similar tools together: Start off by organising your tools  by what they’re used for. Keep all the mechanic, woodworking and decorating tools in separate places and consider labelling them. You can save valuable time by organising your sockets, screwdrivers and wrenches according to size.

 

• Clean as you go: The best way to keep your workshop tidy is to clean up as you go. After all, the more you ignore that pile of sawdust, the bigger it becomes. After each task, take a quick look to see if there’s any way you can clear up the mess before it becomes a major task and potential time-waster. 

Maintain Your Inventory

We’ve seen joinery workshops with hundreds - even thousands - of expensive tools. As your collection grows, so will the importance of keeping track of it all. To keep things organised and in-check, maintaining an inventory is an absolute essential. 

• Check on the job: Assembling a piece of furniture? Creating a piece that is bespoke? Stay organised by keeping track of all the bolts and brackets you use along the way. Whilst this helps you keep stock, it also makes the assembly process more efficient.

 

• Don’t spend more: There’s nothing worse than forking out on an expensive saw, only to return to your workshop to find out that you had one all along. By keeping a well organised inventory, you can plan what you need to buy.

Keep Your Tools Clean

In many cases, joinery tools are built to stand the test of time. However, getting the greatest lifespan out of your tools requires a bit of careful cleaning. By cleaning your tools properly, you can use them for longer and avoid having to spend even more on replacements.

• Prevent rust & grime: In many cases, cleaning your tools is simple. All it requires is some mineral spirits on a rag, which will quickly remove any unwanted materials such as glue or paint. If your tool is metal-based, it also helps to give it a light spray with WD40. When cleaning power tools, it's essential to clear any fist and to lubricate the machine with oil.

 

• Ensure top performance: Some tools require special care. In the case of your TensorGrip Adhesive Canister, it’s essential to ensure that your nozzle and gun are clear of any blockages. For some expert tips on caring for your TensorGrip canister, click here.

Take Storage Seriously

You can do a number of things to tidy and clean your workshop. However, nothing supports strong organisation quite like storage areas. To sharpen up your space, invest in the storage space it needs, including shelves; pegboards and cabinets. It also helps to invest in proper cable management products to keep wires organised and out of harm’s way.

• Shelving and storage: You can set yourself up for success quickly by mounting a pegboard right above your workspace. Open shelving is also a handy way to see the tools right in front of you, helping you avoid the temptation of ditching your tools when time is tight.

 

• Adhesive care: It’s important to give your TensorGrip Joinery Adhesive canisters the storage they need. Whilst this can prevent them from becoming missing, it can also reduce the risk of compromising their integrity due to extreme temperatures. To avoid these pitfalls, store your adhesive canisters above ground and consider using heat belts during the colder months in winter. 

Invest in High Quality Cleaning/Tidying Products

Keeping your workshop tidy and organised will require more than a broom and mop. As an essential, you should invest in advanced cleaning products that can handle all of the materials that will pass through your space; from sawdust and dirt to excess glue and discarded nuts, bolts and screws.

• Choose wisely: Where tidiness is essential, so is the quality of your cleaning product. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner that’s capable of handling large volumes of sawdust. Also consider a magnetic broom to clear up any metallic mess.

 

• Choose TensorGrip: In many cases, workshop mishaps can be dealt with by using a high quality acetone cleaner. Fortunately, TensorGrip offers a range of cleaning products, including industrial cleaning wipes, citrus adhesive cleaner and acetone cleaner. You can speed up the cleaning process by spraying these cleaners via our smart canister symptoms. It’s easy!

 

Productivity Starts with TensorGrip

A productive workshop needs productive adhesives. Here at TensorGrip, we offer adhesive solutions that are fast acting, fast drying and guaranteed to succeed across a huge range of substrates. To enquire about our full product range or to discuss any specific requirements, contact us today.