How to make a Flip Top Tool Stand // DIY Woodworking Project

This video shows how to make a flip top tool stand that holds three tools in a single cart.
You can download plans for this flip cart here - bit.ly/3ToolFlipCart-Plans
Tools on this cart:
Planer - amzn.to/2KNKJQT
Sander - amzn.to/2YlM2yh
Jointer - amzn.to/3bUZjBJ
- WEBSITE -
www.jtwood.works
Instagram: / jtwoodworks
Facebook: / jtwoodworksco
Twitter: / jtwoodworksco
Pinterest: / jtwoodworks
*affiliate links included above

[@JTWoodworks]

You can find plans for this build here! jtwood.works/collections/plans/products/3-tool-flip-cart-plans

[@jochenmueller5898]

Great book for a beginner . kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ this book really starts from the beginning, as in it explains what basic tools are and how to use them. But when it gets to the art of creating joints and how and when to use them this book really starts to teach you something. At least that was my experience.

[@JTWoodworks]

Depends what the goal is 🤷

[@BronkBuilt]

I really like the forethought you gave to keeping the cord from continually twisting. Your design it can only rotate back and forth putting only a half twist in the cord, then untwist each time. Great job!

[@zski03]

Idea for a safer way to install the sander onto the top is to use a pair of sawhorses, or a couple 2x4s (or better yet, 2x6s or 2x8s, anything that gives you enough space) on top of your workbench for you to reach under and screw the sander to the top. Great design and exactly what I'm looking for. I just upgraded my planer and need to build a new flip cart for it, and I'm also putting my jointer and sander on the other side!

[@oxcart19]

Thoughtful and well-executed design. Love that the top only rotates half-way and then has a solid stop. The tee in the pipe for cord passage is really smart planning and the lack of repeated cord twisting will pay benefits long into the future. I think the footprint of the cart is a little big for the size of the work area in my shop; it seems easier for me to have small mobile carts just large enough to mount the tool, and move each small cart into the small workspace in my shop, but I love the idea behind your cart and will look for some way in which I might incorporate this design for use in my shop. Thanks!

[@biglar155]

I've seen similar builds but I love the t-section of pipe for the power cord and the way the top and sides work together as a flip-stop. Nice job!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! I appreciate that 👍

[@cletusrobinson]

Simplest version I’ve seen!

[@paullobwein1632]

Wow I totally love this idea.. “off to the shed!! Thanks”

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching

[@valterleao6795]

Parabéns..., a nescidade é a mãe da escolha, ficou excelente e muito funcional! Abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@GentleStorm1]

As others have commented, routing the power is such a great idea and one that my electrician will appreciate! I also like how you reinforce the pipe hole to reduce wear on the wood - very well thought out! I've been planning my bench out and was just about to drown my paralysis by going SUPER basic, but I think your build is simple enough while including some industrious features. Thank you for sharing!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!! I'm glad you enjoyed it and got something out of it! Good luck with your bench build. I also have plans for this build if you're interested. They're linked in the description

[@bobmcl2406]

Really well done, in a very simple approach. This is attainable for most of us who have solid but basic woodworking skills. Thank you.

[@JTWoodworks]

My pleasure! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@KatLiepinsArt]

This is so clever! Love the dry humor too! Way to go!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Kat! Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@hillcountrygarage]

That’s a great space-saving project.

[@guyh.4553]

Seen several of these videos and by far your lock system is on of the best. Very much like the self lock system for the tool tops. Smart

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! I like to keep things simple

[@davidsims1329]

Great job every thing look easy

[@kmchartrand99]

I've watched a lot of these types of videos and you're the first I've seen use the "t" for the power cord and the offset to so you can only flip the top one way and then the other, not continuously the same direction thus twisting the cord, so simple and yet so brilliant!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Kelly! Glad you like it and got something out of it

[@prayertool]

I plan to build this project. Very well done, very clean, very thoughtful. You really impressed me with this. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it useful

[@MichaelAlm]

Really nice Johnny! Definitely wish I'd watched this before building mine. The t-section in the pipe is super smart.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Michael! Gotta keep it all tidy

[@davidelliott5843]

It’s a great idea. Power cables can be a nightmare.

[@TheEkimssor]

One could also use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker mounted to the 2x2.

