2026: A Deep Dive into the Badger Workshop

Maximizing the Small-Space Maker Experience

If you’ve spent any time in the woodworking or “Maker” corners of YouTube, you’ve likely encountered the friendly “Morning all!” that begins every video from Badger Workshop. Behind the camera is Matthew Smith, full-time maker, content creator, and restorer. Based in the UK, Matthew has built a reputation for his “Make It Better” philosophy, focusing on sustainable practices, tool restoration, and, perhaps most impressively, workshop efficiency.

Matthew’s journey from the classroom to the workbench was driven by a passion for creating and a desire to share the “how-to” of craft with a global audience. His workshop isn’t a sprawling industrial complex; it’s a masterclass in small-space optimization. In a recent tour of the space, Matthew walked us through the latest changes to the Badger Workshop, proving that you don’t need thousands of square feet to produce professional-grade work.

The Foundation: Slim Benches and Rolling Storage

One of the most striking features of the workshop is the introduction of slim, 30cm-wide benches that wrap around the room. In a small workshop, floor space is the most valuable currency. By keeping the benches narrow, Matthew maintains a clear walkway while gaining significant surface area for semi-stationary machines like his Tormek sharpening system and various grinders.

Beneath these slim benches, Matthew utilizes a pair of red Clarke rolling tool chests. These house his clamps, power tools, and router bits. Because the chests are on wheels, they can be pulled out for easy cleaning or relocated depending on the project. This “bench-over-storage” approach ensures that no vertical space is wasted.

Organized Chaos: The Tool Block and the Chisel Wall

Matthew is a big proponent of “reachability.” If a tool is tucked away in a drawer, it’s a tool you’re less likely to use. To combat this, he created a custom “tool block”—a rustic, carved wooden base with holes drilled for awls, rulers, and paintbrushes. It sits right on the bench, keeping daily essentials at his fingertips.

Above the bench, the walls are a testament to his love for restoration. A long, leather-strapped rack holds a formidable collection of bench chisels, while massive vintage calipers and a wooden protractor serve as both functional tools and wall art. And, of course, no “Badger Workshop” would be complete without the signature “Badger” neon sign, surrounded by a quirky collection of badger figurines.

The Heart of the Shop: The Main Workbench

The main workbench is where the heavy lifting happens. Interestingly, Matthew chose to place his bench against the wall rather than in the centre of the room. While centre-island benches are popular for filming, Matthew found that in a small space, the wall-facing orientation provides better flow and allows for much better natural light from the windows.

Storage continues beneath the main bench with a meticulously organized system of Stanley organiser cases. Labelled for screws, bolts, nails, and drill bits, these cases allow Matthew to find exactly what he needs in seconds. Adjacent to these are several Bisley metal drawers, perfect for the “bits and bobs” that otherwise clutter a workspace.

Clean Air and Self-Sufficient Power

Dust management in a small, enclosed workshop is a matter of health as much as cleanliness. Matthew uses a two-tier system. For small power tools and sanders, he utilizes a Numatic (Henry) vacuum paired with a DeWalt dust separator. This setup is so efficient that he rarely has to change the vacuum bag, as almost all the debris is caught in the separator. For larger machines like his Axminster Professional thicknesser, he uses a dedicated Axminster extractor with a 63mm hose.

Perhaps the most forward-thinking part of the shop is the power system. Matthew is working toward a self-sufficient shop, using a large EcoFlow power station charged by 400 watts of solar panels on the roof. This unit powers his lights, vacuums, and even his table saw. For the other side of the workshop, a smaller Aferiy unit handles localized lighting and the Record Power air filter, which keeps the fine particulates out of the air.

Lighting the Way: Versatility is Key

Lighting is often an afterthought in workshops, but Matthew highlights a “game-changer” in his latest setup: magnetic LED light bars. These units, which feature three-colour temperatures (cool white for precision work, warm for a cosy atmosphere), can be stuck to metal surfaces or hung via integrated hooks. He uses them under the pigeon holes above his bench to illuminate his work surface perfectly. Since they are USB-C rechargeable and last up to ten hours, they are portable enough to take on camping trips or into the attic. (LETOUR Magnetic Lights Rechargeable 4000 Lumens 7200)

Aesthetic Touches: The Turquoise Wall and the Oil Cans

Matthew understands that a workshop should be a place where you want to spend time. This year, he painted a feature wall in a vibrant turquoise, providing a pop of colour that contrasts beautifully with the wood tones. This wall houses his collection of vintage oil cans, arranged on a black shelf. It’s a nod to his love for tool restoration and adds a layer of personality that makes the Badger Workshop feel like a home.

Conclusion

The Badger Workshop is more than just a place where wood gets cut; it’s a living example of Matthew’s commitment to thoughtful design and the “Make It Better” ethos. By combining vintage tool restoration with modern off-grid power solutions and clever storage, Matthew has created a space that is as inspiring as the projects that come out of it.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, there is a lot to learn from Matthew’s approach to organization. If you want to see more of his builds or learn about his restoration projects, head over to Badger Workshop and join the community. As Matthew would say, there’s always something to improve!

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