Share
Hi @pepsp it good your working with your dad.
I am planning ahead in case i need a wheel chair too so I planned a double garage.
I envision a island work bench. maybe 2.4 x2.0 M A work large bench sitting on top of 4 to 6 automotive tool cupboards with caster wheels with lockable wheels. (if they dont have then swap then over with ones in Bunnings only the front ones need swapping). The automotive cupboards store various tools power and hand tools for easy access height . But have bench grinder and drill press vices installed for wheel chair use mount drill press and bench grinder under and fixed between automotive cupboards on a lower shelf. Or fixed lower custom height benches for wheel chair for drill press and bench grinder as tool examples along the side of the garage leaving island bench flat and rectangular. You said he has high end tools probably lathe etc you will have to mount that on a lower platform.
@pepsp A question for you and your dad, Do you think mounting some equipment like a lathe at an angle ie 30 or 45 degrees instead of flat would work so your father can reach more over the top of his equipment and projects?
So the automotive trolleys come in different heights( buy closest fit height.) and different functions ie tool socket set racks etc Slotted racks for screw drivers chisels etc. then simple dual draws for other misc tools, hand tools or power tools. also plain cupboards if you wish/need.
automotive trolleys vary greatly in price so choose wisly. if you have 4 trolleys thats 16 wheels to distribute 200 kg of wieght. is good. make sure trolleys have strong enough walls . Sit on it see if it flexes badly and buy better one.
Mount power sockets around table all sides for easy access under table. Also a retractable or wind up power ext cord.
Eg I use triton wood saw and router etc I will have to lower it to access it.
See crude drawing for bench concept. I think side garage bench mounted drill press etc would be best leaving table free of clutter.
I hope my ideas arnt to hard to follow the way i explain it.
Hope this gives some starting ideas.
Hello @pepsp
My apologies for the late reply. A good way to start would be to look at the tools that he has in his garage. Next is to think about space and accessibility. Is there enough room to turn the wheelchair inside your garage? How low will the tables need to be in order for your father to still have access to the tools and equipment?
Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your garage and its measurements? This will give our members a chance to assess the space. We can then make recommendations on the best possible configuration. Some of the other things you'll need to consider are cabinet sizes, mobility of the cabinets and whether you'll still be able to put a work table in the middle of the garage.
We look forward to seeing the photos.
Eric
I read your need re high objects and lower objects so I am wondering if the following concepts float your boat in any way.
Basically I was thinking your objects sight unseen. why not put your odd shaped items into a box that can take most every shape if it is big enough These said boxes made from pine timber as it is light and strong enough for a light./medium weigh box .
Access these boxes stored on a shelf up high with Concept "Skypole " see drawing. If this works for you I/we can then work out how to make a sky pole to test it.
A similar Idea to skypole is Floor pole (lol lame names just so we can talk about them) think metal eggslide (bigger?) with an top adjustable locking arm/brace that when tilted back lifts the item on the egg slide. Now picture this same egg slide under a box and the top brace locking in the top of it the box is tiltable now put small 50mm wheel on it that box will be movable one handed.
From a book to a box text in pic should say. re Floor pole lifter
Over 10 years ago I built this trolley to help lift item in my workshop in and out of the car or from the bench to the floor,
as being in a wheelchair I am limited to ways I can lift item.
Its made from 2 small Bunnings trollies a small boat winch and some steel tube, using the lower section of one for the platform that runs up and down on the rails. I also welded 2 loops to strap the items on while moving them.
I made it because I can not lift boxes and other things very well. I thought of making it when I was trying to get a slab of beer out of the car
and I could get it out ok but then I couldn't put it down on the floor, and the same goes for gas bottles and potting mix.
Hi @Super_D
Some how I knew you have the metal tools and skills 
Great I dont have to worry about you too much :0) in the skills department.
I hear you and your necessity being the mother of invention getting that slab out of the car. lol
But thats a big red lifting machine worthy of a photo or two. Nice design and functional good for a good 50kgs at least.
Great cross thinking ability ie boat winch and double trolley I am the same I was just about to use and old aluminium TV aeril as dowels to help join two twisted timbers together to make a work bench with a bit of mass to it. Timber maybe too twisted costing me nothing to try.
I will be watching the news no doubt you might have some rockets under your wheel chair. Nah not good you will need to rego it if they caught up to you.
Ps Nice workshop my garage is in need of a big clean.
Some times I get stuck for solutions I know I can call on you to help nut out a solution set if ideas too.
Tony (sydney)