[@JTWoodworks]

As long as the switch is acceptable, it would a nice safety feature

[@jackbodhi8064]

Instablaster

[@lawrencejohnson3259]

Great design, thanks for sharing!

[@bigdogars]

Nice flip cart. I like the built in cord plug

[@rogerjohnson5576]

I'm very impressed on how good 👍 it is and still really simple to put 👏 together! Thanks for Sharing! ✌

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jays2573]

I really like this, great way to space save when you have limited space in your garage. Great job in your presentation. The video was at the proper length and commentary fluff was avoided. Thank you for that.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@Alex_science]

Very nice and space saving!

[@JTWoodworks]

It helps a ton

[@johnfrederickson3082]

Very nice! and its outside the box excellent!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@flyingba1]

Very nice job.

[@robertcook2572]

Beautiful.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Robert. Glad you like it

[@hectorny94]

I like your design a lot. Thanks for sharing it

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome Job Johnny, it turned out great! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you Fred!

[@grandvillechapman1376]

love this build neat and nice

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevep6428]

Pretty good. I dig it.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@ephraim.1964]

Great build!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!!

[@tomtom21194]

Thats pretty awesome... if only i had the tools to have use of it

[@budboggs4193]

Very nice! That's just what I need to build myself for my little Shop, you made it look so easy and an excellent choice for me as well. So keep up the great work you are doing as well as the videos. Be safe out there.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks bud! It's definitely a great space saving option

[@SJG-96]

Great idea, I’m going to watch this video more than once, thanks.

[@JTWoodworks]

I'm glad you found it helpful. I have plans available for this cart too. Linked in the description if you're interested

[@johnvodopija1743]

Top job 👍😎🇦🇺

[@weekendwarrior9570]

Excellent video and process. Thanks for sharing. I am working out the details of my cart and you have the most efficient design that I have seen so far. Thank you for the inspiration. I'm using the 4" gear lock wheels from Home Depot. The gear lock wheels are solid and smooth under the weight.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm not familiar with those but I recommend getting casters that lock the rotation on the wheel and the swivel of the caster. That way the cart is a bit more stable

[@heyimamaker]

Awesome job Jonny, I like your power routing. I don't know if other carts had that. Cheers!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much! It makes sense to keep it all tidy

[@msgajhimelret9496]

Great build, as said before others have their own ideas, mine is a drawer underneath for supplies and attachments... , pull out from ether side with a friction lock.. Great job...

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! I might add a drawer in the future. The tall front and back panels help more with stability

[@rkerby6375]

Well done!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Very nice build my friend. Looks very solid and I like the design. Thanks for sharing. Felix!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Felix! I appreciate it

[@fieldcrafttips12]

Great design

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! 😃

[@edcrego396]

Nice job young man looks good and just think of all the real estate your saving !!!

[@azza1793]

Very nice, prob the best i’ve seen so far

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@danfredriksen6335]

Great video and design... Thank you... Dan

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Dan!!

[@dholmes3307]

Nice idea, good cart plan. A few points. I notice a distressing lack of glue on permanent structural joints, it's cheap and effective strengthening. You may want to add some corner blocks in the base with some glue since they are well out of the way of the swing if wracking becomes a problem. I would have filed/sanded the edge of the pipe where the cord comes out smooth on the inside to increase cord life, the same with the threads in the T fitting. Some soft foam weatherstripping would seal up your cord entrance even more to help keep dust out. I might be making something similar for myself.

[@davidevans8826]

Very cool and very creative , be safe 👍well done!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@tedfritsch3340]

Awesome what a great idea. Good job Bud.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much! Glad you like it

[@woodninjaswoodturning3787]

Great Idea and very nice job .. Thank you for another cool video .. I can use this in my shop

[@JTWoodworks]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@vincentdeleonjr1039]

looks good

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Vincent

[@user-xl5np5dp8n]

Pretty cool.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Mike!!

[@TheShutterbug1968]

Way to go. This is awesome. I think I'm going to use your method to build a flip top bench for my planer and then one for my jointer. I have narrow space so a large unit like this is too big. Thanks for the video. Well done. God Bless.

