Sawhorse plans compressor cart and playhouse

Want to thank Don for taking the time to draw up this SketchUp plan for the sawhorse I made last week.

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And while Im at it, a few people have asked for a stackable version. While there are plenty online, its definitely worth checking out Matthiass horses over at Woodgears. 

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David LaNear sent over his Spring project, which is also a storage project. He bought the plans for this compressor cart online for $4 and modified it to suit his needs. Cost him about $75 to make.

Heres a photo of the original cart:

Heres how David built his:

"The original plans had side openings for accessories but I wanted an enclosed area to keep dust and critters out. I added the removable tray and 2" to the storage. I used urethane caster wheels instead of the larger utility cart wheels. The original plans called for screws, glue and clamping. I used pocket whole screws and glue, instead. I also changed the hose hanger. Instead of a square hose hanger I made it curved. Also I made a little shelf under the hanger to store adapters I use more often. I used a stain/urethane to seal the wood."

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Finally, I wanted to show you a big little project from Ted Morgan. This is such a cute playhouse! I love all the details.

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Make a painting and finishing cart for your shop

One thing Ive noticed about the workflow in my shop is that setting up for finishing or painting can mean a lot of walking back and forth. For a paint job, I will grab a few acrylics and take them to my workbench. Then I need to get brushes, rags, water, waxed paper for mixing colors. I thought it would be nice to have most of these supplies in one portable cart that I could wheel wherever needed.
Shelves on 2 sidesI have always found that things tend to get lost in deep shelves. It seems that what you are looking for is in the back! So I designed this work cart with shelves and doors on two sides, allowing for shallow shelves on one side and shelves a little deeper on the other. I arranged them to suit me: sized for brushes, spray cans, quart and pint sized cans, and thinners.
If you make this project, figure out what you want to store and modify the plans accordingly. You could, of course, install adjustable shelving. Personally, I am not a fan of adjustable shelves because once I set them it seems I never bother to adjust them again.

My cart will be stored next to a utility sink, so I used a piece of melamine for the top so I can easily wipe off liquids. In the plans, I included the top in the cut list as part of the 3/4" plywood needed for the project. If you wanted to save some money, I see no reason why you couldnt use 1/2" ply for the entire project. Its not meant to be carrying heavy loads.
Download free plans

• WWMM Painting and finishing cart (PDF)

• SketchUp file

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Follow-up follow up. In the video I mentioned going to look at a car for Wyatt. We ended up getting it!

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On my workbench finishing cart

I am building a shop project for this weeks show. It a roll-around finishing cart with shelves on two sides. I have some leftover melamine from my router table that Ill use for the top.
As of this evening, Ive got most of it done. Most time consuming part was cutting out all the grooves for the dividers and shelves. That, and breaking down the 4x8 plywood sheet.
I hope it will be a useful way for me to store my finishing supplies, paints and brushes. Ill be able to wheel it right to my workbench or wherever needed. Since it will be stored next to my utility sink, liquids and splashes on the melamine top should wipe off easily.
Stop by Friday for the video and free plans!

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Make a rolling lumber cart

This week I finally decided to do something about the less-than-adequate storage system I have been using for my lumber. The biggest problem for me has been finding a good way to store plywood and other sheet goods.

Most of us rarely need to store a full sheet of plywood. I buy sheet goods to meet the requirements of whatever project I am building and use them right away. At most, I may need to store them for a day or two, in which case I just lean them against a wall or — if its not raining — simply leave them in my truck.
Sometimes I dont use all of the sheet however, so what I needed was a way to store a half-sheet or so. This lumber cart solves much of my storage problems, and after building it I discovered that it holds a lot more wood than my old rack and takes up less space.
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Building plans:

• PDF File
• SketchUp file

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Update: Thanks Fabian V. Valinskas for drawing out a cutting diagram!