Looking to organize your workshop and create a functional space for your power tools? This power tool storage and charging station was designed and built by John McGrath from Man In Shed.
It’s an excellent project that combines practicality and simplicity, making it perfect for anyone looking to tidy up their workspace.
Materials Needed
- Plywood (3/4 inch thick)
- Wood glue
- Screws
Tools Required
- Table saw
- Crosscut sled
- Router with round-over bit
- Drill
- Bandsaw or jigsaw
- Sander
Step 1: Planning the Design
The first step in any woodworking project is to plan out the design. John sketches a rough plan for the charging station, which will consist of three shelves. The top shelf will hold the radio and battery chargers, the middle shelf will be for batteries and drill bits, and the bottom shelf will have notches cut for drills and drivers.
Step 2: Cutting the Panels
Using the table saw, John cuts the plywood panels for the sides and shelves. He marks the width for the shelves, allowing for the kerf of the blade, and then cuts the panels accordingly.
Step 3: Recessing the Shelves
Next, John will recess the shelves into the side panels by cutting ten-millimeter slots using the table saw and a crosscut sled. This ensures the shelves will fit snugly and be stable.
Step 4: Preparing the Bottom Shelf
For the bottom shelf, John marks out notches for the drills. He calculates the spacing to fit about eight drills comfortably, ensuring there’s enough room to grab them easily.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing Edges
Once all pieces are cut, John sands them down and uses a router with a round-over bit to smooth the front edges, giving the storage unit a nice finish.
Step 6: Assembling the Station
It’s time to assemble the charging station! John glues and screws the pieces together, ensuring everything fits well. He adds a backplate for stability and uses L-brackets for extra support.
Step 7: Mounting the Station
With the charging station assembled, John finds a clear spot on the wall to mount it. He ensures that the design allows for easy access to all tools and chargers.
Step 8: Final Touches
After mounting, John sets up the chargers and tools on the new rack. He tests the functionality, ensuring everything works as intended. The project is complete, providing a tidy and efficient storage solution for his power tools.
Conclusion
This power tool storage and charging station is a fantastic project for anyone looking to optimize their workspace. With minimal materials and tools, you can create a functional and organized area for your drills, chargers, and other tools.