Table of Contents
Ultimate Small Shop Review
What is Ultimate Small Shop?
Who is Ralph Chapman?
Module 1 - Tool Selection
One of the most common ways woodworkers and other DIYers can go over budget is by going over budget when buying tools. This is because most shoppers are attracted to brand name products and shop on mass sites like Amazon, Home Depot, or Walmart. In this module Ralph covers the best hand tools based on your budget. Ralph walks you through the step by step process of purchasing tools based on the projects you work on and the amount of money you have to spend. Ralph also emphasizes buying tools with multiple functionalities, in order to save space in your shop and money.
After covering the best types of tools you can buy, Ralph explains where you should buy tools. In many cases this information is actually more important than the types of tools you should buy. Ralph explains how anyone can purchase tools at wholesale prices (40%-60% of retail price) if they know where to look and follow his simple checklist for negotiating the right deals.
After this Ralph shows all the tools in his workshop, and explains the mistakes he has made along the way. Ralph details the lessons he learned the “hard way” and shows you the tools he wasted thousands on throughout his career as a professional woodworker. This includes tools from massive brands such as Dewalt, Kreg, Delta. Ralph cuts through the “noise” of big brands and shows you where to get the best value and highest quality tools.
Module 2 - Space Selection
Module 3- Shop Layouts
After determining the best place to build your workshop Ralph explains how to make sure you do not waste a single inch of space. Ralph is a full time woodworker, and still has his workshop in his home. There are multiple strategies you can use when building out your workshop, and which one you pick largely depends on the type of projects you are going to pursue.
Next, Ralph covers where all your equipment should be placed in relation to each other. When first setting up your workshop how close your table saw is to your workbench might not seem important, but as your projects become more complicated and time consuming positioning becomes extremely important.
After this Ralph covers some of the best space saving tricks and hacks he has learned from different mentors and peer groups. This includes simple space saving tricks like the “doorway trick”, and more detailed positioning tricks with wall mounts and table saw positioning.
Module 4- Electricity, Lighting, and Sound Proofing
Lighting and soundproofing are two huge reasons why people never actually make a workshop. Setting up lighting and circuitry can seem extremely complicated and troublesome to most woodworkers, but Ralph gives easy step by step examples of how you can set up basic lighting without having to spend hundreds in labor costs, or worrying about blowing circuits every time you are in your shop.
In this module Ralph also covers soundproofing. Unless you are living alone many spouses, children, and other roommates could take umbrage with the sound of power tools going off all hours of the day. If you intend to frequently use power tools and create lots of noise Ralph covers several cheap tricks used by musicians used to soundproof makeshift studios. These quick easy solutions can make your workshop almost completely soundproof without spending thousands of dollars.
Module 5- Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, and Dust
Module 6- Workshop Safety
Extra Bonuses
The Ultimate Small Shop also comes with several “free” bonuses when you purchase the course. The first bonus is “The Workshop Cheat List”. This is Ralph’s guide book when it comes to purchasing lumber and tools for over 70% off retail price. Ralph also provides some of his secret strategies for getting free samples from premium tool companies. When debuting or relaunching products many companies like to get feedback before a national launch.
The second bonus is Ralph’s “Deal Alert Service”. This is an email notification service that lets you know about discounted tool deals Ralph has found. Typically Ralph sends this out 1-3 times a month when he gets finds really incredible deals on tools.
How Much Does Ultimate Small Shop Cost?
The Ultimate Small shop normally retails for $39.00, but if you click on the coupon below you can get a $10 discount. There are several upsells that Ralph offers when you purchase the Ultimate Small Shop.
The first is the “Wood Worker’s Guide to Hand Tools”. This e-book is over 1000 pages long and goes into immense detail on how to pick out quality hand tools for literally any project imaginable. If you feel really lost in picking out tools this may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you already have adequate tools and really just want help setting up your shop this is an unnecessary ad-on.
The second potential upsell is the “Guide To Workshop Walls, Doors, Ceilings, and Insulation”. This e-book is only $7 and gives step by step instruction on how to customize a workshop that is being built in a free-standing structure. If you have a budget that is greater than $1000 this adon could be a great bonus if you are really looking ot maximize space and have a greater climate control over your workshop.