I’d been thinking about how to reorganize my shop, which takes up half of my two-car garage. This rolling cart helped me consolidate both tool and lumber storage, so I can use less of my limited floor space for storage and more for actual woodworking.

The cart is simple in design, with a 2×4 frame and 3?4-in.-thick melamine for the cabinet area. The back of the cart provides ample lumber storage-small and short pieces above, large pieces and sheet goods (up to 8 ft. long) below. Small offcuts sit on top.

On the front, lights behind the valance at the top illuminate the work area. The narrow top shelf on the front is fitted with a surge-protected power strip that allows me to charge a bunch of cordless tool batteries simultaneously without taking up valuable counter space below. The pre-finished pegboard provides handy tool-hanging space, and the cabinet below the pegboard creates a work surface on top and ample storage below.

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All of the materials are available at big-box home centers, except for the six heavy-duty swivel casters (rated for 330 lb; www.hartvilletool.com). The cart is heavy, but I can move it when I want to rearrange the shop or if I need access to the deep storage recesses behind it (or even to sweep beneath it).

Drawings by Jim Richey

Drawings by Jim Richey

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