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Difficulty: Intermediate
Your crafty youngster will have everything at their fingertips to create new masterpieces with this dedicated crafting station. It offers loads of workspace and abundant storage, including a convenient place to hang equipment.
This creation was inspired by experienced contributor @LePallet and his long desktops over storage drawers project. Many thanks again for sharing your wonderful projects with us Rylie.
Steps
Step 1
Start by taking two of your Beech laminate panels and mark three sections 595mm in length on each of the boards. Cut these sections with your circular saw. Now take your six sections and clamp them together. Using your belt sander with 120-grit sandpaper, sand the ends of the boards until they are flush with each other.
Step 2
Take your Kreg drill bit and insert it into your cordless drill driver. Clamp your Kreg guide onto your first board 50mm from the edge. Using the guide, begin drilling your first pocket hole. Drill another hole on the other side of the board 50 mm in from that edge. Once completed, reposition your guide to the centre of your board at the 200mm mark and drill the final hole. Repeat this process at the other end of the board. Complete this same process for all six boards.
Step 3
Take your remaining piece of Beech panel and lay it on the ground. Position one of your previous drilled boards on the edge of this panel. Fix two 10 x 30mm screws, one on either side of the board, into the bottom panel.
Now take one of your plastic containers and place it upside down on the bottom board. Position another one of your pre-drilled pieces hard up against the container, allowing 1 or 2mm of room, so the container slides freely between the two boards. Screw this board in place and shift your plastic container to the next section.
Next take one more board, and instead of fixing it to the bottom panel, use it as a guide. Mark the outside edge of this piece on your bottom panel. Using this line, cut your bottom panel to size with your circular saw. Complete this process for the other side of the bottom panel. You can now remove these vertical boards from the base panel. Before removing them, mark corresponding letters on the panels so they can be re-assembled in the same position later.
Step 4
Take your seven 20 mm Tasmanian Oak pieces and cut them into 32 to 405 mm lengths. Use your belt sander to round over one corner on each of these drawer runners. Drill two mounting holes in each drawer runner 40 mm from each end with your 3 mm drill bit.
Step 5
Begin spacing out your four drawer runners per board. It will help if you lay out your containers to get a rough idea of the spacing needed. I've spaced my runners with a gap of 135mm between them to suit these containers. Ensure you allow a gap before placing the top runner large enough to accept the lip on your container.
Once you have set out the spacing, apply glue to the runners and screw them into the board with your 8 x 25mm screws. Wipe any excess glue away with a damp cloth.
Once you have attached your runners to the first board, transfer their measurements onto the next board. Continue this on to the last board. The middle board will require runners on both of its sides to support your containers.
Once you have completed installing the drawer runners, apply glue to the bottom of the upright boards. Place the boards onto the bottom panel in the same position you had earlier and screw them into place.
Step 6
Measure your vertical boards at their base. Transfer this measurement onto your 42 x 19 mm pine and cut out four sections that length. Using your Kreg guide, drill holes into the ends of these pieces. Apply glue to the ends of these spacers and insert them at the top of your vertical boards. Clamp them into position and then screw them in place with your 10 x 30mm screws. You can then install your last vertical board and spacer piece. Test fit your containers to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Step 7
Apply a coating of clear varnish to the side units and your benchtop and allow it to dry before proceeding.
Step 8
Take your 42 x 19 mm pine and cut two lengths 900mm long and two lengths 350mm long. Apply glue to the ends of the two shorter pieces and then clamp them between the longer pieces.
Drill pilot holes with your 5mm drill bit to a depth of 25mm, and then screw the sections together with your 10 x 30mm screws. Place your pegboard surround onto your sheet of pegboard and mark around the surround's perimeter. Cut along these lines with your circular saw.
Place the pegboard on top of the surround and fix them together with your 8 x 25mm screws. Position your pegboard on top of your bench. Drill up through the benchtop into the bottom of the pegboard surround. Fix your pegboard into position with your 10 x 30mm screws.
Step 9
Once you have moved your new craft bench into its final location, line up the benchtop with your bottom side units and screw up through your pocket holes into the underside of the bench with your 10 x 30mm screws. Add your assorted pegboard hooks and hang their equipment.
You've now completed the ultimate kid's crafting bench. Watch your children craft to their heart's content while having everything they need in one convenient location.
Materials
- 4 pieces of 1.8m Beech laminate panel 405 x 18mm
- 7 pieces of 2.4m Tasmanian Oak DAR 20 x 12mm
- 6 pieces of 1.2m Pine DAR 42 x19mm
- 1 piece Masonite pegboard 1220 x 914mm
- 70 timber screws 8 x 25mm
- 60 timber screws 10 x 30mm
- 16 rectangular plastic basins
- 1L clear varnish
- Assorted pegboard hooks
- 120-grit sandpaper
- PVA wood glue
Tools
- Cordless drill driver
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Belt sander
- 3mm drill bit
- 5mm drill bit
- Kreg pocket hole jig
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Clamps
- Paintbrush
