July 2022

3 LEVELS of Shop Carts - DIY to PRO Build

Yinz have been LOVING the 3-level build series I’ve been putting out. Which is why I’m going to give you ANOTHER 3-level video! This time, we’re building shopping carts from DIY level to PRO. Jordan will start by giving his input on building a basic beginner rolling cart with a little sizzle. Next up, Sam will build an Adam Savage inspired cart. Finally, I’ll be finishing the video up with a multi-function-style work top cart. Let’s get started!

3 LEVELS of Shop Carts - DIY to PRO Build

Instead of focusing on the materials being used, we’re just going to focus on the individual skill sets for each build.

1. DIY

First up, we’re going to learn how to build a DIY shop cart with Jordan. For this build, we’re going to use pockethole joinery to build a basic cart with a nice sliding top. As you cut up the pieces, make sure you label them so you don’t mix them up later on in the build. Once you finish cutting the wood, you’ll need to grab the pockethole joiner to start assembling them together. With some glues and screws, we can then finish up the shop cart.

2. Amateur

Jordan’s cart was inspired by some of the original carts we did about a year ago. We’ll be mixing the old design with that of the Adam Savage tool carts that a lot of woodworkers enjoy using. Unlike other tool carts, Adam Savage carts have an open design, which makes it easy to keep track of your tools and avoid misplacing them. I like to think of it as a “stadium seating style” for the tools.

3. Pro

My PRO cart will have hand-cut joinery, drawers, and an assembly-type top with hold down capabilities. You can build the cart from a single sheet of plywood. But since I gave Jordan and Sam my last sheets, I’m making mine out of scraps.

Thanks for checking out this short preview of my shop cart series. Don’t forget to follow along with the full video!

Tools and Materials

John Malecki Reviews the Tools and Materials He Used for This Build

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