How to build a wooden tool chest with sliding trays

Building a wooden tool chest with sliding trays is a rewarding project that not only helps you stay organized but also adds a rustic, functional touch to your workspace. This guide will walk you through the steps of constructing a sturdy and efficient tool chest with sliding trays, ideal for holding hand tools, screws, and other small accessories.

Materials Needed

• Wooden boards (for the chest, trays, and dividers): Choose a durable hardwood like pine, oak, or maple.
• Drawer slides: These allow the trays to slide smoothly in and out.
• Screws and wood glue: For assembling the pieces.
• Plywood (for the bottom and trays): A sturdy plywood will provide a solid base and smooth sliding.
• Wood finish: For sealing and protecting the chest.
• Hinges: For the lid (optional, if you want a lid on the chest).
• Handle: For portability (optional).
• Measuring tape, saw, drill, screwdriver, and clamps.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Design and Measurements

Before you begin cutting wood, determine the dimensions of your tool chest and trays. A standard size might be about 24″ long, 12″ deep, and 12″ tall, but you can customize this based on the tools you plan to store.

• Chest Body: For the sides, back, and front of the chest, cut four pieces of wood to your desired dimensions. These will form the outer structure.
• Trays: For the sliding trays, cut pieces of wood to fit inside the chest, making sure there’s enough room for them to slide freely. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 1/4-inch gap around the edges of the trays for smooth movement.
• Dividers (optional): If you want to organize the inside of the trays, measure and cut dividers to fit.

2. Assembling the Chest Body

• Start by assembling the chest frame. Attach the sides to the back piece using screws and wood glue. You can also use corner brackets for added strength.
• Once the sides and back are secure, attach the front piece in the same manner. Ensure the corners are square, and clamp the pieces as the glue dries.
• If you’re adding a lid, now’s the time to attach the hinges to the top edge of the chest.

3. Building the Sliding Trays

• Cut plywood pieces for the bottom of each tray. Then, cut strips of wood for the sides and ends of the trays. Assemble each tray by gluing and screwing the sides to the base.
• If you’re adding dividers to the trays, glue and screw them into place, making sure they are evenly spaced for your tools.

4. Installing the Sliding Mechanism

• For smooth sliding action, you will need drawer slides. Attach the slides to the sides of the trays, ensuring they align with the corresponding tracks inside the chest.
• On the interior of the chest, install the matching track sections of the slides. Make sure the tracks are level and positioned so that the trays will slide freely without obstruction.

5. Adding the Handle

If you want to make the tool chest more portable, you can attach a handle to the front or the sides of the chest. This could be a simple wooden handle or a metal pull handle, depending on your aesthetic preference.

6. Finishing Touches

Once all the pieces are assembled, sand the entire chest to smooth out any rough edges and surfaces. Apply a wood finish, such as a clear polyurethane, to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before use.

7. Final Assembly and Testing

Once everything is dry, insert the trays into the chest and check that they slide smoothly. Adjust the drawer slides if necessary. Make sure the lid (if you have one) opens and closes easily, and ensure all hardware is securely fastened.

Additional Tips

• Wood Selection: Use hardwoods for durability, but if you are on a budget, plywood or pine can also be a great option for a functional tool chest.
• Customization: You can add more trays or compartments inside the chest if you need extra organization. You could also add a lock for security.
• Finishing: Consider using a stain to match the look of your workspace or add a personalized touch.

Conclusion

Building your own wooden tool chest with sliding trays is a great way to create a customized storage solution for your tools. With just a few materials and some basic woodworking skills, you can have a sturdy, functional chest that will keep your tools organized and easily accessible.

For more detailed woodworking projects like this, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course, which offers comprehensive plans and instructions for creating various woodworking projects. Here’s the link: Ted’s Woodworking Course.