This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. It’s a purpose-built lathe cart designed to organize tools, support turning projects, and improve mobility in the shop.
With full-extension drawers, open shelving, and a clean layout, this cart is a practical upgrade for any woodworker who uses a lathe. Drew’s design balances strength, accessibility, and workflow efficiency, all in one compact footprint.
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Why a Lathe Cart Is Worth Building
A lathe alone takes up valuable shop space, but a well-designed cart can turn that footprint into something far more useful. Drew set out to build a cart that not only held the lathe but also made it easier to access tools, turning blanks, and accessories during a project.
The key features include deep drawers, a cabinet with a door, open storage areas, and heavy-duty lockable casters. These all add up to a cleaner, more organized setup that saves time and keeps everything close at hand.
Planning and Material Selection
Drew started the project with a clear goal: maximize function without sacrificing aesthetics. He designed the cart to use 3/4-inch plywood for the main structure and thinner material for the drawers to cut down on weight.
Most of the plywood came from his scrap pile, showing that even offcuts can be repurposed into shop furniture. Walnut edge banding was used to give the piece a clean finish and protect exposed edges from damage.
Breaking Down the Plywood
The first step in the build was cutting down the plywood sheets into workable parts. Drew used a combination of a table saw and a track saw for accurate cuts, ensuring all panels were square and matched the design dimensions.
Getting these cuts right at the beginning made the assembly process much smoother. Accurate parts also meant better drawer alignment and fewer adjustments during the final fit.
Joinery That Keeps It Clean and Square
Rather than using pocket screws or other quick-join methods, Drew opted for dados and rabbets to join the panels. These classic woodworking joints help with alignment and provide added strength.
Glue was used at all the joints, with clamps applied to hold everything in place during drying. This approach results in a clean interior and tight, durable joints that hold up well under shop use.
Building and Assembling the Frame
With all the panels prepped and joined, Drew assembled the cart’s frame. He carefully applied glue to each joint and checked for square as clamps were tightened.
The structure includes multiple compartments: a full-depth cabinet, two large drawers, and an open shelf space. This variety allows for flexible storage, making it easy to separate turning tools from sanding accessories or lathe hardware.
Custom Drawer Construction
Once the frame was complete, Drew shifted focus to building the drawers. Each drawer was made from thinner plywood to reduce weight while still being strong enough for tools.
Full-extension drawer slides were installed, allowing the drawers to open all the way for easy access. Inside, Drew added custom tool dividers to keep chisels and accessories in order.
Shelf and Cabinet Details
The enclosed cabinet at the bottom features a frameless door with simple hinges, keeping the look clean and modern. This space is ideal for storing power tools, finishes, or other gear you don’t want exposed to shop dust.
Open shelving was also built into the design, offering quick access to turning blanks or larger tools. It’s a flexible layout that works whether you’re mid-project or cleaning up at the end of the day.
Finishing Touches That Matter
To give the cart a professional look, Drew trimmed the front and top edges with walnut banding. This detail adds both durability and visual contrast, making the cart stand out from basic shop furniture.
After a full sanding, he applied Danish oil as a finish. It soaks in quickly and protects the surface while bringing out the natural tone of the plywood and walnut.
Mobility and Final Setup
The last step was installing lockable casters, allowing the cart to move easily but stay in place during use. These are essential in a small shop where flexibility and space management matter.
With everything assembled and in place, the cart not only supports the lathe securely but also transforms it into a full-featured workstation. It’s functional, good-looking, and built to last.
A Smart Upgrade for Any Workshop
Drew’s lathe cart is more than just a storage solution—it’s a thoughtful enhancement to any turning setup. With careful layout, durable joinery, and smart use of space, it helps streamline projects and reduce clutter.
For anyone looking to improve shop organization or make better use of their lathe station, this is a solid project with long-term benefits.
Get Drew’s plans here: https://fishersshoponline.com/plans/p/lathecart.