Need help making a hutch

[jokidd82]

Where i work i have very little room. I have one bay and i have a Snap-On Classic 96 with a locker on it. I would like to build a hutch to store coolant, my solus pro, random oils, and above all useless **** above the box.

I have already made a small ledge that is 4" off thetop that i put my laptop on so i can put whatever tool i'm using out on the top of the box. The box is my work table as well. I would have preferred never to beat on it or do what i do daily but there's no real way to avoid it.

I laid down some 3/4 mdf just to not damage it and i'm sure the few things i've hit on the box with won't bother the integrity of it. Anyway, i have never really made anything like this before.

I'm sure that i need to just get some 2x4's and build a simple frame on the bottom to support the top half. I really have no problems drilling through the top of my box as i have a cover and wood to cover up the holes and honestly i've had it 5 years and i don't see myself crying over a hole i can see.

But what about cabinets. I would like some that lock and honestly i'm trying to buy a house so if its made out of 2x4's and plywood i'm ok with this. I don't really plan on storing anything of real value in it but the security in our shop seems pretty good.

Any help or pics would be great.

I know the dimensions would have to be 72.5" wide, 23.5"deep and probably 35" tall. I myself am 6'6" and if i make this too short i'll hit my head on it. I also want the full size of the platform just to have enough room to store everything. I also have a creeper i would like to either hang off the side or just lay on top.

 

[jokidd82]

I see we are off to a good start here.

So again, does anybody have any advise for me. I haven't built a lot of wood things. I would like to make this strong and at least good looking.

Anybody???

 

[ng8264723]

Look into a Kreg jig. They are around 100 bucks but are great for building plywood boxes!

 

[shephd]

I would agree with ng's comment about the plywood box. Biscuit or kreg would work. Do you have a saw and can you cut a sheet of ply square? If not, think about having the lumber yard make your cuts for you. If you explain what you are shooting for, they'll probably be able to hook you up pretty good.

 

[Lemonhead]

A plywood box of 3/4" would be plenty sturdy. I would put 3/8" on the back. I have build cabinets for my wife's craft room using the kreg jig. Pocket screws + glue = strong bond.

It's really not too hard to build a plywood box. Make sure your cuts are straight. I prefer making the bottom full width so the sides and back sit on top of the bottom. That way the weight is supported by the wood and not the screws. If you don't want to get too fancy, make shelf cleats and don't worry about the adjustability. You can get away with using cheaper wood for the shelves. However, if you are carrying a long distance, rip a 2x4 and screw the pieces on the front and back edges and it makes a really stiff shelf.

Make or buy a 90 degree clamp and it will make getting it screwed together much easier.

Hope this helps.

 

[bluebolt]

Go to the Search function in the black band above. When you click on it go to Advanced Search. When it comes up put hutch in the first block and then change the type of search to "titles only" Open that up and you will find plenty of threads about homemade hutch's.

 

[rsanter]

Can you,weld?
If you can, you could have a shop bend up some 18ga for you.
Weld it up and make the doors with more 18ga, a piano hinge and a couple,latches

Bob