This simple storage cabinet project was created by Steve Ramsey from Woodworking for Mere Mortals. With five drawers designed for easy access and a spacious bottom section for larger pieces, this cabinet is perfect for keeping your workspace tidy and efficient.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4″ plywood
- Hard maple (for drawer runners)
- Linseed oil (for finishing)
- Finishing wax (for drawer runners)
- Wood screws
- Casters
- Router
- Circular saw
- Clamps
- Sander
- Drill
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Steve starts by admitting his tendency to hoard wood scraps for future projects. He realizes the current storage solution is overflowing, making it difficult to access the smaller pieces. Thus, he decides to build a simple storage cabinet with five drawers and an open bottom section for longer pieces.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
For the cabinet, Steve uses 3/4″ plywood. He explains the importance of cutting accurately, especially since he will be using a circular saw for most of the project. The side panels are the first pieces to be cut.
Step 3: Create Dadoes for Drawer Runners
Steve marks out the locations for the drawer runners, spaced 4 inches apart, and sets up his router to cut the dadoes. This allows the drawer runners to fit securely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabinet Box
With the dadoes cut, he assembles the sides and back of the cabinet. He also adds rabbits on three sides of the two side pieces for better stability.
Step 5: Prepare the Drawer Components
Steve cuts out all the pieces for the drawers, including false fronts to prevent them from going too far in. He uses spacers to ensure consistent gaps between the drawers.
Step 6: Attach the Drawer Bottoms
He cuts grooves in the bottom of the drawers for the hardboard to float in. This will allow for some expansion and contraction over time.
Step 7: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
After assembling the drawers, Steve flips the cabinet over and screws on the top. He then installs casters for mobility. To protect the wood, he applies a coat of linseed oil and waxes the runners for smoother operation.
Step 8: Positioning the Cabinet
With the cabinet complete, Steve places it in his workshop and sets up a TV on top for added convenience. This cabinet not only provides efficient storage but also improves his workspace functionality.
Conclusion
This project not only helps organize wood scraps but also enhances the overall efficiency of the workshop.