My new tool rack - Love at first sight

[Randy Klein]

I got a whole lot of extra shop time this weekend and I made use of every little bit of it. I got so far ahead on my current project, I was able to catchup on shop projects.

Here's my window hung tool rack and the start of my twin screw face vise. The vise needs more work, but the tool rack is almost done.

And I already love it. It puts so many of my often used tools right at arms reach.

I still need to add more shaker pegs (since I ran out of them). And need to make a chisel rack since chisels don't hang well. I'm also going to add a higher rack for hand saws and such.

It's 8-feet long, made similar to Chris Schwarz's (Workbenches book) and Bob Lang's (WW mag - Holtzappfel one). 2 strips of 3/4" plywood set off by 1/2" spacers. Shaker pegs 4" o.c. and mini shaker pegs in between those.

[Chris Kennedy]

I know I love it at first sight. I am revamping my shop, and I think I will build a similar rack.

One question -- is there a particular reason for the mini-pegs (versus regular size)?

Cheers,

Chris

[Randy Klein]

I know I love it at first sight. I am revamping my shop, and I think I will build a similar rack.

One question -- is there a particular reason for the mini-pegs (versus regular size)?

Cheers,

Chris

I have a mini between each regular. At first I wasn't sure about it, but went ahead with it anyways.

They turn out to be real useful, as alot of tools couldn't span the 4" between the regulars, but can span the 2" between a regular and mini. But a mini between two regulars does not prohibit a wider tool from using the 4" gap, like the eggbeater drill does in the pic.

[Charlie Mastro]

Here's mine. I've had it about three years now.

[Wilbur Pan]

I'd be jealous of your tool rack, except that I'm way more jealous of the big window you have right by your workbench. ;)

[dan grant]

hey you still have leaves on your trees, i to am jealous of the window:)

[Jim Koepke]

I am wondering if you will have condensation problems during the colder months.

Is the shop heated?

Are the windows double pane?

jim

[Randy Klein]

I am wondering if you will have condensation problems during the colder months.

Is the shop heated?

Are the windows double pane?

jim


I'm not sure about condensation, I'll look out for it though. My shop is not heated and the window is single pane. But it's also a north facing window, if that matters.

[David Tiell]

Randy, I like the concept, and may need to make one for myself. Can you post a couple more pics of it a little closer up?

Thanks!

DAve

[Mike K Wenzloff]

Nice job on the rack, Randy. I too like the one I use--except it has "grwon" too small over the years.

Charlie, I have loved your type since I first saw it. Very nice and clean. Ample room for expansion. Might have to rip-off your idea one of these days.

Take care, Mike

[Randy Klein]

Randy, I like the concept, and may need to make one for myself. Can you post a couple more pics of it a little closer up?

Thanks!

DAve

Sure no problem.

Here's a closeup of shaker peg holes I drilled. Note that they are not centered with each other in the middle, but designed so that the tops of the holes are linear.
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This pic shows the 1/2" MDF spacer that is glued and brad nailed between the two 3/4" plywood strips (4" wide, 8' long). I have a spacer every foot.
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Except for these two spacers that are screwed through and into the stud with #10 3" screws. This seems to be strong enough so far.
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Here's some shots of tool holding capabilities:

Why those mini's are a good thing for tools that span 2"
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But why you also need a 4" span
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But most tools fit in that 1/2" space. Except for bench chisels, they get all tippy. I'm still working on a special rack for those.

[Alan DuBoff]

Randy,

I started looking at the tool rack, but couldn't keep my eyes from drifting to the bench...that's a beauty, and it's llllllooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg!

I have been planning to build a tool rack across a window in from of my bench, just haven't done it yet, like a ton of other projects...:o

I do like the idea of tools having placing within reaching distance.

[Randy Klein]

Randy,

I started looking at the tool rack, but couldn't keep my eyes from drifting to the bench...that's a beauty, and it's llllllooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg!

Thanks. I haven't reported on the bench yet because I've been waiting to finish the face vise, which should be soon. But it's a 10 footer, built in the Roubo-Schwarz style.

[Charlie Mastro]

Charlie, I have loved your type since I first saw it. Very nice and clean. Ample room for expansion. Might have to rip-off your idea one of these days.
Take care, Mike

Feel free to rip........... ;)

[Greg Cole]

I started looking at the tool rack, but couldn't keep my eyes from drifting to the bench...that's a beauty, and it's llllllooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg!
I do like the idea of tools having placing within reaching distance.

What he said! I saw the tool rack I think....? Nah just the bench.
Having what's needed at arms length is very nice.

Greg