Show us your tool rack/cart

[Douglas Ladendorf]

I'm finding myself sticking tools hear and there and need to make a proper tool rack or cart so they are organized and accessible. I'm looking for ideas and would love to see how you have solved this. What do you like or don't like about what you have? Any plans to change or expand? Does it include chucks and other accessories?
Thanks!
Doug

 

[john lucas]

Here is mine. It's a craftsman tool box. I mounted boards around the outside in a sort of 2 step staircase. I drilled holes in the boards to fit specific tools. It holds about 70 tools. I have my hollowing bars in the drawers along with chucks, tool rests and all sorts of other stuff. I have a magnet on the wall behind the tool chest that holds some larger more cumbersome tools and my captured bar system.

 

[Jerry Bailey]

I don't have 1/2 the tools John does ..........

with me, pegboard wall holds chucks & larger accessories, and 500w halogen backlighting
cabinet holds lathe, all turning tools used on regular basis are in plastic tubes mounted to back, with another 500w halogen light lighting front of work......
top & bottom drawers hold lathe accessories, middle 2 drawers hold turning tools not used all too frequently (hollowing, etc.)

the base of cabinet raised to accommodate my stance needed because of bad back.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Here's my wall rack, which I over thought and wasted a ton of time and scrap wood on. Gonna change it out for something more flexible. I do have some nice tools but nothing like you guys.

The other photo is where I store the chuck, jaws and such. The iPad is an old one that I use as a music server for the shop. Stream pandora or playlist. Plus I have the calculator and lots of my tool manuals right there.

 

[Jerry Bailey]

very well organized Mark, I especially like your dust collection aparatus
gives me some good ideas for here as that's the only place where I'm lacking ............

 

[Mark Hepburn]

very well organized Mark, I especially like your dust collection aparatus
gives me some good ideas for here as that's the only place where I'm lacking ............

Thanks Jerry. I'll send you a couple more photos if you like. It was cheap and easy.

Mark

 

[Douglas Ladendorf]

Great ideas and berry different was to handle set up. Mark, is that steel pegboard? Haven't seen that before. Looks like slots that could be used too.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Great ideas and berry different was to handle set up. Mark, is that steel pegboard? Haven't seen that before. Looks like slots that could be used too.

Doug, yes they are steel and the slits are functional too but I don't use them. Love that it's magnetic. Amazon.com:

Wall Control 30-P-3232GV Galvanized Steel Pegboard Pack

They have tons of this in many sizes.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I don't have 1/2 the tools John does ..........

with me, pegboard wall holds chucks & larger accessories, and 500w halogen backlighting
cabinet holds lathe, all turning tools used on regular basis are in plastic tubes mounted to back, with another 500w halogen light lighting front of work......
top & bottom drawers hold lathe accessories, middle 2 drawers hold turning tools not used all too frequently (hollowing, etc.)

the base of cabinet raised to accommodate my stance needed because of bad back.

View attachment 7382
View attachment 7383

Jerry, how are the pvc tool holders mounted? I like that idea. Are they attached to a base of some sort ir do you have a stop in each one?

 

[john lucas]

I've been doing this for a long time. There is a full size tool chest to the left of this one and another small one beside that one. The big one has carving tools in the top portion and the bottom has everything from extra tools I use rarely and things like coring system, large jaws, threading systems etc. The one next to that one has a Tormek and 1" strip sander on top,my tool rests in the bottom, are metal spinning tools, tool rests, sharpening gadgets, etc.
then I also have 2 6 drawer wooden cabinets that I built that have hand planes, side axes, spoke shaves, draw knives, tons of screw drivers, pliers, chisels, marking gauges, angle gauges etc. Then theirs the tool chest full of automotive repair kind of tools, and another large tool chest full of tooling for my lathe mill combo machine. Not to mention the smaller tool box that's full of mostly drill bits, and metal working measuring stuff. Whew, no wonder I'm tired all the time.

 

[Jerry Bailey]

Mark, simple set-up, all pvc is 2 1/4" , cut 45 miter @ bottom, used #10-3/4 screw at miter, then a 3" wood screw about 2" above to hold everything perpendicular
which also acts as a base for the tool handles to rest/stop at .......



John, way too many tools for me now-a-days, especially since I am space limited, and other power tools even tho on carts are still taking up too much room

Jerry, how are the pvc tool holders mounted? I like that idea. Are they attached to a base of some sort ir do you have a stop in each one?

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Mark, simple set-up, all pvc is 2 1/4" , cut 45 miter @ bottom, used #10-3/4 screw at miter, then a 3" wood screw about 2" above to hold everything perpendicular
which also acts as a base for the tool handles to rest/stop at .......

View attachment 7386

John, way too many tools for me now-a-days, especially since I am space limited, and other power tools even tho on carts are still taking up too much room

I think I'll do that for mine too. I'll pick up extra room. Plus I can angle the whole rig out a bit so they're easy to grab. Thanks Jerry.

