Power Tool Tower Storage

[Always_Thinkin]

Wanting opinions on my next project. It is a power tool storage tower on locking casters. I have a small delta band saw, miter saw, table saw, and bench top belt/ disk sander. Possibly another shelf for my circular saw, sawz all, and jig saw or just hang these tools from the peg board/ hooks on the sides of the tower.

Attached are some of the concepts. I don't have a lot of room in my new garage so i need to incorporate vertical storage. I also want to make some collapsible stands for each tool so i can set them all up at the same time. I think I am going to do a scissor type fold up stand with a french cleat on each side underneath the tool mounting top. Any thoughts as to how i build the tower or the stands that are simple, light and stands that collapse flat to hang on the side of the tower? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gtcs]

I have been (successfully) talking myself out of the one in the second pic (Wood magazines) for about 3 years, I love the idea, but for some reason can't commit to that design.

2 important things before I continue... it hasn't been 3 years, I just checked and that magazine is from 2009...so that means I have been "thinking about it" for 7 years and 2 shops, all while stubbing my toes on tools stored on the floor.

You should definitely build something, and soon so asto not follow my lead. If you are interested in that design I have the magazine and could scan in the plans if you need them... matter of fact, I think I'm going to build it this weekend and get something done

 

[rsanter]

a friend did something similar
he cut plywood that fits right in the top recess of the standard 27in wide Cman basic bottom box.
attached the tools to the plywood
made a shelf the right width to hold the tools when not in use (like above)
pulls the toolbox out and puts the tool on it he wants to use. stores blades and extra stuff for the tools in the drawers of the toolbox.
toolbox rolls under a bench when not in use.

works very well for him

bob

 

[buening]

Its not a tower, but I keep all of mine stored in a 24" deep floor cabinet that I built. My 12" miter saw I have to turn to 50° cut because it is deeper than 24" at 0°, but other than that it all works. Tools like drills and saws I keep in their tool boxes or bags and kept on the eye-level shelf in that cabinet. Heavy stuff stays at the bottom due to shelf capacity. Close the doors and it keeps dust and spider webs at bay, something you'll have to deal with on an open tower design. Just something else to possibly consider.

 

[cheechi]

photos 1 & 2 look to be good height for several tools, but definitely not table saws. I wouldn't use the workmate regardless, but the idea is good other than it. photo 3 I wouldn't do at all. 4 more or less I wouldn't either.

What tools are you going to be using like this? One photo shows a planer. You're going to need in & outfeed tables for that, if not all built into one unit your floor better be very flat and level. My miter saw and table saw each have their own stand (Ridgid table, Ridgid stand for Hitachi miter) and for each I wouldn't want less than what they offer. Grinders, band saws, chop saws, all probably going to be used together if you do metal work, so one stand for 3 to share is not likely going to get you where you want to go.

For storing these items, the shelves are not a bad way to go. But for using them you need to figure out what your goals are and work with that in mind.

 

[gtcs]

If you are wanting to be able to use more than one tool at a time maybe something like this is more useful?... this is the other plan I keep debating about instead of just building something

 

[smalltown]

That rotating workbench looks interesting. I wonder how the bench actually pivots. It seems you would also need to consider the weight on each so it would rotate easily, and not lunge.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

That rotating workbench looks interesting. I wonder how the bench actually pivots. It seems you would also need to consider the weight on each so it would rotate easily, and not lunge.

The bench top usually rotates about a full width piece of conduit or pipe attached to each end support. I have seen these before and are a great space saving idea for any garage. Typically there are power tools mounted on the opposite work top that help balance the thing when it is rotating. You are right though, if the other side is just going to be used as a work top without mounted tools it could be interesting switching to the other top.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

Finished the power tool tower today. Only thing left is to make a collapsible stand for the band saw, table saw and miter saw. I am really happy with how it turned out. I had some casters laying around but i think i will be upgrading those in the near future.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

I've been contemplating something like this for quite a while as well (based on the Family Handyman article). Perhaps this'll be the motivation I need.

-Brian

 

[rayra]

I like the tower idea a lot, but don't thing the scissor stand will be suitable in use.

How about a rolling tool stand / cabinet, which docks into the bottom of your tower? The top of the cabinet would have attachment points for all the tools, and have tools stored inside it as well. Could even have a flipping top with tools mounted on both sides.
By docking, you'd only lose a couple inches of width and have pretty much the same storage volume.

Added points for making the top of the rolling stand the same height as your table saw, to serve as a feed support.

 

[Perfectstranger]

Nice job always thinking!!! I would think what tools you use and how you use them and how often needs to be considered.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

I like the tower idea a lot, but don't thing the scissor stand will be suitable in use.

How about a rolling tool stand / cabinet, which docks into the bottom of your tower? The top of the cabinet would have attachment points for all the tools, and have tools stored inside it as well. Could even have a flipping top with tools mounted on both sides.
By docking, you'd only lose a couple inches of width and have pretty much the same storage volume.

Added points for making the top of the rolling stand the same height as your table saw, to serve as a feed support.

Thank you. A big part of my issue is lack of space. I agree a rolling tool stand/ cabinet would be great and especially with a flip top on it. Unfortunately, in my case I don't have the room for it.

Nice job always thinking!!! I would think what tools you use and how you use them and how often needs to be considered.

Thanks. Every tool is very easy to get to and handy. I put a lot of thought into where each shelf was made and what tool was going on it. The only two additional power tools I plan to purchase in the future is a bench top sander (3"x36" belt and 4" diameter disc combo) and a router. I might have to slightly modify my current tower setup to fit these in but I don't think it will be an issue.