Introduction: How to Make a Drill Charging Cabinet | DIY Woodworking
This Instructable walks you through how I built this drill storage and charging cabinet!
I've been hunting down drills and bits in the shop for far too long! So, today I'm changing all of that with the help of the Kreg Tool Company, and I'll be showing you how to build this awesome DIY drill charging cabinet from a single sheet of plywood.
Check out the video above for the build! If you like it, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and checkout some of my other projects! If you want additional details head over to my blog!
You can grab the free plans over on buildsomething.com!
Supplies
Materials: (affiliate)
- 3/4" plywood - 4'x8'
- Soft close hinges - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- Handle - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- Glue - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- 3" construction screws - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- Pocket hole screws - 1-1/4" - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- Brads - 1-1/4" - https://amzn.to/2E083J0
- Edge Banding - https://amzn.to/2E083J0 Scrap 2x4's
➤Tools: (affiliate)
- SOtunes Pro - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Table saw (new version) - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Miter saw - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Bandsaw - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Jigsaw - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Drill press - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- 1-3/4" hole saw - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Router - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Sander - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Drill (new version) - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Impact driver - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Small impact driver - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Brad nailer - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Bar clamps - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- E-Z Hold clamps - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Kreg bench dog - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Kreg dog hole clamp - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Kreg right angle clamps - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Kreg K5 - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Kreg concealed hinge jig - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Woodpeckers square - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Chisels - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
- Edge banding trimmer - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
Step 1: Breaking Down Plywood
To kick things off, I followed my cut sheet to break down the plywood for this project. Once all of these parts were cut to size and had pocket holes drilled, I opted to add some edge banding to clean up the aesthetics, but this is completely optional.
Step 2: Cutting French Cleats
With the main pieces cut, I ripped 6 strips at 3" wide.
Then I set up to cut the strips in half with a 45° angle.
Step 3: Pocket Hole Joinery
Next, I needed to add some pocket holes to the shelves, top, drill holder, and back. With my K5, this was pretty quick work.
My general rule of thumb on spacing for these is to space them 6"-8" apart and 2" from the edges of a piece.
Step 4: Making Drill Holder
Now it's time to make the drill holder! Did I mention I'm stoked to have all my drills in one place already?
First, I measured out the spacing required for my drills. Be sure to double check that your tools will fit and adjust if necessary! Then I drilled a 1-3/4" circle at the end of each slot.
Finally, I made straight cuts to connect the dots.
A little chamfer on the edges finishes off this part, and we're ready to move on!
Step 5: Assemble Drill Organizer
Using bar clamps, I assembled the cabinet with 1-1/4" coarse pocket hole screws and checked for square along the way.
I started by attaching the sides to the back.
Next, I installed the two shelves and drill holder with the pocket holes facing down.
Lastly, I secured the top in place with the pocket holes facing up.
Now it's time to add the french cleats to the cabinet and door. I waited to complete this step until I'd already hung it on the wall... Because I like a challenge? Simply apply glue to the back of the cleat, position, and then shoot a few nails to hold things in place while the glue dries.
Step 6: Cabinet Door Hardware
Now I break out my Kreg concealed hinge jig to locate the 35mm holes for the soft close hinges I'll use for the door.
This jig is very easy to use. Just dial in the off-set for your specific hinges and drill out for the cup. Then with a 1/16" drill, pre-drill for the hinge mounting screws.
Finally, I use the screws that came with the hinges and secure it to the door.
Step 7: Hanging Cabinet
There are several ways you can install this cabinet. Because of it's location in my shop, I opted to just secure it directly to the wall rather than hang it on French cleats.
Kathleen lent a hand in positioning the cabinet and then ran two screws at the top through the cabinet into studs.
I then added two more screws at the bottom of the cabinet just for extra insurance.
Step 8: Installing Door
To install the door, I first secure the hinge mounting plates. To do this, I drew layout lines and transferred the hinge position from the door to inside the cabinet. Then I simply ran the provided screws into the mounting plate to secure it.
Next, I just lined up the hinges with the mounting plate and snapped them into place!
With the door installed, add a handle of your choice.
Step 9: Tool Holders
The last thing to do (other than fill up this cabinet with tools and batteries) was to build some tool holders for the french cleats inside the cabinet.
These can be as simple or elaborate as you please.
The most simple of tool holders is just a block of wood with holes to hold things like Forstner bits, spade bits, hole saws, or whatever else you need to organize in this cabinet!
Step 10: Get the Free Plans!!!
Well, what do you think? Ready to build one for your shop? Head over to buildsomething.com, Kreg's DIY project plan site and get to it!
As always, if you have any questions, let me know. And until next time, have fun making something!
Kreg Tool provided me with product and/or monetary compensation as a sponsor of this build. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by the sponsor. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.