Now that I have a new workbench, I still don’t have enough space to work because every tool end up there. They’ll be put away eventually, but not while I’m working!
The bench has a lower shelf that doesn’t make good use of the vertical space. Several shallower trays would be better–sliding, if possible. I’m not up to making drawers, though. What is the quickest, cheapest way to make and install sliding trays? It can be plug ugly if necessary!
Replies
I specilaize in Plug Ugly.
take a coupla boards and attach 1/2 to 3/4 inch square sticks every 3 or 4 inches...attach a top and botom to the two boards. Take some sheet stock cut to slide on sticks in the box...maybe some runners on the sheet stock...frame out top with more 1/2 sticks so the items don't fall off the sheets.
How's that for simple and ugly!
Edited 11/6/2002 7:06:58 PM ET by BG
BG,
I can't quite visualize this. Are the two boards and the square sticks put together like a ladder?
Janet
Janet,
I wasn't clear cause I was kinda embarrassed suggesting what I did. Let me start over.
I'm assuming there is space under you workbench to accomodate a cabinet with draws...and you'd like to use this space to store tools...but, don't want to build a cabinet with draws?
What i was suggesting was to frame out a box made of ply (20x28 for instance) and attach paraellel cleats on the insides of the box. Then just cut some ply to slide in on the cleats. If you want to get fancy, you can trim out the ply with some wood so items won't fall off.
Am I understanding your problem?
Yes, BG, that's exactly what I meant. Is this what you had in mind?
RickL, that could be the easiest solution. Thanks!
Exactly like your picture but with 4 drawers one under the other and my second set of drawers is freestanding and sits on the lower shelf of my workbench.
RickL
Yup!...perhpas a little more fancy than you want so you could eliminate the sides of the actual draw...make it longer and add some more shelves.
Interestingly i was looking at a woodworking mag this morning...they had a similar setup except the shelves were vertical and slid in an out...they put hooks, nails, etc. to hold the tools.
I built a fairly good size draw under my bench and used the inexpensive metal slides that mount on top of the draw and under the bench top...works great... Also, for several reasons, I have my bench close to a support column in the basement. Around the round 4" column i built a large shelf...holds my important chisels, coffee cup, and some planes.
>> large shelf...holds my important chisels, coffee cup, and some planes.
Ah, yes, the essential coffee cup! Those plastic-lined commuter mugs have lids, but I prefer ceramic cups. Sooner or later I will undoubtedly end up drinking cafe au sawdust.
Sawdust in your coffee adds minerals and roughage...very good for you...lol
Janet,
I had the same situation a while ago and not wanting to build drawers also, I pick-up four cheap shallow drawer from a kitchen pantry at HD and attached them to the inside of a plywood box with drawer slides, it works just fine and the sliders are smooth. I also built a second one with drawers from a piece of furniture someone was throwing out, I simply re-nailed the lose ones and used them the same way. Hope this helps.
RickL
Edited 11/8/2002 12:53:36 PM ET by RickL
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