Lean Thinking Tip #9: Hand Tools Backstage

I've already shown the upper story of my workbench in Second Story Office, and so now take a look at the basement level.  Some 8-10 electric hand tools are stored on a lower shelf almost as big as the generous 4' x 8' top.  Each is permanently plugged into his or her own receptacle.  Each power cord has a loop secured with a zip tie to hang on a hook, thus keeping the power cord off the floor.  Each sits on a pad of foam that lets me drop the tool back under safely.  Each has it's own parting in the curtain, which keeps them all clean and out of sight.  The plate joiner is purposely pulled out a bit to show how this works, and the five inch orbital sander actually mounts outside on the bench's apron.  Thus all the most commonly used tools are backstage each awaiting the cue to make their appearance instantly on stage.