Open Shop Wrapup — September 2020 — Mark Lynch

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Third Shop Tour
September 15, 2020

After Tour Notes – Mark Lynch Shop

Mark Lynch open shop, September 2020.

 

Rethinking the Capabilities of a Garage Shop

Think a garage shop can’t do it all? Mark Lynch’s shop reflects planning, experience, flexibility and quality.

An old B&D Workmate is still at work, but power tools on purpose-built mobile bases form a perimeter that allows ready access. A mortiser is his latest addition. Mark is a meticulous guy by nature, and the cleanliness of his shop reflects it. Much of his work is done from plans, and dozens of jigs are evidence his experience with a wide variety of projects. As better methods of work have evolved he’s purchased and purged, somehow managing to avoid clutter. Wall shelves, cabinets and hangars keep tools and accessories in order.

Instead of a massive cabinet saw, Mark makes do with a portable jobsite table saw, which gives him reasonable accuracy while maximizing floor space and shop layout flexibility. His heavy duty bandsaw is set up for ambitious resawing. A tablesaw jig to edge boards, a lunchbox planer, and a stout router table with lift allow flexible milling of stock. A recently completed a classic woodworker’s bench with dogs and vises should enhance projects to come. Overflow storage for material and jigs is in an attic space.

Mark passed around an iPad with pictures of past projects. Work in progress included an oak mission-style student desk. No top was evident, but the frame showed off proper mortise and tenon joinery, tight drawer dovetails and smooth-working hardwood slides.

Visiting members were stimulated to ask lots of questions, and Mark’s replies reflected experience, insight, and practical solutions. His scrap bin is enormous and is expected to keep growing.

— David Campbell

 

Mark makes specialty jigs to assist with projects.
Mark’s shop is neat-as-a pin and organized!
One of Mark’s woodworking projects.

 

 

Shop owner satisfied?
  • Yes, tour went well and lots of good questions. It was fun to discuss the various options and jigs Mark has … he is the jig master!
Number of members visiting
  • Total attendance was 16 people
Hours held
  • From 3–5 p.m.; actual session wrapped up about 4:45 p.m.
Suggestions for improving – what worked well and what should change What worked well:

  • Mark did a good job at explaining his shop and background into woodworking
  • Let members roam around shop
  • Had an iPad with photos of past projects
  • Sufficient room in garage shop
  • Talked about which of the tools used most often
  • Showed the many jigs he has made and how they are used

Improvers:

  • Most folks arrived at 3 p.m. – no second wave
  • Might consider cutting back time to 3-4 p.m.

 

Attendees:

  • Craig Thompson
  • Jack Collins
  • Mark Lynch
  • Gary Mlynek
  • John Lowder
  • Mike Guthrie
  • Dick Meyer
  • Ken Goebel
  • Scott Logan
  • Ron Smith
  • Dave Campbell
  • Tom Rotella
  • Vern Hunt
  • John Matter
  • Joe Steele
  • John Boughton