Introduction: SKINNY MOBILE UTILITY CART

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About: Retired Shop Teacher, Tool Collector, I like Cars, Guitars, Bikes and Electronics. I'd rather Recycle than buy Materials. Definitely Old-School Methods.

If space is at a premium but you still need a place to store tools, cut wood or have a base for fixing things around the house, then this cart may be for you. Mine is totally built from re-used materials but even if you have to buy the wood and parts, it will still be economical.

Supplies

TOOLS/ MATERIALS


Panel saw with rip guide

Mitre saw

Brad nailer

Drill with suitable drill bits and screwdriver bits

Measuring tape, marker, square

Any suitable wood- I used pre-finished 3/4” MDF shelving which I salvaged from old furniture

Uni-directional ( not swivel) casters

Wood screws

Step 1: MEASURE/ CUT

I won’t give precise measurements as you can build this any size. My base was 12” x 24”. ( I must admit, I cheated here. I used a wine rack, already assembled as my base) Side rails and top crossers were 3.5” wide, end supports- 32” high x 9.5” wide. The top was cut with a 1.5” overlap to produce a slight lip all around so machinery or materials could be easily clamped down.


Step 2: ASSEMBLE

Build the bottom tray with simple box construction. Just frame the bottom board with the rails using brad nails to attach. Drill pilot holes and use screws at the butted edges.

Attach the casters to one end of the underside with screws. Measure how high they sit and cut a foot for the other end to equal this height. Attach with brads and screws. This provides a sturdy, level base and will keep the unit from moving when set down.

Place the end supports in place. Tack with the brad nailer then drill pilot holes and attach solidly with screws.

Tack side rails in place at the top of end supports, then drill and insert screws

Tack the top crossers in place. One at each end and one in the middle. Screw solidly.

Drill several holes in the crossers. Turn the unit over so it rests on the top. Line it up and screw the top in place.

Step 3: ADD EXTRAS

I added a power block to one end support. I also attached a handle to the end opposite the casters so the unit could be easily lifted and rolled into place. Also , I attached some stick- on floor protectors on the bottom of the foot. I had some left over material so I built a half shelf and attached it in the middle as there was a large unused space to fill.