Overview
One of Mad Lads primary goals is to create a co-working space where wrench heads, builders, engineers, artists, craftsmen, etc can work together with access a plethora of tools and equipment that they individually wouldn’t own or use. It will be an epic “Mad Lab”!!
Until that day comes we’ll need to get by with our home workshop - something I’ve been slowly building since my escape from NYC in 2017. What started as a detached 3 bay garage has morphed into a fabrication space, moto workspace, auto workspace, and home gym…. “Mad Lab - Mark I”.
Home workshops often form organically stemming from project necessity and tons of research. I’m hoping some of the insights from building out our workspace can save you time when creating your own Mad Lab. I’ll continue to update this post as the space evolves - what follows is a section by section rundown of each space including select equipment recommendations.
Fabrication Shop
Our primary goal in the fab space was a dedicated space where we could work on metal or wood projects while isolating the noise, dirt, and dust from the rest of the Lab. To do this we walled off one bay of the garage and concentrated most of our equipment, shelving, and tools to this region. In the current form we can manage pretty much any project that doesn’t require machining.
Key Components
Cordless Tools - Modern cordless tools are nearly indiscernible from their corded counterparts. Choose a brand or product line that shares battery/chargers and start building out your collection. At a minimum I recommend a circular saw, reciprocating saw, hammer drill, angle grinder, and an oscillating tool. These will cover 90% of your power tool needs.
Workbench with a large vice - The utility of a sturdy workbench with a mounted vice can’t be overstated. Build or buy - just make sure it’s strong and sturdy.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw - A variety of blade options will let you cut almost anything with precision. If the Miter Saw can’t handle something - break out the angle grinder or reciprocating saw.
Drill Press - Drill presses are safer, cleaner, and more precise than your hand drill will ever be. I would look for a used one - bonus points if you find a small mill instead!
MIG Setup - A reliable MIG welder coupled with a steel top bench makes welding steel a pleasure. Those of you more advanced than me will want a AC setup for aluminum. Remember a “grinder and paint will make you the welder you ain’t”.
Hand Tools - Not an exhaustive list but a good starting point
Socket Set with a variety of extensions
Adjustable Wrenches of various sizes
Ratchet Wrench Set
Hex Wrench Set
Clamps of various sizes
Framing Square
Screwdriver Set
Torque Wrench
Soldering Iron
Spark Plug Socket
Feeler Gauge
Air Compressor - Unless you’re running a lot of air tools a portable air compressor with a spring loaded hose reel is all you need.
Material Racks - A couple wall mounted racks help keep your material organized and off the floor. Easy to build and cheap to buy.
Cabinets and Shelving - Staying organized pays dividends in a workshop. Install shelves wherever you can. In addition I recommend at least one enclosed cabinet to protect your power tools and electronics from dust/debris.
Shop Vac - Clean your room!
LED Strip Lights - You can’t have too much light in a workshop. With the variety of low cost LED lighting available you have no excuse not to light up your shop like the 4th of July.
Consumables
Zip Ties
Duct Tape
Loctite (Red and Blue)
Screws and Bolts (salvage what you can - buy as needed)
White Lithium Grease and Silicon Lube (stop using WD40 - it sucks)
Rubbing Alcohol
Shop Towels
Pens and Markers
Motorcycle Workspace
Building a moto workspace doesn’t take much. Most work can be performed on flat ground with a few hand tools. Hell - most motorcycles ship with a tool kit that covers maintenance needs.
However, if you have a little bit of garage or basement space you can quickly create a moto setup that will streamline maintenance or let you build a the cafe racer of your hipster dreams. In the Mad Lab we’ve reserved one bay for moto related work - this includes a workspace and storage for bikes/gear.
Key Components
The following are in addition to items in the Fab Shop.
Stands - Getting your moto a few inches off the ground is essential for any wheel related work. A sturdy set of fork and swingarm stands make it easy and will last a lifetime.
