TRANSFORMABLE TOOL STAND

Simple but sturdy, this mobile stand can hold a benchtop power tool. Build two stands and you can stack them or pair them as pedestals for an add-on workbench top.

- KERRY GIBSON

Benchtop tools may come in compact sizes, but you don't necessarily want them taking up valuable workbench real estate. This heavy-duty tool stand provides a mobile alternative to park those tools with onboard storage options of drawers or shelves. Build a pair of them and add the sturdy MDF top, and you've created a heavy-duty, mobile workbench.

STOUT SIDES FOR STRENGTH

A pair of dimensional lumber frames skinned with plywood give the sides strength without complicated joinery.

1 From 2×4 stock, rip the side rails (A) and stiles (B) to width and cut them to length [Drawing 1, Materials List]. Drill pocket holes in both ends of the rails, then glue, clamp, and screw the frames together [Photo A].

2 Cut the plywood side panels (C) [Drawing 2] slightly oversize, then glue and clamp them to the frame assemblies [Drawing 1]. When the glue dries, rout the panels flush with the frames [Photo B].

3 From 1/4" hardboard, cut a shelf-pin drilling template 312×22". Mark a line 13/8" from one edge along its length, then lay out and drill shelf-pin guide holes in the template. The self-centering bit [Sources] we used required 3/8" guide holes. Use the template as a guide to drill shelf-pin holes in the interior side panels of the side assemblies (A-C) [Photo C].

4 Rout a 3/8" round-over on the front and rear edges of the side assemblies and sand the routed edges smooth.

CONNECT THE SIDES

1 Cut the top and bottom (D) to size [Exploded View, Materials List]. Set the side assemblies in place on the bottom and measure the width for the back (E), then cut the back to size.