So my main workshop is the two car garage of my home. I have it set up with a large workbench, two smaller rolling workbenches, and one tool / dimpling cart. I was lucky to be gifted a large, multi shelf workbench from my father. It was too big for his current situation, but it worked perfectly for me. I also have two very mobile workbenches that are 2′ x 4′ and have locking casters. My thought was with a somewhat small space, versatility is important. So, I can put them next to each other and have a 4′ x 4′ cube, or 2′ x 8′ bench. Finally, I designed and built a tool cart to hold my most used tools and the DRDT-2 dimpler I intend to use. Again, versatility was important. I will include a separate post about the tool cart. It is 2′ x 2′ 4 1/2″ . Weird size, but check out the post to find out why.
Category: Workshop
Tool / Dimpler Cart
So I mentioned that I made a custom tool / dimpler cart. Again trying to be versatile, I did not have a great place to store the DRDT-2 Dimplier that I plan to use. Additional, the “extension table” would have to be stored too. I had also been looking at tool carts that could house my metal working tools close by. I had an idea to create another rolling workbench that could store the tools, and hold the dimpler wether in use or not.
I started sketching out a plan. I would create raised edges on the top to provide support skins while being dimpled. This would also prevent tools from rolling off the cart. I could put plywood over the raised edges to build a table for dimpling the skins, and could remove it when the dimpler was removed. I also designed it so the dimpler has its own compartment on the bottom of the cart for storage. Peg Board could be added to the sides for even more storage. The cart was really starting to take shape.
I then went to Google Sketchup and created a 3-D design. This helped me to determine the appropriate size of the cart, and create a cut list of all the parts I would need. I even went through the trouble of modeling the DRDT-2 dimpler to ensure that it would fit. When I did this, I realized my initial design would have the dimpler sticking out of the cart about 4 inches when in storage, and this extension was at perfect shin height. I am very thankful I modeled the DRDT-2! This is why the cart has such strange dimensions.
Once the design was finalized, a cut and materials list was formed. After a quick trip to the local hardware store, the materials were in my possession, and once home, the construction began. Everything went very smoothly. The 3-D design was super helpful in reminding me how to assemble the pieces. After about 2 hours of working, the cart was complete.
Overall, the cart is going to be super helpful. I ordered a Peg Board accessory kit, and applied a polyurethane coating to protect the wood. I”ll continue to provide updates if modifications to the cart is needed.
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