This week we’ll talk about how to trick out a workbench! No we’re not adding racing stripes or spinning wheel covers. Instead, Carol Beronich will discuss the benefits of adding storage units in the open space below the bench top.

Our cabinet is made with MDF, just like the workbench worksurface. Building it adds another couple of hundred pounds to the workbench. Then, once tools are stored inside the cabinet, you’ll need a forklift to move it.

That’s okay. We wanted heavy and that’s what we’ll end up with.

The case is built with sturdy dadoes and rabbets. We’ll show you how to rout dadoes on the large workpieces. Then we’ll add some screws to hold it all together and simplify the assembly process, time permitting.

There’s an adjustable shelf inside each of the two large, outer compartments, so we’ll also add some stopped holes for shelf pins and demonstrate a simple jig for drilling the holes.

This week’s bonus download is a two-page article from ShopNotes No. 82: Shelf Pin Drilling Jigs