Basic Shop Cabinets Pt. 1

After several months, I finally got some time to work in the shop and upgrade my tool storage. Currently, most of my tools are in a mechanic's tool chest and also strewn about the shop. In order to make more room and get organized, I started to build the base cabinets along one of the walls. These are simple cabinets built from BCX plywood. They are 36" wide and each will have two deep drawers for storage. After getting my cutlist determined, I started by breaking down the sheet goods.

Cutting plywood in the garage.

Since the shop is small and crowded, I cut the plywood in the garage on top of a sheet of foam insulation board. This provides workpiece support and allows me to cut all the way through the plywood without cutting into any sawhorses (or the floor).

Large panels sized.

After I had the sides, floors, and backs cut, I could work on some of the smaller pieces. The top frames and nail rail are also plywood and most of the carcass of the cabinet is put together with pocket hole screws.

Top frame and nail rails sized.

Top frames assembled.

With the nail rails cut out and the top frames assembled, I was ready to put the cabinets together. Again, pocket hole screws were used since the floor won't be supporting any weight. The sides will be doing all the heavy lifting with the drawer runners. With the top, sides, and floor assembled I glued and nailed the 1/4" plywood panel on the back. A rabbet was cut in the sides to accept this and the piece will help keep the cabinet square.

Assembled with backs.

First face frame.

I had enough stock on hand to build one face frame. This was assembled using pocket hole screws and will be attached to the carcass with biscuits and glue. After I finish the second face frame I need to find heavy duty drawer slides and build the drawers.