Lumber Storage Rack & Cart

No I’m not super productive. I just haven’t posted any projects in a while. The shop remodel/overhaul is going on 14 months and my project list is growing ever longer.

There are actually two projects here. A lumber cutoff/sheet goods cart that I built from plans (ultimate Table Saw book, I think) and an overhead lumber rack that some ingenious lumberjock graciously posted a while back.

Cuttoff/Sheet Goods Cart:
I actually built the rolling storage cart about two years ago. It looks quite barren due to the fact that I just had to unload it and upgrade casters for a 3rd and final time. The next time it’s going on the burn pile! I startd with 3” casters from lowe’s. Ripped one off within 6 months. Next came the 4” “heavy duty” casters from Lowe’s. These held up well but where a real pain to move when the cart was loaded to the max. (probably pushing 300-400 lbs). Finally, i just installed these 900 lb (yes, that’s each) capacity industrial 5” tall and 2” wide steel casters. Actually got a good price on these on ebay. They work great and make the cart almost manageable to move.

Lumber Rack:
Simple 2×4 construction lumber with recessed lags every 12 inches (top half) and about every 18” on the bottom. You may notice that I notched a “top plate” 2×6 around each section in hopes that it would provide a measure of safety from tipping should my 157 other lag screws fail. Horizontal supports are 1/2” galvanized pipe cut to 18” lengths (3.5” in the 2×4 leaves me about 15” of usable space). I was somewhat peculiar about the hole spacing. A 7/8” hole provide too much slop and in my mind would increase pressure points on very weak SPF lumber. So I found a 13/16” spade/paddle bit to make a perfect hole. I tapered the ends of each support with a belt sander, a couple wacks with the 2lb hammer and we’re in business!

The last picture shows a little more of the shop. Is it just me or after 14 months, this place is starting to look like a woodshop again!

Tablesaw outfeed project coming up next…..

-- Working on a retirement hobby, only 30 more years to practice!