If you’re like me, you have limited space for tools in your workshop, aka garage. What can I say, I love tools, but my single car garage has gotten so cramped, I can barely move around, let alone find room to build something. I desperately need to do something to save some space and optimize the layout.

A simple solution I came across is a flip top tool stand, that allows you to store 2 tools in the space of 1, all while making them easily accessible and ease to use when you need them.

This design was inspired by Brad at FixThisBuildThat.

My stand's dimensions were intended to accommodate a Dewalt DW735 planer and a Ridgid oscillating spindle sander. You can download the detailed dimensions HERE

Step 1: Gather the Hardware

This planer stand has a super solid locking system that's easy to make, and I'll show you how.

Here is the hardware you'll need:

Step 2: Assemble Cabinet

Start by cutting down some 3/4 plywood:

2 equally sized pieces that will be used for the side panels
4 equally sized pieces that will be all the horizontal pieces (bottom, shelf, platform faces)

Drill pocket holes into the side edges of the bottom and shelf pieces. Attach the bottom to both side panels using pocket screws.

Then cut some spacer blocks to prop the shelf into place, and screw it to the side panels from underneath using more pocket screws.

Lastly, cut a piece for the back and secure with pocket screws.

Step 3: Make Drawer

To make a really simple no frills drawer, cut 4 pieces of plywood to make a box that will be 1/8" smaller than the height, width and depth of the opening. No slides are necessary, not even a drawer face.

Use your table saw to cut a shallow groove in all 4 pieces in order to accommodate a drawer bottom.

Then, using pocket screws, assemble 3 sides, but slide in the drawer bottom before attaching the 4th side.

Step 4: Prep Sides for Hardware

Start by tracing a line 2 inches down from the top of each side panel. It helps to lay the cabinet on its side for this step.

Find the center of the line and drill a hole using a 3/4 Forstner bit. This will accommodate the steel pipe that rotates the tabletop.

Use a 5/16 drill bit to drill a hole on the line, 1-1/2" in from the edge. Do this on both the front and back edges. With a square, extend the sides of the hole to the edge of the plywood and use a jigsaw to cut out a notch.

Oh and while the cabinet is on its side, it's a good time to mount the 3" locking caster wheels using some #14 3/4 screws.

Step 5: Build Platform

Grab one of those 4 pieces you cut at the first step for the platform.

Cut 4 pieces of 1x2 pine that are the same width as the platform.

Lay the plywood board flat and find the center line front to back, then measure 3/8" on each side. Butt a piece of 1x2 pine up to each of these lines and screw them down using 1-1/4" wood screws (first drill countersunk pilot holes). This will be the nook for the steel pipe.

The other 2 pine pieces need a notch cut out of the ends. Make a simple jig that will ride along your table saw’s fence to make a 5/16 notch in the center of the boards, that’s 1-½ inch deep. Then screw these pieces down flush with the outside edges of the plywood.

Complete the perimeter by adding more 1x2 pieces all around.

Before sealing up the platform, it’s important to add blocking underneath the tools you'll be mounting so you'll have something to screw into. You want to make sure to line up the blocks under the smaller holes if you’re using screws, the bigger holes are if you’re using bolts.

Seal up the platform with the other piece of plywood using 1-1/4" screws.

Step 6: Assemble Hardware

For each corner of the platform, do the following to assemble the hardware:

Mark 1 inch in from each edge using a combination square.
Make a recessed hole using a Forstner bit, approx. 1/2 inch deep. Do this on both the top an bottom sides of the platform.
Drill a hole through the center using a 3/8 bit.
Insert the head of the eyebolt into the cavity.
Slip a 3/8 washer into the recessed hole, followed by a 3/8 hex bolt.
Slip another 3/8 washer onto the end of the bolt from underneath.
Add a 3/8 nut.
Slip a fender (or regular) 5/16 washer onto the eyebolt, followed by a star knob.

Step 7: Mount Platform

Mount the platform onto the base by threading the 3/4" steel pipe through the hole in the side panel and the cavity in the platform.

Cut down the excess steel pipe using a hack saw, leaving 1/2" protruding from each side.

Use a 3/4 Forstner bit to make a recess into a set of plywood blocks, 1/2 deep. Mount these blocks over the pipe ends and screw them to the cabinet using 1-1/4" screws.

Step 8: Mount Tools

Mount the tools using 3-1/2" screws (smaller holes) or lag screws (larger holes), centering the tool front to back.

For cord management, I used a piece of leather with a pressure snap that I screwed to the platform. This will be a quick and easy way to keep the cord secured and out of the way.

Now, let me tell you, the first time I flipped the tools over I was pretty nervous! The planer alone weighs about 90 lbs… But all my fears melted away when I saw how smoothly the platform rotated and a new tool magically bobbed into place.

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Get the plans HERE

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