 

[Douglas Ladendorf]

I had seen the PVC approach before and it seems pretty easy and practical. Thanks for the detail pic.

I've been doing this for a long time. There is a full size tool chest to the left of this one and another small one... ...Whew, no wonder I'm tired all the time.

Somebody hit the slippery slope at a full sprint!

 

[Ronald D. Black]

My tool storage

This is the storage behind the small lathe, still turn off the lathe prior to reaching over it for a tool. Safety first!!!
I make use of every available space to store "something" and make it available.
This is my storage for tools while using them on the large lathe.
This is the rack behind the large lathe, yes I turn off the lathe before reaching for a new tool!
Sorry the pictures are a bit fuzzy, took the early in the morning while I was still fuzzy!
Remember to work safe and enjoy it.
Ron

 

[Jerry Bailey]

some of ya'll have just way too many tools

 

[Mark Hepburn]

This is an appeal for the "Turners Without Enough Tools Foundation":

"Every day, some unfortunate soul has to go to his shop to work, only to find that he has less than 300 turning tools. Won't you please help?..."


Seriously sir, that is quite a collection of tools you have. I like that idea of yours for the tool rest on the lathe ways. If you don't mind I'm going to copy it. A couple of days ago I left a parting tool on the ways and next thing I knew it fell business end first onto the floor.

 

[hockenbery]

All good tool storage has the pointy ends facing away from the user.

If you are reaching toward the points you are gonna get cut.

Al

 

[Mark Hepburn]

All good tool storage has the pointy ends facing away from the user.

If you are reaching toward the points you are gonna get cut.

Al

Well duh. I hadn't thought of that. I can offset the entire rack away from the wall and angle it back towards the wall. Same convenience. Safer result.

Thanks Al

 

[Jerry Bailey]

was waiting to see if someone would point this out
this is why, even though I'm guilty of the same thing,
my pvc is short enough that I grab by the handles, with nothing blocking free access in front.

All good tool storage has the pointy ends facing away from the user.

If you are reaching toward the points you are gonna get cut.

Al

 

[Mark Hepburn]

was waiting to see if someone would point this out
this is why, even though I'm guilty of the same thing,
my pvc is short enough that I grab by the handles, with nothing blocking free access in front.

Hypocrite!!!!!


kidding

 

[Jerry Bailey]

do as I say, not as I do

LOL, that's the best I could come up with

 

[Mark Hepburn]

very well organized Mark, I especially like your dust collection aparatus
gives me some good ideas for here as that's the only place where I'm lacking ............

Jerry, I want to mention that Robo Hippy and Andy Chen have some great dust collection setups. Robo Hippy has this huge barrel collects everything, and Andy has a really inventive setup for moving a dust hood anywhere he needs it. It's very cool. I'd say both are far superior to my setup, which I made before joining this forum. I'm going to use Andy's design down the road a bit for my lighting and also for one lathe, and Robo Hippy's for my big lathe once I figure out how to adapt it.

I don't have a huge DC system and need to upgrade but am currently using a Grizzly cyclone at 800 CFM (they say), with a .5 micron pleated filter.

Mine is made of spare shop lumber, jig parts and a tupperware container. It works well and I'm pretty happy with the performance and the cost. I can put it right into the face of a bowl to sand, but it does get in the way a bit. I know you didn't ask, but here are some photos. Worth every penny you paid.

 

[Jerry Bailey]

Thanks Mark, I love robo's set-up, but is way too big for me to handle physically, I am extremely limited in motion
(back is 85% titanium rods & screws and only 3 spots where I can physically bend)
Actually, I didn't ask for more images because seeing the ones you posted, I envisioned already how to incorporate into my set-up
That being said, your 2nd image gives me even better ideas, so Thank You again for posting the extras.
Where I have lathe stationed, I just need the 1 adjustable arm coming off the ceiling soffit, and the 2nd adjustable arm with the collector itself.
But, I also need to get a decent system, and some space to put it (I only have a "2 car shop" LOL)
only requirement is I need to stay in 110v range, as like you, I've maxed out my power potentials,
especially my 220 system, already came off box for an extra dedicated 220 line for air compressor ........

Jerry, I want to mention that Robo Hippy and Andy Chen have some great dust collection setups. Robo Hippy has this huge barrel collects everything, and Andy has a really inventive setup for moving a dust hood anywhere he needs it. It's very cool. I'd say both are far superior to my setup, which I made before joining this forum. I'm going to use Andy's design down the road a bit for my lighting and also for one lathe, and Robo Hippy's for my big lathe once I figure out how to adapt it.

I don't have a huge DC system and need to upgrade but am currently using a Grizzly cyclone at 800 CFM (they say), with a .5 micron pleated filter.

