Tidy tool setout

Access all your tools - with the ultimate storage unit!

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This tool cabinet is ideal for safe storage of tools and other workshop equipment such as abrasive paper, nails and screws. Build it from dressed-all-round pine, with pegboard for the doors to position hooks for hanging often-used essentials. To finish, the timber is left natural and the drawers are labelled using offcuts of Perspex over cardboard.

STEP 1

Cut the rebates
Using a sliding compound mitre saw, cut timber to length. Set the blade to 6mm deep to cut a 20mm-wide rebate in the ends of the top and base by making a series of close relief cuts (see Diagram 1) and cleaning out with a 25mm chisel.

STEP 2

Cut the timber to size
Using a circular saw, cut the sides, top and base to width. To make grooves for the backing board, on all inside faces, use a router and straight cutter to make 6mm-deep x 5mm-wide grooves, adjusting the guide to offset the cutter 20mm from the back.

STEP 3

Drill the shelf pinholes
Align the sides and square a line across the inside face, 200mm from each end and two 50mm apart. Mark up the holes 50mm from the front edge and 25mm from the edge of the groove to drill 5mm-diameter x 10mm-deep holes.

STEP 4

Assemble the cabinet
Cut the backing board to size with a panel saw at a low angle to avoid blow-out. Drill 4mm clearance holes into the bottom corners, securing with adhesive and three 50mm x 8g screws. Position backing and secure with adhesive and 50mm x 8g screws.

STEP 5

Attach the shelf lips
Apply adhesive along the shelf edge and position the lip flush with the top edge of the shelf. Secure lips to the front and back of each shelf using 40 x 1.5mm bullet-head nails, setting heads below the surface with a nail punch.