Lift - Why work on something 6 inches off the ground when you can raise it up to eye level? A hydraulic lift will save your back and showcase your project. I waited far to long to invest in one…
Tire Swapping Gear - good tire spoons and rim guards make swapping your own tires manageable. I recommend a balance/truing stand if you’re doing any high speed track riding.
Fluid Maintenance Kit - funnels, an oil pan, and a few large jugs for storing used fluids.
Automotive Workspace
Our auto workspace only supports maintenance and bolt on style projects. We’ll reserve the lift and engine equipment for Mad Lab - Mark II.
For now we have one garage bay with enough equipment to efficiently complete most projects. In addition to the items in the fab shop we frequently use
Key Components
The following are in addition to items in the Fab Shop.
Jack and Stands - The first thing you’ll want is a way to safely access the underside of the vehicle. A lift is ideal but you can get a lot of work done with a good hydraulic floor jack and jack stands. I also recommend wheel chocks and keeping a dozen 2 foot 2x12 blocks around.
Fender Covers - Belt buckles, buttons, and dropped tools can really “make their mark” on your fenders. Fender covers are inexpensive and stay in place much better than a towel. Highly recommend.
Fluid Maintenance Kit - funnels, an oil pan, and a few 5 gallon jugs for storing used fluids. I also keep around a few lengths/sizes of clear vinyl tubing for when you need to route drainage.
Lots of Lighting - we have several LED worklights that provide primary lighting when working under the car or deep in the engine bay. In addition I always keep a couple small LED flashlights accessible in throughout the auto area - they are essential for working under the dash or deep in the engine bay.
Equipment Recommendations
Every now and then we stumble upon a kick ass tool or product that is worth telling the world about. This is a living list of items that everyone should consider adding to their Mad Lab.
Socket Set - I picked up a Black Chrome Stanley socket set nearly two years ago and have been really impressed. The sockets are easy to read, the price is reasonable, and I’ve had zero issues with any of the drives.
Butane Soldering Iron - Most of the wiring could be accomplished via crimping but I always opt to solder. This butane powered soldering iron is fantastic and maximizes mobility.
Adjustable Wrenches - OK OK, these aren’t normal adjustable wrenches - THEY ARE BETTER. These pliers are incredible. Snag a few different sizes and you’ll never use your old thumbscrew adjustable wrench again.
Ratchet Wrenches - If you don’t already have ratchet wrenches you are missing out - go get a set now.
MIG Welder - If you’re looking for a great garage MIG you can’t beat the Lincoln MP210. A professional welder friend recommended this unit because of it’s simplicity and ability to do a variety of processes. If you’re not in a rush Lincoln tends to run a sale promotion about once a year that takes ~$500 off the normal price.
Material Racks - These are strong, super easy to install, and arguably less expensive than building them yourself.
LED Light Strips - A few of these will make it daylight in your space. Bright white light at a great cost point. Pair this with a few socket adapters to replace your existing bulbs.
Motorcycle Lift - I’ve been using this lift for several years now. It’s very well built and an excellent value.
5 Gallon Storage Jugs - These are great for oil and coolant.
Tire Tools - Swapping a tire can be an exercise in frustration. These tire tools from Motion Pro make it much easier.
Truing Stand - I’ve had this stand for several years. It’s great for balancing and checking for bent rims. I have noticed minimal corrosion but nothing that impacts function.
Low Profile Jack - This jack is low enough to slide under cars with minimal ground clearance but provides enough lift to easily get it up on jack stands. It’s well built and quick to use.
Spark Plug Gap Gauge - I like that this gauge includes a cutout to make adjusting the gap a little easier.
Spark Plug Socket - Some spark plugs sit deep in the head. This socket ensures you can get to them out without damage.
Fender Covers - These covers include hooks to ensure nothing slips off your fender when “you’re wrenching on that fucking bolt that should have never been placed there in the first place”.
Work Light - This LED work light is outstanding. LED means less heat and no bulbs to replace. It’s also well built and incredibly bright.
Wrap Up
If you’ve found any of this information to be useful please consider supporting future Mad Lab projects by purchasing a product using one of the links above - as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.