Build ⁄  Workshop

The solution to workshop storage woes

Organise your garage with drawers designed to hold all your tools and equipment
By Handyman Magazine

Shelves and drawers are a good way to add storage space to a workshop, but they must be sturdy if they’re to handle the weight of power tools.

It costs about $240 to build one of these boxes and four drawers, plus a plinth.

You’ll need two sheets of 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood and one 1200 x 600 x 12mm sheet, as well as pine for the plinth.

For a wall of storage, build more boxes and a full-length plinth.

Separate them with open shelving and add a worktop.

Step 1. Make the box and drawers

Step 1. Make the box and drawers
The Family Handyman

Secure the supports

Mark the top of the drawer supports on the sides of the boxes 355, 660 and 965mm from the base.

Apply adhesive and position the supports on the lines 12mm from the front edges.

Tack in place with brads, securing with screws.

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Step 2. Assemble the box

Step 2. Assemble the box
The Family Handyman

Apply PVA adhesive, then tack the top and base to one box side with brads.

Drill 2mm pilot holes and secure with screws set at least 40mm from the edges.

Add the other side and secure using adhesive and screws.

Step 3. Secure the back

Step 3. Secure the back
The Family Handyman

Use a builder’s square to check the box back is cut square.

Apply adhesive, then position the back and use brads to tack down one side only. Use the back to square up the box, securing with screws spaced 300mm apart.

Shelves and drawers are a good way to add storage space to a workshop, but they must be sturdy if they’re to handle the weight of power tools.

It costs about $240 to build one of these boxes and four drawers, plus a plinth.

You’ll need two sheets of 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood and one 1200 x 600 x 12mm sheet, as well as pine for the plinth.

For a wall of storage, build more boxes and a full-length plinth.

Separate them with open shelving and add a worktop.

Step 4. Attach the brace

Step 4. Attach the brace
The Family Handyman

Measure the distance between the centre drawer supports, then cut the brace to fit exactly between them.

Clamp it 100mm from the front and 1mm below the top of the supports, securing with adhesive and screws.

Step 5. Build the drawers

Step 5. Build the drawers
The Family Handyman

Lay out the pieces for each drawer with the best edges face up, assembling with adhesive and three screws at each joint.

Cut the bases to the exact size and use them to square up each drawer, securing with screws.

Step 6. Add the drawer faces

Step 6. Add the drawer faces
The Family Handyman

Starting with the base drawer, cut the faces to size, with 3mm side gaps and 5mm in between the drawers. Shim the drawer faces to ensure the gaps are even, then secure with adhesive and brads in each corner.

Shelves and drawers are a good way to add storage space to a workshop, but they must be sturdy if they’re to handle the weight of power tools.

It costs about $240 to build one of these boxes and four drawers, plus a plinth.

You’ll need two sheets of 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood and one 1200 x 600 x 12mm sheet, as well as pine for the plinth.

For a wall of storage, build more boxes and a full-length plinth.

Separate them with open shelving and add a worktop.

Step 7. Install the handles

Step 7. Install the handles
The Family Handyman

Round off the edges of the handles and cut the posts to length.

Clamp the handle jig to the drawer face and attach the dowels.

Hold the handle in position and drill 8mm clearance holes, then secure with bolts, washers and nuts.

Step 8. Build the plinth

Step 8. Build the plinth
The Family Handyman

If assembling more than one box, measure the space and calculate the number of boxes and shelves needed.

Cut the plinth to match.

Secure the sides and add a brace every 1200mm.

Paint the plinth to match the boxes.

Step 9. Hang the shelves

Step 9. Hang the shelves
The Family Handyman

Secure each box to the wall studs and the plinth with screws.

nstall the base shelf on the plinth, then secure 550mm cleats to the box sides for extra shelves.

Cut the top to fit over the boxes and shelves.

Secure with screws.

Shelves and drawers are a good way to add storage space to a workshop, but they must be sturdy if they’re to handle the weight of power tools.

It costs about $240 to build one of these boxes and four drawers, plus a plinth.

You’ll need two sheets of 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood and one 1200 x 600 x 12mm sheet, as well as pine for the plinth.

For a wall of storage, build more boxes and a full-length plinth.

Separate them with open shelving and add a worktop.

Shortcut! Make a simple handle jig

Shortcut! Make a simple handle jig
The Family Handyman

CUT 19mm ply to 110mm wide and the length of the drawer faces.

SECURE a 40 x 19mm ply scrap flush with the top edge of a face, marking the handle ends and post hole centres 80mm and 50mm from each end.

CLAMP the jig and glue the dowels to hold them in position until the handles are bolted on.

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