Shelving for Systainers & Stuff

MacBoy

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2021
Messages
44
Location
Los Angeles area
Got tired of the stacking game and finally did something about it.

I was able to use reclaimed or ultra-cheap materials:
  • MDO plywood discards from an ADU builder
  • Shelves put out on the sidewalk
  • Dual-laminated MDF for $10 a 4x8 sheet from a cabinetmaker (mistake purchase of 200 qty)
I decided to use zero hardware — no screws. Only used Domino tenons and glue.

The next day I was frustrated with “Where do I put these screws? Can I just open a systainer and grab something from it?”

So I installed a pull-out shelf that slides on wood runners. That was a tip learned from Sedge’s garage shop. The pull-out shelf closes flush — I had forgotten to shove it all the way back in the photo.

The LR32 kit was used for the shelf pin holes. This time I made the length of the verticals to be a multiple of 32mm — it’s such a delight to have balanced boards for the snug fit between the LR32 spacers. 😀

All the edges were rounded over with a router on the UG underframe (mobile cart) of the CSC SYS 50 table saw. That Underframe cart is way too low to do any work directly on it — lesson learned.

It’s a pleasure to do clamping with the Sash Clamps. The F-clamps are awkward and heavier in comparison.

I could not find the Betterley Alignment Tool. So I used the Woodpeckers 36” Straight Edge to check for any wobble on the rib of the combined LR32 tracks. A wood block with a rubber mallet helped to get the tracks aligned.

A few days later, found the Betterley Alignment Tool a few days later sitting on table of the unused scroll saw. 🤦🏾‍♂️

On the Miter Saw, I found a random scrap block for the Stop Block. However, squint to see the 1mm yellow shim for that just right measurement. The extension on that side of the Cart is frozen — it does not move. Someday I will fix it.

Face Mortises are so much easier with the TSO Bigfoot. I have much more confidence in the placement and stability of the Domino when using the Bigfoot. However because of the weight and awkwardness, I don’t use the Bigfoot when doing edge mortises.

End Mortises into the Rails were done by using the Trim Stop accessory. That saves a lot of time and it’s so much easier than aligning to a pencil line.

I should’ve reversed the width of the mortises. The MDF rails had Medium width end mortises. The plywood uprights had Tight width face mortises. I now realize for strength, the MDF narrow rails should receive Tight width end mortises.
 

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Looks good, it's always nice when you can improve storage in the shed!

I have the same aluminium sash clamps, they're not real strong, but they are extremely handy as you note.
 
When I first got my track saw I assumed I would be using it in my basement shop. That turned out to be rarely the case.

Instead I used roller stands to directly remove the plywood sheets from my van and load it onto saw horses. Then I would cut the sheets to finished sizes before taking the cut plywood down to the shop.

So I added a shelf in the garage. Made entirely from melamine clad 16” deep pre-drilled shelving material. The front edge is finished from the factory. So no finish work required.

Assembled with 8mm dowels 32mm on center and glued. I added rods for hanging tracks and accessories. Room for a shelf above. I would have been better served making it a bit wider to facilitate removal.

Three images (you have to swipe to the side—I have no idea why it presents like that).

 
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Super nice it is Still holding together with dowels — great real-life many-years example, @Packard

For a moment I thought the spring clamps were holding the tracks onto the side of the cabinet‼️

Thanks for sharing.
 
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