This project was built and designed by Marcus from Salty Woodworking. It’s a smart and practical solution for organizing your shop while giving your planer a dedicated home.
A cart like this makes it easier to manage heavy tools in a small space. With built-in storage and mobility, it adds function without taking up too much room.
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Starting with What You Have
Marcus begins the project by repurposing an old cart that had become cluttered over time. After picking up a Powermatic 54A planer, he decided to turn the old cart into something more functional.
The goal is to reuse as much of the original plywood as possible. This approach helps reduce waste and gives leftover materials a second life.
Building the Cart Top
The top of the cart is created from scrap wood glued together to form a solid, durable surface. The variety of wood adds visual interest and makes good use of leftover shop material.
While the glue dries, Marcus starts building out the rest of the frame. This workflow keeps the project moving efficiently and makes the most of the available time.
Constructing the Frame
The frame is assembled using pocket screws, which offer a strong and straightforward connection. It’s a good method for quick builds that still need to support heavy loads.
To make the cart mobile, Marcus adds small two-inch casters to the base. These make it easy to move the planer without straining or rearranging the shop.
Attaching and Finishing the Top
Once the base is ready, the laminated top is attached and trimmed for a clean look. A small chamfer is added around the edges, giving the piece a more finished appearance.
To protect the surface, Marcus applies a few coats of tongue oil. This finish adds warmth to the wood while standing up to daily shop use.
Adding Storage Drawers
With the structure in place, Marcus moves on to building drawers. Instead of using drawer slides, he creates simple wooden runners to keep things easy and efficient.
The drawer boxes are built from scrap plywood using pocket screws. This step demonstrates how leftover material can be turned into useful storage.
Final Assembly Details
Drawer faces are carefully cut and attached with even spacing. Playing cards are used as spacers to ensure consistent gaps between each drawer.
The drawer fronts are also finished with tongue oil to match the rest of the cart. A bit of paste wax is applied to the runners, allowing the drawers to slide smoothly.
Why This Project Works
This cart keeps tools accessible while freeing up bench space in the shop. It also doubles as a storage solution for smaller items, making it a multi-functional piece.
For a weekend build, it offers a great mix of utility, skill-building, and shop organization. It’s also a nice break from more involved client work or larger furniture builds.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Marcus by visiting his website: https://www.saltywoodworking.net/