Workshop Miscellaneous

I have built a lot of storage cabinets for my tools and hardware, so I always know right where to find them. Unfortunately, that was not the case for my cleaning supplies. To solve this problem I built the heavy-duty cleanup center you see above. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

A Miter Saw Cabinet with folding wings. Folds down to 36 inch width. Lots of storage space in front drawers. DXF Format.

Build a portable paint and adhesives cart using the free downloadable woodworking plans at the link. You will be able to wheel it over to your project for finishing.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a cart for moving sheet goods and for infeed/outfeed for table saw. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This extension cord holder can be make from scrap wood and then hung on the wall. Simple.

I had a lot of trouble finding any local stores that carried wood working supplies. One of the things I wanted but no one even knew what I was talking about when I asked, was a cabinet scraper. So I spent some time online and found that you can get them from online woodworking stores, but I am also very impatient.

I move my jointer around the shop thanks to its mobile base, but it seemed like wherever the jointer was, my pushpads were not. So, I came up with this solution.

Whenever I clamp a wide panel or long board to my workbench on edge for sanding or planing, I need a way to support the other end. So I built this simple bench vise helper, as shown in the photos to the right. It is easy to make and allows me to support panels up to three feet wide.

Direct link to PDF. Cutting diagram only from the Workbench Magazine Issue 297.

Since my workbench is in the middle of the shop, there is not an electrical outlet nearby to plug my power tools into. And trailing an extension cord across the floor is a safety hazard. So I decided to hang a strip of outlets above the bench.

Build a vertical sheet good cutting stand with this detailed tutorial. Everyone should build one.

Inexpensive scraps of hardware cloth are ideal for making tool holders in a variety of shapes. These easily made racks are for use on a bench or as a wall mounted tool holder.

At the link you will find a video as well as free plans to build your own outfeed roller for your planer. It is easy to build and works like a charm.

Use the free downloadable templates available at the link to make your own extension cord holder or reel.

Quick to build and makes for a handy helper in the workshop.

A sharpening guide helps avoid gouging the surface.

These slide out cabinet trays make finding things in the back of any cabinet easier. At the link there is a short video as well as free downloadable plans.

Whenever I am working with long pieces, I often have a hard time supporting the end of the workpiece. So I came up with this adjustable-height work support stand. The nice thing about this stand is that it can be built in about an hour for around $20 in materials.

So I bought one of these... (benchtop planer) ...But my shop is not very big... So I decided I needed to build a fliptop stand (I read about these on various forums and other places.) to do this...

Here is a look at a few simple homemade tools and jigs that can prove useful on all sorts of DIY projects. A jig is an accessory used in woodworking or metalworking that controls the movement or location of a tool.

Finally, I got the motivation to sort out my collection of nuts and bolts, screws and nails. And to make the job less tedious, I put together this sorting tray.

While building a small bookcase, I stumbled on an age-old problem: how to apply finish to all six sides and edges of the shelves in one sitting. (And, how to handle and store the freshly finished pieces until they dried.) This time, though, I figured out a solution.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a panel cart on casters for moving sheets of plywood. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

The roller stand I have in my shop really comes in handy. It is quick to set up and adjust and provides the extra support I need at the table saw, drill press, etc. But it does have one minor flaw. The folding design of the legs can make it a little unstable. If a workpiece hits the roller wrong, it can fold right up and flop over. But rather than put up with this annoyance, I tried to come up with a good solution.

Crosscut sections of 4 inches PVC pipe, screw them to slats of wood, and hang the assembly from your shop ceiling for out-of-the way storage.

In this article, I will show you a collapsible benchtop booth based on a simple box fan. A well-designed spray booth will capture the over-spray and direct it out of the building, away from you and your work.

Here is one way to hang and use a two sided magnetic tool bar.

Because shop space is nearly always limited and there are so many different types and sizes of nails and screws, the space-saving, low-cost hardware organizer, has been a real advantage in my shop. It lets me see at a glance what is in each can.

Besides holding a number of hand tools, the bar swings out from the wall. This provides easy access to additional tools mounted behind the tool bar.

This mobile tool stand would be handy in any workshop. At the link you can download the free plan to build it.