Router Bit Storage (Gloat)........

[Mike Langford]

Hey Guys,

For the longest time I've been wanting to find a way to store my router bits in one place (instead of scattered in boxes, pouches, drawers, etc.)

I've toyed with the ideal of building a storage cabinet but never seem to come up with a (simple & easy) design I liked.....

I'm also always on the look out for everyday items that I can "adapt" to my shop needs!

Well, Yesterday I was on my way down to my Woodworker's Guild to check out their lumber supply when I drove by the local Habitat For Humanities thrift/materials store.

I drove past it about a block then said to myself...."I'll just stop in and see what they've got!" (Now, I wasn't looking for anything inparticular)....So I turned around and went back!

I wandered around lookin' at all the different items....nothing really grabbing my attention...then....I noticed a narrow shelf melamine box that the shelves would slide in & out on dowels and I immediately started thinking "That could be "adapted" to hold router bits!"......

.....So I filed it away in the back of my head for now and kept looking!

Now, since I saw that box my "adaptin' juices" were flowing, I turned around and spotted "The Perfect" item for my bit storage needs....As I tucked it under my arm and headed for the check-outs I mumbled to myself and said "I'd give atleast $10 buck for it!" ;)

Got to the counter and asked how much they were asking for the item and the lady said........"$10" :eek::rolleyes::D

SO!.......Here's my (new) Router Bit Storage Cabinet......


The cabinet is a Stainless Steel medicine cabinet that other than a few light scratches and one ding (on the back) is brand new...even still had the plastic on the shelves! (The "knob" is a stainless steel robe hook I'd picked up elsewhere for .50 cents...worked pretty good! :p)
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I cut some 3/4" MDF to mount the bits in.....
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Tah-Da!........All loaded up!.....
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Now I've got a Lean, Mean, Clean, Industrial Lookin', Stainless Steel Router Bit Storage Cabinet!!!!!! (looks so shiney I think I need some decals or somthin' to put on the door!)
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[Don Abele]

Mike, that's an awesome storage cabinet, especially thanks to your creativeness.

What makes it even better is the price - nice haul!

Be well,

Doc

[Tim Thomas]

Quick, effective and darned nice looking to boot. Add in the low cost and that there is a winner! There is a place near me that specializes in closeouts of stuff like this. I'll have to stop in and see if they have any inexpensive medicine cabinets. Thanks for the idea.

[Matt Meiser]

That's a lot like mine--only my cabinet is a wood cabinet my grandfather built when my dad was a kid. I find this kind of cabinet works great because the storage is high density, but its still easy to find and get at what you need.

[Mike Langford]

Thanks for the complements guys!

The hardest part was deciding how to space out the holes in the MDF and the bit arrangement.

Drilling the 1/4" bit holes were easy.....I just used a 17/64" drill bit and was done....BUT I didn't have a 33/64" or 13mm bit for the 1/2" shank bits so I had to drill them 1/2" and then use a large round file and slightly oversize 48 holes by hand!.....:eek::D



p.s. Tim your quote is SO true......

[Rod Sheridan]

Very nice Mike, the cabinet looks great.........Rod.

[Jim Becker]

Great setup! Hmmm...I have an old "antique" oak medicine cabinet lying around...hmm.... :D Thanks for the idea!