Mine is made of spare shop lumber, jig parts and a tupperware container. It works well and I'm pretty happy with the performance and the cost. I can put it right into the face of a bowl to sand, but it does get in the way a bit. I know you didn't ask, but here are some photos. Worth every penny you paid.

View attachment 7396View attachment 7397

 

[Steve Worcester]

I had a friend make me a PVC pipe rack, works well. Put some thick rubber underneath it so I can put the spears down. For the faceplates, vac chucks, chucks, and measuring tools, I use standard peg board well anchored to studs.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

My current solution

My current setup i.s a wall rack (2) with horizontal storage and a rack on a cart for the 4 to 6 tools I am currently useing. As usual cannot say it will stay this way because this same setup has been move on this wall 3 times as needs and lathes change. The points of tools on the small ready rack are now turned down for safety.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Jerry, I want to mention that Robo Hippy and Andy Chen have some great dust collection setups. Robo Hippy has this huge barrel collects everything, and Andy has a really inventive setup for moving a dust hood anywhere he needs it. It's very cool. I'd say both are far superior to my setup, which I made before joining this forum. I'm going to use Andy's design down the road a bit for my lighting and also for one lathe, and Robo Hippy's for my big lathe once I figure out how to adapt it.

Thanks for the reminder on Andy Chen as the poster of that system. I made this similar to his after seeing it . I used 3/4 pipe and elbows and T's with all thread . Did not do the berings the way he did , but it works pretty well with PVC at the moving joints. I will make a pic and post some time later. Had changed my set up at least 4 times and this may be the winner.

 

[Odie]

There are probably a hundred tools, but only the ones I use frequently are easily accessed. The rest are in drawers. The ones stored vertically in pvc, are only occasionally used, but the main tools are on the cart. I've found that it's important to keep tools away from where chips are likely to fly. That area should remain fairly sparse and easy to clean.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

There are probably a hundred tools, but only the ones I use frequently are easily accessed. The rest are in drawers. The ones stored vertically in pvc, are only occasionally used, but the main tools are on the cart. I've found that it's important to keep tools away from where chips are likely to fly. That area should remain fairly sparse and easy to clean.

Odie, how do you get by on only 100 tools?

I find myself trying to justify each tool purchase. On the other hand, I confess that it is becoming easier and easier to rationalize my "need" for tools.

Looks like you have a nice size shop too (and a good collection of bowls up there too).

mark

 

[Douglas Ladendorf]

I imagine after you have been doing this awhile you just find they start to multiply. There are those you started out with, upgraded to, were given or bought for a price too good to pass up, try some modified version of what you have been using, various grinds and specific task tools etc. next thing you know your tool rack has a tool rack. I like Tim Yoder's set up. He has a line of Thompson tools next to the lathe (on the left) where it's easy to grab the one he needs. In sure there are more stashed away but it looks nice and organized for the show.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I imagine after you have been doing this awhile you just find they start to multiply. There are those you started out with, upgraded to, were given or bought for a price too good to pass up, try some modified version of what you have been using, various grinds and specific task tools etc. next thing you know your tool rack has a tool rack. I like Tim Yoder's set up. He has a line of Thompson tools next to the lathe (on the left) where it's easy to grab the one he needs. In sure there are more stashed away but it looks nice and organized for the show.

True. It's happening to me in less than a year. and what's funny here is that I have some that I started with, upgrades to, and bought at a price too good to pass up!

I like Tim Yoders setup too. Working on my own set of Thompson tools. Sloooooowly.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

There are probably a hundred tools, but only the ones I use frequently are easily accessed. The rest are in drawers. The ones stored vertically in pvc, are only occasionally used, but the main tools are on the cart. I've found that it's important to keep tools away from where chips are likely to fly. That area should remain fairly sparse and easy to clean.

Odie , I like your sandpaper rack in photo 1 for sheet stock. Is the hook for hanging or just a handle?

 

[Odie]

Odie, how do you get by on only 100 tools?

I find myself trying to justify each tool purchase. On the other hand, I confess that it is becoming easier and easier to rationalize my "need" for tools.

Looks like you have a nice size shop too (and a good collection of bowls up there too).

mark

Hi Mark......There are duplicates, new tools, tools bought on a whim that didn't work out. Actually 100 is a bit overstated.....probably more like fifty! It all depends on how serious you are, or intentions are......more tools mean more experimentation, and results from it. You won't have to worry too much about major grinding to see what different shapes can do what!

Odie , I like your sandpaper rack in photo 1 for sheet stock. Is the hook for hanging or just a handle?

