Built a Charging Station

[smash]

I really hate cords. They make everything look messy. With so many charging stations I like to make them a little more organized. So this is what I came up with.

Parts
3/4" MDF for the frame behind the front (it's angled)
1/4" ABS I'm starting to prefer ABS over wood I use this stuff https://amzn.to/2uS9TWD
Zip Tie Mounts - I love the look when they are stacked end to end - I use these https://amzn.to/2LGo1vT

 

[Joe Fast]

Looks good. Where is it mounted?


Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

 

[smash]

In one of my wall cabinets.

 

[fowldarr]

That is a cool idea. I might have to steal it.

 

[smash]

This was version 1 at my previous house. But it made any changes too difficult. And it was a hassle to get the big battery in on the right. So made sure I had more room this time. And of course, more batteries!

 

[EOC_Jason]

If you want to save space and use a lot of batteries, Milwaukee makes a 4-port charging station (as do most other cordless tool brands)... But it just depends on if the price outweighs the space-savings for a person's particular application.

 

[polexican23]

do you really use that many batteries to need 6 chargers for m12 batteries and 3 m18?

 

[ram50boosted]

i too, have been thinking about setting up a charging station in my garage. instead of having to remember to turn the thing on and off or leaving it on all the time, i have been thinking about putting it on a timer to come on every day for a period of time. Has anyone else done this?

 

[aka Larry]

Looks great man!

I hate cords too. Fro example, I can't believe the number of people who hang a flat screen on the wall and leave the cords hanging. All mine are hidden behind the walls.

 

[CoconutPete]

Nice!

 

[jonshonda]

Very well organized! You get an A in my book

 

[slimcake]

do you really use that many batteries to need 6 chargers for m12 batteries and 3 m18?

Thats what I was wondering...

 

[evercl92]

do you really use that many batteries to need 6 chargers for m12 batteries and 3 m18?

Maybe it fit the space it was going into - but seems like one wouldn't need that many at once.

 

[smash]

do you really use that many batteries to need 6 chargers for m12 batteries and 3 m18?

Sometimes, yes. I have a lot of the Milwaukee tools. Typically I'm using 3-4 tools at a time. The M12s go through batteries pretty quick. I use the standard batteries that come with them. The M18s go through them super fast. If I'm using the Circular saw the number of cuts per battery is in the 30 range. Not many. And the blower can run through the super big battery in 10 minutes. So long answer yes, I've been in situations where I'm waiting for batteries to charge and have to swap them between tools to keep going.

If you want to save space and use a lot of batteries, Milwaukee makes a 4-port charging station (as do most other cordless tool brands)... But it just depends on if the price outweighs the space-savings for a person's particular application.

I looked at those initially. The issue I had was that one of them was sequential, so it only charged one battery at a time. And the other didn't charge as many as I have. Plus I already had them, so why spend a couple hundred dollars on a charger when I already had enough. All of these chargers were included in tool kits so why not put them to use.

 

[manwithtools]

Wow, that's a lot of sticky backs to hold those few wires. Nice job all in all.

 

[smash]

Added some 3d Printed battery holders to each side.

 

[the gypsy]

I really like what you did. Another idea to work on for myself.

 

[Stuey]

Looks great! If you ever upgrade it, perhaps replace the zip ties with Panduit or another brand of wire duct. That way you can more easily move or remove a charger if necessary.