This project is all about organization. I never realized how many drill bits I really had around until I thought I should build something to organize them to be right near my drill press. That said this project is really about trying to fit things in as small a space as you can. It could be art supplies, makeup, or car parts, it doesn't matter, it is really trying to use your space as effectively as possible.

Step 1: Tools & Materials

Tools & Supplies Needed For the Cabinet

Nails or Brad Nailer or screws, it doesn't matter how you join the wood
Saw(s), miter, table...etc
Glue
Wood

Tools Needed for the Caddies:

ruler / measuring tape
drill press or drill

This is a pretty easy project to build. It is a basic box, hanging on the wall with a french cleat. Inside the box I made a few smaller boxes to hold some of the bits, and a few hangers to hold the larger bits.

I added a few storage caddies to organize the different groupings of bits but they are really optional depending on what it is you want to store.

Step 2: Method

Method

The box: I started with a 3 1/2 foot 2 x 6 I had lying around and decided that that would provide the basic structure. So I re-sawed it into three pieces (1/2", 1/2" & 1/4") and let the wood determine what could be built. For beginners I would just use glue and brad nails and butt joint the box together. I used box joints but it really doesn't matter. I am adding a graphic to help you determine where I put things and the sizes of the wood I used, but you should realize that these are all really flexible. For instance I used 1/2" boards, but you could easily use 3/4" and it would be just fine.

Organizers

For organizers, I decided to take a couple of blocks of wood, and drill lots of holes in them. What's so great about this concept is that you can customize your caddies to fit exactly what it is you're trying to organize. I made four caddies in total. One to hold quick release bits, one to hold brad point bits, one to hold mini bits for electronics and one for spade bits. Most of the the holes were 3/8 inch in diameter, but I also used some bigger bits to create some variation. It is very helpful to have a drill press in order to drill holes in a caddie. It's also nice to draw out a grid a head of time to make sure all of your holes are nice and straight.

To hold my Forstner bits I created holders by drilling a hole in a thin piece of wood, and cutting a piece off with the bandsaw to be able to slip the bits in. These I rested on supporters that I put in the cabinet.

Versatility

What's so awesome about creating a cabinet like this, is that you could customize a space to hold any collection of things, no matter whether that is tools, jewelry, make-up, spices or whatever!

Step 3: Conclusion & See the Video

To get a better perspective of the process, please take a look at the video. That way you can visualize the placement of the drill bits much easier. Thanks!