[@JTWoodworks]

I'm glad you found it useful! This would be great as bench. Thanks for watching

[@majedalrehily3788]

Good idea , I love it 🥰

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!! 😃

[@sid4you100]

Saw horses to bolt up the sander. Very cool project Thanks.

[@JTWoodworks]

Yup! I'll do that next time. Thanks

[@hogsleg4290]

Good Job

[@kenstreet1769]

Nice job!!!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@williamreid6630]

Looks amazing, I will be building one in the near future. I also have the same bench sander and if I come up with a different method when attaching it I will let you know.

[@terdsie]

Use a couple of cinder blocks or scrap 4x4s as a base. Put the plywood over the top of them and the sander over your pre-drilled holes, then use a ratchet or wrench to tighten the bolts.

[@thecelt4807]

top notch brilliant idea mate ..my shout for the beer cheers

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@enereaguirre2462]

Cool !

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@tantaluss68]

great idea

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@earlelzy7243]

Very nice.

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikebirnie8900]

Great mate...

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! 😃

[@Papa-sm1wk]

Well done

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@sandersjones1577]

That’s nice 😊 may try it myself enjoyed the video

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Kenfitzpat]

Nice job on the cart. Yours is the first Ive seen that has the tools sitting at the right height. Ive seen other that were very nice also but just too high. They had tools that once mounted it would be difficult to use because they were well above the waist. Very nice work. Thanks for sharing.

[@JTWoodworks]

That's something that was very important to me. It makes sense to have them at a decent working height even if that means you lose the space to put a drawer or other accessories

[@80bryguy]

That's genius using the clamps as extra hands!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!!

[@Countryboy246]

Great video sir

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@akbychoice]

I probably would have just added a mounted plug in on each side to plug the tools into, still utilizing the through the pipe idea. Just take make servicing the tools easier in the future. Good build and I’m sure it’s been very handy.

[@awlthatwoodworking9348]

Gosh I would love plans for this. This is exactly the type of thing I need for my jointer and planer

[@JTWoodworks]

This design is based off of the one that Fisher's Shop made. He has plans available for his

[@awlthatwoodworking9348]

@@JTWoodworks ice seen that one, yours just seemed a little more simplified. But I'll go check out his plans, thank you for the video.

[@Coolride1000]

Nice job on the cart. You could have used some blocks of wood to raise up the top on your bench top when you mounted the sander.

[@parksmitchell]

Love your design. Only thing I might do different would be to use workbench casters. That way it would be much more stable when in use.

[@JTWoodworks]

Those would be a nice option

[@boydmerriman]

How to put in bolts from the bottoms safely, set it across saw horses.

[@Silvermoore]

Just Flip the sander over and measure the holes center to center. Use a straight edge and draw it out on the panel. ..or at least put a clamp on the back side if you're going to hang it half off the table lol.

[@Silvermoore]

Get you a Port-a-Band, man. It will make pipe cuts SOOO much easier. Great project!

[@bartman59laj55]

Thanks very much for doing all the figuring out, been wanting one of these for my small shop but it hurts when I think....lol

[@JTWoodworks]

Haha no worries. Glad you found it useful

[@rikityrik]

That JT Woodworks Planer looks surprisingly similar to another popular planer I’ve seen. Something fishy’s going on over there at your place. Lol Love a few of the features you incorporated here, great ideas. Will keep them in mind if I decide to go this route, thanks!

[@diyprojectchannel]

Yes, yes so cool 😎. Subscribed you channel 👍😃

[@JoePalumbo221]

Really nice job. Ia have to get around and building one myself.

[@JTWoodworks]

It's incredibly useful and saves a ton of space

[@JoePalumbo221]

@@JTWoodworks having had it for awhile, what would do differently if anything?

[@JTWoodworks]

I'd add a drawer to the bottom or at least some way to organize extra sanding belts, planer/jointer knives, etc.

[@jimknowles5483]

Hey nice work, especially with small space and no outfeed table for your table saw. I wanted to leave a comment on your shop/ tent. You need to create an exterior tarp tent to protect your shop tent from radiant heat. You would be shading your existing tent. You would be similar to air-conditioned by comparison. With free air movement there would be nothing to trap heat like an attic. Heat physically moves towards cold.....you have to finish insulating the entire walls and ceiling....also, take up your floor and at the very least and place 6 mil visqueen plastic on the ground. If you have the money, insulate the floor as well..... All the best! just jim

[@pcicchin]

Nice, tidy stand. You could put small drawers in the sides for accessories. For bolting down the planer, you could use locking t-nuts underneath. I'd also run bolts thru the tops and 2x2 to clamp it solidly, that way you're not relying on the tensile strength of the screws.

