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DIY Rolling Lumber Cart with Plans: A Handy Solution for Woodworkers

If you’re an avid woodworker or simply enjoy tackling home improvement projects, having a functional workspace is essential. A rolling lumber cart can significantly streamline your workflow, allowing you to easily transport your materials around the shop or garage. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating your own DIY rolling lumber cart, complete with plans, to keep your workspace organised and efficient.

The Benefits of a Rolling Lumber Cart

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore the advantages of building a rolling lumber cart:

1. Mobility: A cart on wheels makes it easy to move long lengths of lumber around your workspace or transport them from one location to another.

2. Organisation: With dedicated storage for various sizes of wood, you can keep your materials neatly organised and avoid damage or forgetfulness.

3. Space-Saving: A well-designed cart can fit into tight spots, making it a practical addition for those with limited workshop space.

4. Customisation: You can adapt the cart’s design according to your needs, whether you require more storage space or specific features.

Tools and Materials Required

Tools:

• Circular saw or table saw
• Drill and driver
• Measuring tape
• Square
• Sandpaper or a power sander
• Paintbrush (if finishing)

Materials:

• 1×3 or 1×4 lumber (for the frame and shelves)
• Plywood (for the cart’s top and bottom)
• Casters (preferably locking ones)
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Varnish or paint (optional, for finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before you start cutting wood, sketch out your cart design. A typical rolling lumber cart might measure approximately 1.2m (4 feet) long, 0.6m (2 feet) high, and 0.6m (2 feet) wide, but feel free to adjust these dimensions based on your workshop’s requirements.

Step 2: Cut the Wood

Using your saw, cut the lumber to the following dimensions:

• Top Shelf: 1.2m x 0.6m (cut from plywood)
• Bottom Shelf: 1.2m x 0.6m (cut from plywood)
• Side Supports: 2 pieces of 0.6m (1×3 or 1×4)
• Front and Back Supports: 2 pieces of 1.2m
• Vertical Dividers: If you choose to include storage dividers, cut to your desired height.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

1. Start by laying out the side supports parallel to each other.
2. Attach the front and back supports using wood screws, ensuring everything is square.
3. If you are using dividers, attach these vertically between the front and back supports as desired.

Step 4: Attach the Shelves

1. Secure the top shelf to the frame you’ve just built, ensuring it’s level.
2. Next, attach the bottom shelf, adjusting its height to allow for your lumber length.
3. Use wood glue in conjunction with screws for added stability.

Step 5: Add Casters

1. Attach the locking casters to each corner of the bottom shelf. Ensure they are securely fastened, as these will bear the weight of the cart when loaded.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

Once your cart is assembled, use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth any rough edges and surfaces. Finish your cart with varnish or paint, if desired, to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

Step 7: Load It Up!

Once the finish has dried, your rolling lumber cart is ready for use! Load it up with your preferred sizes of lumber and enjoy the ease of mobility and organisation it brings to your workspace.

Conclusion

Creating a DIY rolling lumber cart is an excellent way to enhance your woodworking setup. Not only will it provide a practical solution for storing and moving your materials, but you’ll also take satisfaction in building a functional piece of furniture that meets your specific needs. With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can organise your workshop and make your next project a breeze. Happy building!