Project Information
The lumber cart in the pictures was a plan I found on PlansNow, however I later found out that they were originally from ShopNotes Issue number 55. A search on Lumberjocks shows a couple of other carts built to the same plan:
I also found a downsized version (this is pretty cool):
I made few changes to the plan, and I have a few recommendations
1. I did not use 1x lumber for the base rails. I used 2x that I doubled up in the center three locations and tripled in the end locations (to support the casters). In hindsight I would have put one last additional piece of plywood on the bottom, creating a torsion box for that last little bit of rigidity. When screwing the shelves to the side panels, I was able to flex the base just by flushing up the shelves to the side panels. Besides, torsion boxes are all the rage right now.
2. The plan calls for incorrect widths of the shelves: 10 7/16, 12 1/2, 14 1/2, and 16 9/16 inches. The shelves are spaced evenly apart and centered, so I used 10 1/2, 12 1/2, 14 1/2, and 16 1/2 inches. I checked it with SketchUp and I am glad I did. Many hours lost (or was it gained) figuring this part out.
3. I did not use the circular pattern for the bin dividers. All effort and no reward other than visual appeal. I like the angled look better.
4. This project does not assemble easily. This is pretty much a two person project. You can cut all the parts by yourself but good luck assembling solo. The order of assembly in the plan is probably the best way to do it, but the plan calls for no vertical fasteners (dividers to base, side panels to base). I used pocket screws to fix that, and because I believe in punishing myself for an unknown reason, I chose to place them inside the shelf spaces:
I could not fit:
My brother did fit, but needed help getting out:
5. Don't skimp out on casters. The plan calls for casters rated at 400 pounds each. The plan calls for 5 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood and has space to store 8 full sheets - that comes out to 780 pounds (assuming 60 pounds per sheet) and there is still all the shelf and bin space to fill up. I used casters rated for 700 pounds each, which I bought off of EBay for $11 each from here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/370284478116?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 This places gives good shipping discounts for multiple items, so 4 casters was $16 shipping vice $13 for one. I have used these casters on a couple other projects (yet to complete, yet to post) and I am very happy with them.
6. Don't be afraid of the size. The base is 32×96 inches but does not need to spin in place to function. I have it placed to the left of my table saw, with the cutoff bins facing out. If I need to cut / store / move sheetgoods, I just swing it out from one end a couple of feet. This maneuver also gives me great access to the internal shelves.
Here it is in all its glory (although not yet pushed against the wall where I will keep it):
Once again, thanks to the other Lumberjocks who have treaded here before me, posting advice and opinion, and giving me the motivation to move forward with my own projects.
I also found a downsized version (this is pretty cool):
I made few changes to the plan, and I have a few recommendations
1. I did not use 1x lumber for the base rails. I used 2x that I doubled up in the center three locations and tripled in the end locations (to support the casters). In hindsight I would have put one last additional piece of plywood on the bottom, creating a torsion box for that last little bit of rigidity. When screwing the shelves to the side panels, I was able to flex the base just by flushing up the shelves to the side panels. Besides, torsion boxes are all the rage right now.
2. The plan calls for incorrect widths of the shelves: 10 7/16, 12 1/2, 14 1/2, and 16 9/16 inches. The shelves are spaced evenly apart and centered, so I used 10 1/2, 12 1/2, 14 1/2, and 16 1/2 inches. I checked it with SketchUp and I am glad I did. Many hours lost (or was it gained) figuring this part out.
3. I did not use the circular pattern for the bin dividers. All effort and no reward other than visual appeal. I like the angled look better.
4. This project does not assemble easily. This is pretty much a two person project. You can cut all the parts by yourself but good luck assembling solo. The order of assembly in the plan is probably the best way to do it, but the plan calls for no vertical fasteners (dividers to base, side panels to base). I used pocket screws to fix that, and because I believe in punishing myself for an unknown reason, I chose to place them inside the shelf spaces:
I could not fit:
My brother did fit, but needed help getting out:
5. Don't skimp out on casters. The plan calls for casters rated at 400 pounds each. The plan calls for 5 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood and has space to store 8 full sheets - that comes out to 780 pounds (assuming 60 pounds per sheet) and there is still all the shelf and bin space to fill up. I used casters rated for 700 pounds each, which I bought off of EBay for $11 each from here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/370284478116?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 This places gives good shipping discounts for multiple items, so 4 casters was $16 shipping vice $13 for one. I have used these casters on a couple other projects (yet to complete, yet to post) and I am very happy with them.
6. Don't be afraid of the size. The base is 32×96 inches but does not need to spin in place to function. I have it placed to the left of my table saw, with the cutoff bins facing out. If I need to cut / store / move sheetgoods, I just swing it out from one end a couple of feet. This maneuver also gives me great access to the internal shelves.
Here it is in all its glory (although not yet pushed against the wall where I will keep it):
Once again, thanks to the other Lumberjocks who have treaded here before me, posting advice and opinion, and giving me the motivation to move forward with my own projects.