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Baby changing tool cart

gonmad54

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Jun 12, 2015
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193
Location
Temecula, CA
Has anyone built something like this? Im going to build one out of a HF 4 drawer that i am not using. I will post pictures when i am done. Just wondering if anyone has any advise or thoughts on ways do things like im thinking a magnetic glove holder might hold a pack of wipes nicely? I ordered a 30x16 changing pad off amazon that should fit perfectly. Help me out with some ideas!
 

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i814u2

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May 14, 2012
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We just did this for our setup as well. The lady saw that same picture and wanted something like it for the changing table.

I used the $150 model Husky rolling cart from HD:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-33-in-4-Drawer-Mechanics-Tool-Cart-Black-HOUC3304B10/205905453 (it says 169, but everytime i've seen it in the store it has been 149)
Someone gave us one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009A7VTYA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had no idea it was so spendy, but it works like a charm. Solid surface = easy clean up. Fits perfectly in the top.

Top two smaller drawers are for random tools (clippers, etc) that are handy in the nursery, and diapers. skinny full width drawer is small stuff like socks, mittens, hats. bottom full width drawer is deeper so that gets the wipes (costco has bulk on that stuff, go figure), the extra bags for the diaper bin, and most any extra surplus that fits.

Since the top stays open, the handle (at least on the Husky) has some toys clipped to it for distraction purposes. The husky also has a pegboard style panel that can be installed on either side. So you could hang rags, etc, off hooks if you needed. We just use the handle to have a rag and blanket nearby. diaper bin sits off the side then.

So far, no complaints from either of us. Haven't found a need for much of anything else.

Also, LumpyMusic - love your comment.
 
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gonmad54

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Temecula, CA
LumpyMusic: that is brilliant! Not sure the Wife would go for that.

i184u2: The hinges for the lid on the HF cart are going to be in the way so im going to remove the lid but i do like the idea of hanging toys. I also like the idea of pegboard on the sides. That could be very useful. Did you leave the castors on on yours? My wife and I are only 5'6" so im thinking it might be better with them removed to shorten things up a bit.
 

turbodave

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Apr 30, 2012
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IL/WI
Start with a parts washer instead of a service cart. Then you could just hose off the little guy's pooper.


Sgt Lumpy

I was thinking of modifying a sandblast cabinet. You've got the gloves and window to protect you, load the hopper with baby powder and turn the pressure down and should be good to go.
 
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gonmad54

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Jun 12, 2015
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Temecula, CA
I was thinking of modifying a sandblast cabinet. You've got the gloves and window to protect you, load the hopper with baby powder and turn the pressure down and should be good to go.

I think you have a million dollar idea right there :thumbup:
 

BK13

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PDX, OR
LumpyMusic: that is brilliant! Not sure the Wife would go for that.

i184u2: The hinges for the lid on the HF cart are going to be in the way so im going to remove the lid but i do like the idea of hanging toys. I also like the idea of pegboard on the sides. That could be very useful. Did you leave the castors on on yours? My wife and I are only 5'6" so im thinking it might be better with them removed to shorten things up a bit.


I was just thinking the opposite... I'm 6'6" tall and think the cart would be too low.

But hopefully my baby-making days are behind me.


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i814u2

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May 14, 2012
Messages
4
Yeah, my idea was that it wouldn't just be a temp piece of furniture (like some changing tables). As the kid grows, she gets a toy box, dresser, starter toolbox, whatever.

As for wheels, I left them on. I'm 5'11", she's 4'11". I'd say it's fine. She thought it was slightly high at first, but that's because my first spacer for the changing pad was too tall.
The top has two built in dividers to prevent tools from going through the holes for prybars/drivers on the side. Those prevented the changing pad from lying flat so I used the box which originally held the casters, etc. That was a little too high. However, it just needs to be lowered a couple inches to match the interior divider height and then all is fine for us.

In general, I liked the idea of leaving the casters, in case we want to change up the room as the kid goes (which is a certainty).
 

i814u2

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May 14, 2012
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Also, as for the hinges, I thought they might be in the way, but they aren't. Specifically the dividers that I mentioned, since they are also the piece that the hinges mount to in the box.
Instead, I just have a piece that raises the main area of the top to the height of those dividers. That's still below the edge, and the kid isn't left laying up there, so no worries about falling. Then I was able to leave the hinges in there and not remove anything from the box at all.

That changing pad we have is roughly 32"x17" and it fits fine. Although, it does have some contours which help it fit, but I can't see too many issues with most changing pads that I've seen.
 

