This lumber storage cart project was created by Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to maximize space while keeping their wood organized.
Materials and Tools
- 2×4 lumber
- OSB sheet for the base
- PVC pipe for dividers
- Wood glue
- Screws
- Caster wheels
- Band saw
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Wood clamps
Step 1: Planning Your Cart
Start by assessing your workshop’s needs. Steve mentions that his area tends to flood, so getting the wood off the floor was a priority. He decided to create a 2×4 frame with an OSB sheet as the base. This setup will keep the wood dry and organized.
Step 2: Creating Dividers
To store short sheet goods, Steve uses PVC pipe to create dividers. He epoxies these into another 2×4 that’s secured against the wall. This method allows for easy organization of cut-off pieces without taking up too much space.
Step 3: Cutting Dados for the Shelves
Next, Steve cuts a series of dados on the face of the cart. He tips his saw to a five-degree angle to create the center panel and wraps dados around it for the shelves. This angled cut helps ensure that the shelves will fit snugly and securely.
Step 4: Assembling the Cart
With the dados cut, it’s time to assemble the cart. Steve starts from the base and works his way up. He marks lines on the back of the dados to indicate where the screws will go. As he assembles the panels, he uses wood clamps to hold everything in place while he screws it together.
Step 5: Adding Shelves
Steve cuts one edge of each shelf at a five-degree angle and pre-drills holes from one side to make it easier to find them on the other side. He starts with the bottom and top shelves, using the dados to help square everything up as he goes.
Step 6: Reinforcing the Cart
To ensure the cart can hold a lot of weight, Steve reinforces the bottom with some three-inch strips. Then, he adds caster wheels for mobility, allowing the cart to be easily moved around the workshop.
Step 7: Final Touches and Organization
Once the cart is assembled, Steve takes the opportunity to declutter his workshop and dispose of any wood he no longer needs. He then tests the cart to see how much wood it can hold, and the results exceed his expectations!
Conclusion
Building this lumber storage cart is a great way to organize your workshop and make the most of your space. With the right materials and tools, you can create a functional and stylish storage solution that works for you.