A simple, mobile shelf/cabinet build.

[Tom2]

Spent about 10 hours this weekend throwing this together. Took the idea from page 82 of "Best-Ever Home Shop Ideas" magazine (by "Wood" magazine).

I just narrowed the width to about 4 feet.

My plan was to build something to grow seedlings on before spring.. I thought I could build something better for around the same price as a nice wire rack. Well, the wire rack was $40, and I spent $113 building this The casters were around $10 each. The 3/4 plywood was $37 (accidently bought the expensive sanded stuff). Took 14 2X4s at $1.68 each.

Oh well..I figure I can always put plywood on the sides, and build doors for it and have a nice mobile cabinet. Plus, this is extremely sturdy.

 

[Tom2]

Oh, and I made it a few inches too tall... I wanted to be able to roll under the garage door, but didnt think to measure it first. Whoops!

 

[TejasBimmer]

You could relocate the wheels to inside the frame work.
You may need new wheels....but that would lower the height.

Nice job!

 

[e-tek]

If it was made in China it would have taken them 19 minutes and they would have used substandard steel and casters. I'd buy yours first!

 

[fotoflojoe]

That came out really nice, looks very sturdy.

I may have to swipe your idea!

 

[Tom2]

Thanks. Its very sturdy.
My wife and I both stood on the first bench(before the others were added) and it was rock solid.

The weakest point is probably the casters. Theyre rated at around 225lbs each. So, if you loaded over 1000#'s in it, its possible a caster would give. If I were to ever load it up like that(not likely) I would just keep it in a stationary position and throw some 4X4's under it.

 

[67pete300]

Good stuff! I might build a smaller version for a rolling cart.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Tom2]

Yea, I think Ill be doing my work benches like a shorter version of this. Although I might use 4X4 wood for super strength.

 

[JohnK007]

I thought I could build something better for around the same price as a nice wire rack. Well, the wire rack was $40, and I spent $113 building this

THAT'S what being a GUY is ALL ABOUT! Instead of buying some ***** wire rack you built this. Who cares what it cost. Somebody comes over to your place and asks about your rolling shelf unit, you can look 'em in the eye and say "I built that futhermucker. Set your *** on it and see if it'll break" That's a kick *** job you did. Way to go Tom!

 

[Tom2]

Anyone have any suggestions on building siding, doors for it?
I think I'd like to go ahead and finish it off while Im thinking about it.

My thought is 1/2 ply for the sides, 1/4 ply for the back, and 1/2(or 3/4) ply for the doors. And put 1X4s trim on the doors to dress it up, and stiffen them from warping.

Will plywood work for the doors? Or will I always be fighting warping?

 

[67pete300]

I've been thinking about modifying your shelf to be a smaller, rolling tool cart. I thought about putting pegboard on the two narrow sides and leaving the other sides open.

How tall is your design overall? And wide?

 

[KenB]

Nice job on that one, Tom2. For folks looking for online plans for a similar project, which could be easily modified, here's a link from Workbench magazine, http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/main/wb311-garagecart01.html

Ken

 

[Tom2]

Yep..Thats what they did in the article I somewhat copied. Had pegboard sides.
I may do pegboard inside the doors.

Its about 6'3" tall and 4'3" wide. Shelves are 4'X2', the 2X4's on the ends add the 3"s to the width.

Just got back from lowes and spent another $133 on plywood and 1X3s. Then I went to Sears and bought $30 worth of router bits.

Im poor

I dont know..when I get the siding on, I may stain it and use it as a laundry room cabinet or something instead. I think its going to be too nice for the garage when its done.

 

[Tech Guy]

Nothing is ever "too good" for the garage or shop

 

[Tech Guy]

Nice job by the way !

 

[Mezzanine]

Well said JohnK007! As a ******** DIY'er, I also enjoy spending twice as long, and twice as much on projects. I can really appreciate that shelf; nicely done! I say keep it for the shop, but build one similar for the laundry- this is your chance to clean it up a bit and try some more fine finish work. The first one was just a warm-up.

After your checking account recovers a bit, you can modify the plan some for your new work bench, and then after that, a nice tool cart. Snow ball anyone?

C

 

[Tom2]

Well..Heres the "Simple shelf" as of now:

I was kind of sick of doing work on the garage and house and needed a wood project. Besides, I was looking for an excuse to use my new router.
The first furniture type thing Ive ever built. Definitely takes patience.

Needs another coat of poly, and some handles, thats about it.

I was going to use 3/4 ply for the doors..but the stuff is just too bowed. I would never get it straight.. This bead board came in 3 1/2in pieces. Assembled them with 1X3s. Talk about a pain.. A 4X8 panel would have been easier..but not quite large enough.
I just used plywood for the sides..Should have used the beadboard..But, oh well.

 

[nonhog]

Looks awesome ! Really given me some ideas thanks ! I like your end product better than most store boughts I've seen .
Thinking about making a few of these for me.
I can see it now
One for electrical tools and supplies

One for wood working tools

One for current car project

Another for current car project

 

[Katesdad]

Great job! Its very very close to what I have been pondering for my garage. But yours is nicer

 

[Tom2]

Thanks.. I may build my cabinets using the same beadboard type material. Has a lot of character in it (all the knots and stuff).
Most of the beadboard sheets look almost too plain. Better suited for painting I guess.

 

[83trekker]

That is straight up kick A$$, very nice job, im very impressed and like buddy in other posts said Id buy yours before i would buy some made in china one!!

 

[83trekker]

Can i see someinside pics?

 

[Tom2]

The inside is basically the same as the first picture in the thread. Haven't changed anything. Just plywood on the backs and sides. Definitely too rough for a dresser, kitchen, etc.. I think if I build something similar for a living area, I'll 2X2's for most of the inside framing and stain it.