PoorOwner

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Feb 10, 2007
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CA
I would made damn sure the lid cannot come down
The cheaper carts don't have struts

However in my experience they grow too fast to make changing on an elevated platform really useful.
 

pendragon1998

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Mar 24, 2012
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NE Georgia
The struts on my HF 5 drawer cart finally died after a few years. I learned this when the top dropped suddenly, so keep that in mind.

We're on baby #2 now, and I can say that I wouldn't have use for a changing table. We've used the couch or the bed for diaper changes pretty consistently.

I do like the idea of a big tool chest for a dresser, but the drawers on my HF 44 are pretty shallow for clothes. I'd have to think about it before I tried to sell the wife on one.
 
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PoorOwner

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Feb 10, 2007
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I think there is enough time to infuse your culture onto the little one, but I don't really like so many metal and Chinese paint near my little one. It may not feel sharp to us but the drawer slides, and edges are potentially dangerous and they will found a way to fall onto it I can almost guarantee it. A wood cabinet painted to mimic a toolbox seem like a much cuter design.
 

Banjorear

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Jul 22, 2013
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Essex Co., NJ
My advice is to put some type of hose or padding along the edges of the box next to the pad. Both of my boys use to hop around on their backs and hit the back of their heads on our wooden table. It would be bad news if they landed on a sharp corner or edge like in that picture. Your main concern needs to be is it safe for the child.
 
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gonmad54

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Jun 12, 2015
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Temecula, CA
I think there is enough time to infuse your culture onto the little one, but I don't really like so many metal and Chinese paint near my little one. It may not feel sharp to us but the drawer slides, and edges are potentially dangerous and they will found a way to fall onto it I can almost guarantee it. A wood cabinet painted to mimic a toolbox seem like a much cuter design.

That's a great point about falling into it. It will defiantly go back into the garage when she starts moving around. I live in a 2 story and the only time she is in her room is to sleep in her crib, otherwise we are always downstairs. This is more of a fun little project for me because i have a brand new cart lying around and too much time to think.
 

zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
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This thread :lol:

Waiting for the 18v fuel powered baby powder applicator recommendation.
 

KRB52

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Sep 25, 2013
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OMG! Social Services is going to come in and inspect you! That thing has no Government approved safety rating, the paint may be toxic, it could be made from surplus uranium, blah, blah, blah. Great idea! I'll keep that in mind for the future (granddads sometimes have to change diapers, too.)
 
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gonmad54

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Joined
Jun 12, 2015
Messages
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Location
Temecula, CA
My advice is to put some type of hose or padding along the edges of the box next to the pad. Both of my boys use to hop around on their backs and hit the back of their heads on our wooden table. It would be bad news if they landed on a sharp corner or edge like in that picture. Your main concern needs to be is it safe for the child.


I thought about that. The edges of the pad i'm putting in it will be above the metal edges of the cart.
 

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Mgnu

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Jun 5, 2013
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Valley of the Sun, AZ
Has anyone built something like this? Im going to build one out of a HF 4 drawer that i am not using. I will post pictures when i am done. Just wondering if anyone has any advise or thoughts on ways do things like im thinking a magnetic glove holder might hold a pack of wipes nicely? I ordered a 30x16 changing pad off amazon that should fit perfectly. Help me out with some ideas!

Well, for one, your GJ handle seems to be fitting. LOL.

In a good way... :evil:
 

Vbwiley92

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Jun 7, 2015
Messages
260
Location
NC (live near the triangle)
We use a pool noodle split down the middle on one side for our little ones changing table. He kicks all the time and Its saved him more than once. Rollback padding would be more appropriate on yours.

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anndel

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Oct 28, 2015
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3,270
Location
Hawaii, USA
Has anyone built something like this? Im going to build one out of a HF 4 drawer that i am not using. I will post pictures when i am done. Just wondering if anyone has any advise or thoughts on ways do things like im thinking a magnetic glove holder might hold a pack of wipes nicely? I ordered a 30x16 changing pad off amazon that should fit perfectly. Help me out with some ideas!

Great idea! Had I known it was going to be 3 year of changing diapers I would have bought 1 as well! We did all our son's diaper changing in his crib.
 

WoodShopDisaster

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Dec 5, 2014
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75
Location
Long Island
We did this with the $60 cart from harbor freight. I took everything apart and painted it white at work.
 

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gonmad54

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Jun 12, 2015
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193
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Temecula, CA
2e7b5f51b63dbeb117329d4ac7f21545.jpg


Here's what I got together with the HF 4 drawer cart.


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