This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a compact charging station designed to organize your drills, drivers, and chargers in one clean, efficient workspace.
If your workbench is constantly cluttered with tools and cords, this build provides a practical solution. It turns scrap plywood and unused wall space into a streamlined charging hub that keeps your gear tidy and ready to go.
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Why a Charging Station Makes Sense
Cordless tools are convenient—until you’re chasing down a charger or untangling a mess of wires. A centralized charging station eliminates that frustration by giving every tool and charger a home.
Sam’s build focuses on maximizing efficiency without taking up valuable bench space. By placing the unit behind or beside your main work table, it uses otherwise wasted wall space for functional storage.
Planning the Build
The project starts with a clear goal: build a small cabinet that houses multiple drills and their chargers. Sam uses leftover plywood for most of the construction, making it a budget-friendly project that doesn’t sacrifice function.
The size is fully customizable based on your space and tool collection. The idea is to keep the footprint minimal while still accommodating everything you use regularly.
Laying Out the Cabinet Design
The cabinet design includes a main frame, back panel, tool slots, and an area for charger placement. Sam cuts the sides, top, and bottom panels first, ensuring square joints and a sturdy box.
A front-facing casing gives the piece a clean, finished look. This makes it look more like built-in cabinetry than a rough utility box—ideal if you’re aiming for a neater shop setup.
Assembling the Frame
With all panels cut, Sam assembles the box using wood glue and brad nails for speed. The back panel is added early to help square everything up and reinforce the structure.
He leaves enough clearance between the shelves and dividers to fit different tool sizes. This makes the station versatile and useful for a range of cordless tools beyond just drills.
Creating the Tool Slots
The standout feature of this project is the tool wall—customized slots where each drill or driver slides in vertically. Sam uses dividers to separate each tool, keeping them upright, secure, and easy to grab.
This layout not only protects the tools but also saves space by using vertical storage. Each slot is cut to fit the width of the handles, with enough space to pull them out comfortably.
Installing a Power Strip
The lower section of the cabinet is dedicated to charging. Sam mounts a power strip inside the unit, allowing him to plug in multiple chargers while keeping cords out of sight.
It’s a simple addition that adds huge functionality. By routing the cable through the back and keeping the strip near a wall outlet, the charging station remains tidy and efficient.
Cable Management Tips
Cords are one of the biggest headaches in any shop. Sam avoids the usual rat’s nest by routing charger cords neatly through holes drilled into each divider.
This keeps the top of the cabinet clean and prevents tangling. If you’re using bulkier chargers, there’s still room to set them flat on the bottom shelf, with zip ties or clips to control the slack.
Paint, Finish, and Final Setup
With the build complete, Sam gives the cabinet a light sanding to smooth edges and remove rough spots. He chooses to paint the cabinet to match the rest of his shop, but a natural finish or stain would work just as well.
Even a coat of polyurethane could be enough to protect the surface from dust and moisture while keeping the natural plywood look intact.
Why This Project Pays Off
Adding a charging station to your workshop might seem like a small improvement, but it adds real daily value. You’ll save time by always knowing where your tools and chargers are—and reduce wear and tear by storing everything safely.
It also clears your work surface, giving you more space to build without having to move tools around. Over time, that means smoother workflows and fewer interruptions during your projects.
A Smart Shop Upgrade
Sam’s charging station is a great example of how a small shop upgrade can make a big difference. It’s customizable, practical, and affordable—especially if you use scrap materials.
Whether you build one just for yourself or tweak the design to make a few for fellow woodworkers, this is a project worth the effort. It’s quick to build and will pay off every time you reach for your next drill.
Please support Sam by visiting his website here: https://sammacydesigns.com/.