instructables

Flip Top Planer Stand

by diymontreal

If you’re like me, you have limited space for tools inyour workshop, aka garage. What can I say, I lovetools, but my single car garage has gotten socramped, I can barely move around, let alone findroom to build something. I desperately need to dosomething to save some space and optimize thelayout.

A simple solution I came across is a flip top toolstand, that allows you to store 2 tools in the space of1, all while making them easily accessible and ease

to use when you need them.

This design was inspired by Brad at FixThisBuildThatand he's got plans available for this build if you'reinterested. Get the PLANS from FixThisBuildThat HERE (specs may vary).

My stand's dimensions were intended toaccommodate a Dewalt DW735 planer and a Ridgid oscillating spindle sander.

Flip Top Planer Stand: Page 1

Step 1: Gather the Hardware

This planer stand has a super solid locking system that's easy to make, and I'll show you how.

Here is the hardware you'll need:

(4) 5/16 x 3-½” eyebolts(4) 5/16 fender washers(4) 5/16 star knobs(4) � x 1-½” hex bolts(8) � washers(4) � nuts(1) ¾ O.D. steel pipe 36” long(4) 3” locking caster wheels(16) #14 x ¾” wood screws(8) #8 x 3-½” wood screws1-1/4² pocket hole screws1-1/4² wood screws

https://youtu.be/YiDvT6_mcNI

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Step 2: Assemble Cabinet

Start by cutting down some 3/4 plywood:

2 equally sized pieces that will be used for the side panels4 equally sized pieces that will be all the horizontal pieces (bottom, shelf, platform faces)

Drill pocket holes into the side edges of the bottom and shelf pieces. Attach the bottom to both side panels using pocket screws.

Then cut some spacer blocks to prop the shelf into place, and screw it to the side panels from underneath usingmore pocket screws.

Lastly, cut a piece for the back and secure with pocket screws.

Step 3: Make Drawer

To make a really simple no frills drawer, cut 4 pieces of plywood to make a box that will be 1/8" smaller than theheight, width and depth of the opening. No slides are necessary, not even a drawer face.

Use your table saw to cut a shallow groove in all 4 pieces in order to accommodate a drawer bottom.

Then, using pocket screws, assemble 3 sides, but slide in the drawer bottom before attaching the 4th side.

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Step 4: Prep Sides for Hardware

Start by tracing a line 2 inches down from the top ofeach side panel. It helps to lay the cabinet on its sidefor this step.

Find the center of the line and drill a hole using a 3/4Forstner bit. This will accommodate the steel pipethat rotates the tabletop.

Use a 5/16 drill bit to drill a hole on the line, 1-1/2" in

from the edge. Do this on both the front and backedges. With a square, extend the sides of the hole tothe edge of the plywood and use a jigsaw to cut out anotch.

Oh and while the cabinet is on its side, it's a goodtime to mount the 3" locking caster wheels usingsome #14 3/4 screws.

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Step 5: Build Platform

Grab one of those 4 pieces you cut at the first step forthe platform.

Cut 4 pieces of 1x2 pine that are the same width asthe platform.

Lay the plywood board flat and find the center linefront to back, then measure 3/8" on each side. Butt apiece of 1x2 pine up to each of these lines and screwthem down using 1-1/4" wood screws (first drillcountersunk pilot holes). This will be the nook for the steel pipe.

The other 2 pine pieces need a notch cut out of theends. Make a simple jig that will ride along your tablesaw’s fence to make a 5/16 notch in the center of theboards, that’s 1-½ inch deep. Then screw these

pieces down flush with the outside edges of theplywood.

Complete the perimeter by adding more 1x2 piecesall around.

Before sealing up the platform, it’s important to addblocking underneath the tools you'll be mounting soyou'll have something to screw into. You want tomake sure to line up the blocks under the smallerholes if you’re using screws, the bigger holes are ifyou’re using bolts.

Seal up the platform with the other piece of plywoodusing 1-1/4" screws.

Flip Top Planer Stand: Page 5

Step 6: Assemble Hardware

For each corner of the platform, do the following to assemble the hardware:

1. Mark 1 inch in from each edge using a combination square.2. Make a recessed hole using a Forstner bit, approx. 1/2 inch deep. Do this on both the top an bottom

sides of the platform.3. Drill a hole through the center using a 3/8 bit.4. Insert the head of the eyebolt into the cavity.5. Slip a 3/8 washer into the recessed hole, followed by a 3/8 hex bolt.6. Slip another 3/8 washer onto the end of the bolt from underneath.7. Add a 3/8 nut.8. Slip a fender (or regular) 5/16 washer onto the eyebolt, followed by a star knob.

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Step 7: Mount Platform

Mount the platform onto the base by threading the 3/4" steel pipe through the hole in the side panel and the cavityin the platform.

Cut down the excess steel pipe using a hack saw, leaving 1/2" protruding from each side.

Use a 3/4 Forstner bit to make a recess into a set of plywood blocks, 1/2 deep. Mount these blocks over the pipeends and screw them to the cabinet using 1-1/4" screws.

Flip Top Planer Stand: Page 7

Step 8: Mount Tools

Mount the tools using 3-1/2" screws (smaller holes) or lag screws (larger holes), centering the tool front to back.

For cord management, I used a piece of leather with a pressure snap that I screwed to the platform. This will be aquick and easy way to keep the cord secured and out of the way.

Now, let me tell you, the first time I flipped the tools over I was pretty nervous! The planer alone weighs about 90lbs… But all my fears melted away when I saw how smoothly the platform rotated and a new tool magicallybobbed into place.

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If you haven't already, be sure to check out the video. If you like what you see, subscribe to my YouTube channelto get notified when I post new project videos.

More from DIY Montreal:

Router Table & Fence BuildDrill Press TableTapering Jig

Flip Top Planer Stand: Page 8

The video is more than just a how to for building a great tool stand. It’s template for how to makean Instructables video! One of the best I’ve seen!

Thanx for sharing. I'm putting this on my to-do list for next year because I currently don't have aclimate-controlled environment to woodwork during the winter! Bummer!! But I hope to in the futureand I want to maximize my space when I do.

**singing** Ah, for society, propriety, you're called MARIE. I, too, have limited space and reallyenjoyed this Instructable. Very solidly built. I also went to your YouTube and loved the bloopers.You do fine work, great craftsWOmanship. I'm a fan. --Kink--

I am so glad you posted this project. I'm in the same pickle - my studio is super small and it's only amatter of time until I'm boxed in. The pivot mechanism and it's stabilizers are brilliant. Well done!

The pivoting eye-bolt clamping support pin mechanism is really clever. A sturdy build, and a solidarticle.

Hey. Why didn't I think of that? I'm running out of tool room in my basement shop. This is a greatidea on saving space.Thanks a million.

Well done!

Interesting idea. I wonder if you could use some type slide in setup so you can use the stand forboth storage of unused power equipment and others as well. I have so many stand alone pieces ofpower equipment like planner, oscillating spindle sander, metal cut off saw, and other suchequipment, that I would need a few of these if I can't figure out how to make it a slide in setup. Buta thumbs up for sure for your project post!

This is really well done. I like that you've included the necessary dimensions, so this can bereproduced with as little fuss as possible. Great project, great instructable!

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