Modified workbench idea

[Big Boi]

I currently have an adjustable metal shelving that I want to modify. It look simular to this one.

Basically, I want to cut it in half and add a wood top to it, so that i can place my miter saw on it. Also I want to make two doors that will hide everything that is stored under it. Something like this. (The counter top and doors werent colored in so you could get the idea).

Whats the best way to make the doors (wood), so they dont sag?

What type of hinges?

 

[s_ontario]

To much work for what you will end up with

 

[lawfarm]

A lot of the cabinets like that come with the side rails (the vertical component) split into 2 pieces, so you can either set it up as two 2-shelf shelves, or as 1 4 shelf shelves. The one in your picture appears to be set up that way. Is your shelf not set up that way?

Either way, it will work, but will not have much lateral stability. If you can screw it or otherwise secure it to the wall, that would be a great idea. Otherwise, you risk the shelving 'moving around' laterally when working on it...and if it gets bad enough, the shelf can rack over and self-destruct.

 

[Mickey O]

A lot of the cabinets like that come with the side rails (the vertical component) split into 2 pieces, so you can either set it up as two 2-shelf shelves, or as 1 4 shelf shelves. The one in your picture appears to be set up that way. Is your shelf not set up that way?

Either way, it will work, but will not have much lateral stability. If you can screw it or otherwise secure it to the wall, that would be a great idea. Otherwise, you risk the shelving 'moving around' laterally when working on it...and if it gets bad enough, the shelf can rack over and self-destruct.

I thank he must be planning on enclosing the sides as well otherwise what would be the purpose of doors if the sides are wide open? Having sides would give you some lateral stability, adding a back (or X bracing) would really help or adding a face frame to the front.

 

[Spareparts]

Need to close the back to give it some stability, otherwise a good idea.

 

[Brad54]

I have several of those shelves in my shop, and what he wants to do will work. They're very stout, and in fact I've got one that's in half. I wouldn't hesitate to put a saw on it like he's talking about. My uprights were full-length though, so I had to cut them on the chop saw.

Piano hinges would keep the doors from sagging. If not, then go with three of the largest hinges you can find. Use nylock nuts, large diameter bolts and washers to secure the hinges.

You might think of getting some sheetmetal and giving it metal doors.
I've also made cabinet doors out of clear plexi glass for my book case in the shop. It works really well.

And as others have said, you should plan on enclosing the back and sides.

Do a net-search... a couple years ago there was a magazine that built cabinets and pretty cool work stations out of shelving units like that.

-Brad

 

[Doug19]

Here's some plans that were in Workbench Magaizine in Dec. 2007 for what I think is the same exact shelfing you have.

http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/main/wb304-garage01.html

Plans:
http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/main/pdf/wb304-garageshelves.pdf

 

[ironheadtom]

I say when you have an idea, go for it ! Don't let anyone hinder you with negativity.

 

[Brad54]

Here's some plans that were in Workbench Magaizine in Dec. 2007 for what I think is the same exact shelfing you have.

http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/main/wb304-garage01.html

Plans:
http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/main/pdf/wb304-garageshelves.pdf

That's the one!

-Brad

 

[Big Boi]

Thats awesome guys! Thanks for the links and the motivation. As soon as I get some time off Ill tackle it. Now Im up here in Seabring chasing Bass!