This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan from Simply Easy DIY. It’s a compact, multifunctional glue caddy built from scrap wood, designed to keep glue bottles upright and pencils from rolling off your bench—all while offering several clever tricks for small shop woodworking.
With a focus on practicality and simplicity, Stan walks through how to organize your workspace efficiently while sharing smart tips along the way. The result is a shop project that’s as useful as it is approachable.
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A Small Shop Challenge With a Simple Fix
Stan opens the project by tackling a common frustration: working with twisted or warped boards when you don’t have a jointer. His solution involves using a thickness planer and painter’s tape to flatten one side of a board.
By layering tape under the high spots and sending the board through the planer, he’s able to remove material evenly from the top face. This method works well for flattening scrap lumber, especially in smaller shops that can’t accommodate large machines.
Once one side is flat, the tape is removed and the opposite face is planed as usual. While this doesn’t square the edges, it’s an effective trick for preparing rough stock without buying more tools.
Building the Glue Caddy
With the lumber prepped, Stan assembles the basic structure of the glue caddy. The goal is simple: create a stable, space-saving way to keep glue bottles upright and supplies within reach.
The body of the caddy is formed by edge-gluing scrap boards, then trimming them to size. The dimensions are flexible, so builders can adjust the design to match their workspace or number of bottles.
A Smarter Pencil Holder
One of the most unique features of the caddy is the pencil groove. Instead of using a cup that collects dust, Stan cuts a cove channel using a table saw and a straight edge guide.
This angled groove holds pens and pencils securely and keeps them from rolling across the bench. It’s a simple design touch that adds both style and function to the project.
Adding Holes for Brushes and Bottles
To complete the caddy, holes are drilled for glue brushes and bottle storage. Stan takes a relaxed approach, eyeballing the placement rather than measuring everything precisely.
Using a Forstner bit, he drills openings that fit various bottle shapes and brush handles. The result is a practical setup tailored to the tools he uses most, with just enough customization to be functional without being fussy.
Clean Assembly and Smooth Finishing
The parts are glued and clamped squarely, with optional dowels for added strength. While not strictly necessary, the dowels provide a clean joint and help with long-term durability.
Stan then sands everything smooth, starting with a medium grit and working up to a fine finish. The piece is sealed with several coats of lacquer, protecting the wood from glue drips and general wear.
Practical Tips Throughout the Build
In addition to building the glue caddy, Stan shares helpful tricks that woodworkers of all levels can use. His painter’s tape leveling trick is great for hobbyists without access to a jointer, and the table saw cove cut offers a better way to store small tools.
These kinds of tips make a big difference for woodworkers with limited time, tools, or space. They show that thoughtful shop solutions don’t require complex machinery—just problem-solving and attention to detail.
Ideal for Any Workshop
This glue caddy is compact enough to fit on almost any bench but offers enough functionality to streamline your workspace. It holds glue bottles upright, prevents tipping, organizes brushes, and even provides a clean spot for pencils.
Because it’s made from scrap, the materials are essentially free—and the layout can be changed to fit any workshop setup. It’s an efficient use of time and resources with a very practical outcome.
Learn More From Stan’s Channel
Stan’s content focuses on straightforward, effective woodworking projects that anyone can build. He emphasizes accessibility, making his videos a great resource for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
This glue caddy is a perfect example of that approach—simple, functional, and easy to customize. If you’re looking to bring a little more order to your workspace, it’s a great weekend build.
Get Stan’s plans here: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2016/04/diy-glue-caddy.html.