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The Editors Mailbox

Rolling Stand for My New Planer

Tom McKenna, Managing Editor

12 users recommend

My new toy and its ride.

Tom McKenna

My son Ryan holds 'er steady while I drill.

Tom McKenna

My daughter Shannon helps, too.

Tom McKenna

My new toy and its ride.

Photo: Tom McKenna

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I don't really have a workshop; it's more like a workspace. My wife and I haven't yet figured out how to divvy up the basement space permanently, so I've simply carved out a corner to work in. That means I've put a lot of tools (my tablesaw, bandsaw, even my clamp rack) on wheels to make the most of the space.

Recently, I bought a benchtop planer, and it had been sitting in my office for about a month simply because I didn't have a good location for it in my basement. I knew it would sit on a mobile base, but I just hadn't had the time to design and make one.

I finally got to the job a couple weekends ago. The stand I designed is made from 3/4-in.-thick MDF, assembled with butt joints and screws, and rides on heavy-duty casters. It was super-easy to build, taking about 3 1/2 hours. I know it's not high-end, but when it comes to shop fixtures, I like to keep them simple and durable; there's no need to dress them up or spend a lot of time on them. This stand should last a while, and it keeps my workspace flexible.

After working with the MDF, though, I now know what my next big purchase will be: a dust collector.

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UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Zany Wooden Toys that Whiz, Spin, Pop and Fly by Bob Gilsdorf

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A table you can drop a bowling ball on

Comments (3)

John316 writes: Good on you for including the children! I love to see children working with their daddies (I noticed the safety equipment too :).

J
Posted: 8:42 pm on November 12th

woodsteve writes: Looks good for a start. You now are probably thinking about a back and then drawers or maybe doors?

Good luck and have fun.
Steve
Posted: 7:01 pm on November 12th

GT64 writes: If I were you, I would check out two things - child labor laws, and prevailing wage requirements.

Gary
Posted: 9:40 am on November 12th

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