The El Cheapo Shop cupboards are coming along nicely. They’ve taken a bit of extra time to put together for various reasons, but I now have three boxes installed on the wall and the face frame is up as well. Unfortunately it really shows how uneven the ceiling is!
I’ll figure out how to mask that later on, probably some molding or similar. I wouldn’t mind so much, but the gap does draw the eye when you walk into the workshop.
As for the cupboards themselves, they aren’t perfect, but they sure are cheap! I made a few silly mistakes, like routing rabbets on the wrong side of supports and stuff like that, but in the interest of saving a few bucks I pushed on. Time will tell if I have caused myself extra cost and labour in repairing them!
At the moment they seem strong and secure enough for me. They won’t hold up to a Matthias test, but for tools, boxes, projects and the other general items that I’ll use them for, they’ll do great. I plan on filling the workshop with storage like this so I’m trying to find as cheap an option as possible in building them.
I’ll post a proper write up once I’m finished but just briefly:
- Frame is made from standard 45×90 (2×4) ripped into 2cm (3/4) strips.
- Panels are 6mm (1/4) MDF. Yet to be cut are the backs which will also be 6mm.
- Face frame and doors are 12mm (1/2) MDF
- Total cost so far is $87 for 3m (10ft) of cupboards, with hinges still to be bought. Making them frameless out of ply would be well over $200 by now.
The doors are next to be made, already have the material. 2 for each, 6 in total. I’m not sure if I just go flat MDF panels, or if I edge the MDF with pine. Might try one framed and see if it is worth the extra step.
Hope you enjoyed the weekend in your shop!