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Thread: Docking mobile tool cabinets
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21st August 2020, 09:49 AM #1
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Docking mobile tool cabinets
I plan on making 3 mobile tools cabinets;
- one to hold DeWalt DWE7491-XE on top and circular saw, jigsaw, biscuit jointer etc in drawer underneath,
- one to be router table on top and hold trim router, sanders etc underneath, and
- and extension table which will store french cleat tool boards when moving.
The design brief I am working to is:
- to have the units be able to use independently,
- to be able to reconfigure to provide support to saw on both left and right, and in-feed and out-feed support,
- tops should all align for the above purpose, and
- to ensure the units are robust enough to be moved by removal company as they stand, i.e. minimal delicate external parts that may be broken off, no need to remove tools.
Screen Shot 2020-08-19 at 11.25.48 AM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-19 at 11.28.26 AM.jpg
I came up with 4 Options with my assessed advantages and disadvantage. For this I have only really considered the connection between router table and saw unit (although option 4 would be easy with extension table as well)
1. Use cabinet bolts mirrored on each side. Advantages: all internal, easy to build. Disadvantages: may not align tops accurately, may have to empty units to access screws.
2. Internal dovetail/cleat system. Advantages: Maintains current distance between units (as saw unit is exact dimensions as saw top), would align correctly. Disadvantages: May bind when trying to fit, takes up space inside units, more complex to build.
Screen Shot 2020-08-19 at 3.59.37 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-19 at 4.00.01 PM.jpg
3. External dovetail/cleat system. Advantages: Would align correctly, pivoted top dovetail arm makes it easier to align, then clamp down. Disadvantages: Cabinets are offset requiring overhang on router cabinet to make up gap between top and saw, more external parts vulnerable to breaking.
Screen Shot 2020-08-19 at 7.41.20 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-19 at 7.42.22 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-19 at 7.42.44 PM.jpg
4. External ledges. Advantages: Would align correctly, screws at top and bottom would allow clamping of saw unit, maintains current distance between units. Disadvantages: ledges on router cabinet may be vulnerable to breaking.
Screen Shot 2020-08-20 at 10.46.38 AM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-20 at 10.46.53 AM.jpgScreen Shot 2020-08-20 at 10.47.15 AM.jpg
What are peoples thoughts on this? Has anyone done anything like this before? Is there a better way I haven't considered?
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24th August 2020, 09:37 PM #2
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What about locating pins /dowels, with a latch to lock together.
I think the dovetails and even the ledges would either bind or be difficult to align.
Tapered dowels would be self aligning.
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24th August 2020, 09:44 PM #3
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I did consider some kind of dowel but not tapered. Would wood work or would they have to be metal?
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27th August 2020, 11:09 PM #4
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Sorry for the delay
Wood would be fine I think.
Although metal could be smaller.
I'd think 12mm or larger wood, may be 10mm metal.
Assuming the cabinets are close, any stress would be in shear, so no real risk of breaking. .
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28th August 2020, 04:19 PM #5
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A friend has a similar system, including a "surgeon's instrument trolley" that he has made to work. The trolley simply consists of an Elfa rack system with wheels, baskets and a pine top. He simply wheels it up to his bench with 'tools in use' on the top, and likely needed tools in the drawers. Everything is quick to hand.
Surgeon Trolley.jpg
I was so impressed with that trolley that I copied it. But in my workshop it was a total failure. The floor was too uneven and rough - it wobbled, moved, wouldn't stop just where I wanted it, etc. I now use it as a printer stand and stationery store in my study.
My friend has a much better floor than I - yellow tongue that is almost flat and almost level, but it is still not perfect. He had several movable cabinets - thicknesser, router, linisher, etc - that bolt together or to the saw bench, and in any combination. But he has had to put adjustable feet on everything or it doesn't quite line up. A 1 or 2 mm variance is critical when feeding material across joined benchtops.
I have never seen your proposed system of "internal french cleats" before but, with respect, perhaps you are attempting a level of precision that will not be achievable in practice. Perhaps too high a risk of jamming or slight misalignments?
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29th August 2020, 01:01 PM #6
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Would strong magnets in the sides at the top not be a workable solution - or would they not be strong enough?
I'm thinking along these lines: Simple Modular Work Tables (WITH MAGNETS!) // Woodworking How To - YouTube
The magnets he used have a 95lbs (~45Kg) pulling power each...
You can find such magnets here: Rare Earth Neodymium Magnets - Aussie Magnets
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