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- Overview and Preparation
- Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions: Tips for Small Workshops
- See More Storage Solutions
Every shop needs horsepower. These adjustable horses are easy to build from construction-grade 1x4s and 2x4s. Add the adjustable-height jig and these horses will hold projects at the perfect working height. Use a pair of them as a stand for portable or bench-top power tools, or make a temporary workbench by throwing a piece of plywood on top. Cutting List
KEY | PCS. | SIZE & DESCRIPTION |
A | 2 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 25" legs |
B | 2 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 18" footers |
C | 2 | 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 36" top rails |
D | 1 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 13" spacer block |
E | 2 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 21" adjustable slides; drill 1/2" dowel holes 2" apart |
F | 1 | 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 20" slide support |
G | 1 | 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 40" work rail |
2. Muffler for Your Shop Vacuum
Avoiding clouds of sawdust is a must in a small shop, but a dust collector eats up valuable space and money. A shop vacuum makes a good substitute, but because the decibel level of most shop vacuums rivals that of a jet engine, build this box to muffle the noise. Put casters on it and it’ll follow along as you connect it to various power tools.
Shopping List
ITEM | QTY. |
4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" MDF (or plywood) | 1 |
Solid wood battens, 3/4" x 3/4" x 30" Carpet scraps to line the interior | 4 |
Cutting List For MDF
PCS. | SIZE & DESCRIPTION |
4 | 23" x 30" sides and door |
2 | 23-3/4" x 23-3/4" top and bottom |
1 | 7" x 7" reinforcement plate |
Hardware
- One pair of 6" strap hinges
- One 4" slide bolt
- Four 2-1/2" swivel casters
- 16" of 3" PVC plumbing pipe
- Two 3" PVC elbows
- 2" drywall or deck screws
3. Flip-Through Storage Rack
Unless you live in an art gallery, wall space is always at a premium. Build this book-like storage rack, and expand your wall space exponentially. Grabbing a tool is as easy as flipping through a magazine.
Mount two parallel 2x4s on the wall spaced 24 in. apart. Cut the leaves from 3/4-in. plywood and hang them from the 2x4s with 3-in. door hinges. Fur out the hinges with 3/4-in. plywood blocks so the pages can pivot without binding. Mount the leaves at least 4 in. apart to allow room for them to fold back. Let your imagination run wild creating holders for your various tools.
For you Peg-Board fans, sandwich a 1x3 frame between two pieces of Peg-Board. Now your collection of hooks and holders will work with this tool storage system.
4. Workbench With Built-In Storage
At the heart of every small shop is a multipurpose workbench. Build this workbench with tons of storage space underneath. While ours is configured for lumber storage, you can put cabinet doors on the front and store tools and materials. For our 8-ft. long bench, we built four 2x4 frames; that left about 27 in. between them. This spacing provides plenty of support for the double 3/4-in. plywood top and long lengths of lumber underneath.
5. Full-Feature Miter Saw Stand
If dedicating 8 ft. of wall space to your miter box is just another fantasy, build this portable stand for your miter saw that provides all the features of a permanent miter saw table. When it’s not in use, lean it against the wall or hang it from the ceiling.
While you can build this from an 8-ft. 2x12, it’ll be challenging to find a straight one. A good alternative is to glue together two layers of 3/4-in. AC plywood. Cut a 3/4-in. wide by 1/2-in. deep groove for the T-track with a dado blade on a table saw or with several passes with a router. Build the sliding supports out of 3/4-in. pine or plywood.
CAUTION:Screw or clamp your stand to the sawhorses to prevent tipping.
Shopping List
ITEM | QTY. |
4' aluminum T-track, No. 21753 | 2 |
2" T-knobs for 5/16"-18, No. 71514 | 4 |
T-slot bolts, 1-1/2" x 5/16"-18, No. 83311 | 4 |
All the above items are available from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, (800) 233-9359. www.rockler.com
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