Drawers under work bench

These look pretty good to me. We can always use more storage space in our shops and these drawers made excellent use of “dead” space. Mdf is a nice material to make shop furniture out of as well because it machines well and is cost effective. I like the paper towel holder on the bench as well.

Nice job.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Looks good to me also!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I’m curious as to why you think you would have been better off with plywood.

-- Derek, Bremerton WA --

Good question, Derek. Maybe it’s just my inexperience but i thought the MDF was hard to work with. I was very careful putting the pieces together and I pre-drilled every single hole or used pocket screws but still the material (3/4”) would split. I was using the recommended Kregg screw length and depth setting on the jig, but maybe I should have been using fine thread instead of coarse?

Anyway, I think plywood would have been stronger, probably lighter, and I could have finished it with a nice sealer/stain to practice my finishing skills (because I have no finishing skills).

-- Premium firewood created daily.

Biscuits probably would of been the answer, or just glue and nail. Anyway, it looks good, nice idea also.

Never tried biscuits, I don’t have a cutter. I think the next time I work with MDF I’m just going to glue and nail like you suggest. Thanks for the help and the kind words.

-- Premium firewood created daily.

I guess I forgot to mention that if your going to just glue and nail it, I would dado cut the boards in some, it just helps to lock things in, plus it gives you more glue surface.

Thanks, again, woodchuck. As soon as I get a dado blade for the TS I’m going to practice on some more cabinets. I’m gonna get a thin kerf Forrest woodworker blade first, then get a good dado stack.

-- Premium firewood created daily.

If you have a router, a bit isn’t as expensive, and will get you going sooner. Just don’t try to hog out the cut in one pass, make 2 shallow passes.

I hardly ever cut dados with my TS as for me a router gives me more control and accuracy. There are a number of router jig plans on the site for cutting dados.

-- Joe

That’s a good idea, guys. I’ve got a router and some straight bits. For whatever reason I’ve been hesitant to use them. I’ll see if I can’t find a jig to make the dadoes easier to cut.

Reason #329 why I like Lumberjocks: great advice from people who know a lot more than I do, without the condescending glare from a woodcraft employee!

-- Premium firewood created daily.

Great use of existing equipment in the shop. I have a similar craftsman workbench, but mine has drawers on the right side and the left is wide open storage space. I actually plan on converting mine into a router table one of these days and will post pics once I get around to that project.

-- AzChiefFan "Measure Once, Curse Twice"

As others have said Cory, great use of otherwise dead space and you made it to fit like a glove. If it’s any indication of your abilities, I think you’re well on your way to some nice projects. That Kreg pocket hole tool is neat, and fun to use!

-- And on the eighth day God was back in His woodworking shop!