Gerald, that little caddy is for strips of sandpaper currently in use. The hook is just a handle, and was used because it was in the drawer and handy when I made up the caddy. The little caddies are really handy to keep current discs and paper organized while sanding. I'm inclosing photos of the two caddies, sheet paper storage, new discs in nut cans, pvc tubes on the cart hold pre-cut paper strips ready to use, and my antique paper cutter my career teacher Mom gave me! I've since added a slot for 240 discs. I still end all my bowls at either 400, or 600 grit paper, and have never found it beneficial to go beyond 600.

I imagine after you have been doing this awhile you just find they start to multiply. There are those you started out with, upgraded to, were given or bought for a price too good to pass up, try some modified version of what you have been using, various grinds and specific task tools etc. next thing you know your tool rack has a tool rack. I like Tim Yoder's set up. He has a line of Thompson tools next to the lathe (on the left) where it's easy to grab the one he needs. In sure there are more stashed away but it looks nice and organized for the show.

Yes, yes, and yes! These days, though, I don't do a lot of purchasing the latest and greatest gadgets and tools.....well, with an occasional exception!
I'm mainly focusing on fine tuning the tools I have, and my techniques. I really don't want to do a lot of changing my methods, because I feel the time is better spent learning to get the maximum benefit from what I have......and, every time I change course in mid-stream, it just doesn't seem to lead to success........if that makes any sense!

 

[Don Bunce]

I built a tool box with drawers to fit under the lathe. The outfeed table for the table saw is 4 feet behind me, so I can place the tools I am using at the moment on it. All I have to do is turn around to grab the next tool.

The spaces at the ends contain scissors jacks so that the lathe can be lifted up to move it. If I move the lathe, the tools move, too.

 

[pete marken]

I use both peg board and a rack to store my lathe tools and attachments. For the rack I used magnetic cabinet door catches to keep my larger tools secure. It works out for me pretty well. The pegboard had to be reinforced to hold the heavier items. Everything is within easy reach.

 

[GRJensen]

Lathe Stand / Tool Racks

My lathe stand is mobile ... cabinet built of Douglas Fir and plywood with 6 full-extension drawers.

The tool rack (in the third picture) is one of two of this design I use ... one sits behind the tailstock, the other on an adjacent workbench. I tend to rotate the tools I will need for a particular turning project into the rack behind the tailstock ... the drawers afford some storage space for less-frequently utilized tools.

 

[Bill Boehme]

My lathe stand is mobile ... cabinet built of Douglas Fir and plywood with 6 full-extension drawers.

The tool rack (in the third picture) is one of two of this design I use ... one sits behind the tailstock, the other on an adjacent workbench. I tend to rotate the tools I will need for a particular turning project into the rack behind the tailstock ... the drawers afford some storage space for less-frequently utilized tools.

View attachment 7573View attachment 7574View attachment 7575

Very nice. Welcome to the AAW forum. There seems to be only one thing missing in your photos --shavings.

 

[Douglas Ladendorf]

Those are some nice storage solutions guys. Great for getting the gears turning. Thanks for posting.
Doug

 

[David Hill]

Wow! impressive lathe carts and tool "collections".
Thought I'd contribute mine to the foray---way less invested in it and I used scraps--not the purtiest but functional (I'm the only one using my shop)
The wheels came from a defunct restaurant cart, they're big enough to roll it easily to the best location for each lathe (I have 3 and a nice sized shop). The black on the floor is rubber matting I bought at Tractor Supply--easier on me in my nearing senior years--can see it today 'cause I just cleaned up many cubic feet of shavings.
I periodically vacuum the bottom as needed--it holds other tool rests, pliers, sanders, and bowl steady.
Since I use both traditional and carbide tools, I gave a view from both sides. Chisels held by wall tool clamps from Wmart.

 

[Marvin Fretwell]

A Space-Saver Tool Rack for a Community Woodshop.

I work in an 0ver-55 community woodshop, and we had a great tool rack, but it took up about 15 sq. ft. of floor space. We decided to design a rack that used wall space instead. The new design has been very well received.

The racks for holding woodturning gouges, scrapers and the like are made of two 2" x 4" pieces. The top pieces have open circles drilled in them, and the bottom pieces have the same size circles drilled about half-way through, forming a "detent" for the heel of the tools. The tools go into the racks blade first, up through the top circle, and then the heel is placed into the lower rack. It really works well, in a space-saving design.


old rack---------- new rack-----extension to new one

 

[Chuck Lobaito]

I don't have 1/2 the tools John does ..........

with me, pegboard wall holds chucks & larger accessories, and 500w halogen backlighting
cabinet holds lathe, all turning tools used on regular basis are in plastic tubes mounted to back, with another 500w halogen light lighting front of work......
top & bottom drawers hold lathe accessories, middle 2 drawers hold turning tools not used all too frequently (hollowing, etc.)

the base of cabinet raised to accommodate my stance needed because of bad back.

View attachment 7382
View attachment 7383

Question - you have your nova lathe mounted just like us. How do you keep the chip out of the bedways.