Have you recently become a DIY enthusiast? As one of your first projects, are you thinking about custom-building a rolling cabinet or shelves to hold your myriad of tools? Building your own storage space can be a fun and rewarding way to practice your woodworking hobbies. Here are some tips to make sure that your rolling storage holds up to years of future use:
Use steel casters: In an effort to save money, you may be tempted to use plastic casters to move your shelf or cabinet around. Unfortunately, plastic can be fragile and bend or shatter at an inopportune moment. If you plan on keeping your storage item in an unheated garage, both extreme cold or extreme heat can weaken the plastic and cause it to become damaged the next time you try to move the piece. Fortunately, steel casters do not have these problems. Although they obviously cost more than plastic casters, steel casters will be able to withstand more weight. Instead of worrying about whether putting your power saw onto your portable toolbox will cause a wheel to collapse, you'll be able to move everything with no problem. Companies like Garland's Inc. can advise you on what is best for your particular project.
Don't skimp on materials: In addition to plastic casters versus steel casters, there are other materials that you might be tempted to skimp on. For example, you think that you might want to use up the nails and screws that you have lying around from your last project instead of going out and buying new ones. While this is a fine idea if the hardware is appropriate, trouble could arise if you use the wrong type. Using drywall or masonry screws instead of woodworking screws could cause them to loosen over time. Although they may work initially, you may find yourself having to re-drill screw holes in the near future.
Buy surplus wood: Even experienced woodworkers or carpenters occasionally make mistakes when cutting or drilling. When getting ready to fasten the steel casters onto the bottom, you may find that you drilled the holes in the wrong places. When you go back to the store, the wood you chose originally may be sold out or no longer available. Instead of dealing with this hassle, purchase extra pieces as necessary. If you want 4 shelves, purchase 5 or 6 pieces of wood for shelving. This way, if you make a mistake, there's no hasty trips to the store to replace the mistakes. If you do everything perfectly, you'll have materials to put towards your next project.
Share