[@JTWoodworks]

Some good tips. I'm not a fan of t-nuts though. I've had a few strip out in the past and I wouldn't feel comfortable using them to hold something this heavy. Especially because of the flipping motion

[@melvinvidal5328]

Great design, I think I will make one soon. But will be great to add a drawer in each side on the bottom for storage instead to make it sturdier.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks for watching. Drawers would be a nice touch

[@darrenmoore1305]

Mate, very nice job. As others have said, t section pipe was very clever. Might I suggest, that on the planer side, a raised bed front and back level with the feed table would help to reduce if not eliminate snipe, by effectively giving the wood a longer flat surface to rest on.

[@JTWoodworks]

I have the folding in and out feed wings for this planer. That's a great alternative though

[@mleather100]

If you had saw horses, you could attach the sander to the plywood using them

[@JTWoodworks]

Great idea!

[@bpkeegan1]

Great job. Love the power cord solution. Just an idea, when mounting the second tool and balancing it on your bench, I was thinking, putting the plywood top on two saw horses would give you the room to attach the bolts from underneath and would take the weight of your tool. Without having to balance it on the edge of your bench.

[@richardcagle5475]

Okay. I bought the plans cause I don't own but one of the tools at this point an I didn't wanna make it the wrong size. Fingers crossed it all works out in the end. Half way through the build an this thing is definitely gonna be strong enough. I did change the height and had to get creative with the pivot as supplies are limited in my area, but it's all gonna come out nicely. If you're on the fence I understand. It's fuckin $175 in plywood at the box store atm so it's more expensive than just the metal stand, but it's worth it imo as the one you can buy doesn't roll, only holds one tool and you didn't build it. Just do it and thank the guy later. This thing is a tank. Appreciate your work an more than sufficient plans.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to write this comment. I'm glad you're liking the plans and how the cart is coming out!!

[@richardcagle5475]

@@JTWoodworks i forgot to buy the dowels, but other than that its done. ill finish it tomorrow, but its definitely what i needed. almost certainly gonna add some drawers, but i have to actually buy the other tools first :) thanks again

[@sajadwoodwork]

Nice work sir please keep it up

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@bwselectronic]

@Bradsworkbench and @The maintenance Man I thought this was a very cool space saver

[@davidelliott5843]

The table side battens drilled for the pivot tube will be strong with both facing boards in place. But with one board & tool attached, there is very little strength in the drilled battens. I would have reinforced with another pair of battens screwed to the top side. They could come off later or be left permanently in place.

[@giorgio84]

As requested, to add bolts on the back of the sander you could place it on top of stool that is upside down. Any stool has 3 legs and any plane can be placed on 3 points as we know. I guess stool should be little sturdy to hold that weight but that was my only idea. Your approach looked just fine too, if only for extra safety you could temporarily support it from floor with a stick, so it would not fall. And i want to mention this, sure that tube looks sturdy enough, but i mean, for extra extra safety precautions, i would worry about if pipe broke for some reason it would basically cut cable and short it, sooo, that was not my favorite part for sure. Thanks for sharing this idea, might use for other projects :)

[@JTWoodworks]

All great suggestions! Thanks for watching

[@kimchee94112]

Craftsman had the Rotary 3-in-1 Tool Bench Workstation about 30 years ago.

[@JTWoodworks]

Oh cool! I didn't know that. I'll look into it

[@savvaspapadopoulos3627]

Γιάννη είναι τρελή ιδέα καταπληκτική! Μόνο Έλληνας θα το σκεφτόταν αυτό! Θα το φτιάξω αν μου στείλεις διαστάσεις! Σ ευχαριστώ!

[@JTWoodworks]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ! Fisher's Shop came up the idea, I made some minor changes. He sells plans for this project if you're interested

[@bobshreve6202]

I would have used the full 2x4 instead of ripping them for the top, like Jeff Fisher did. That would let you get your hand in a lot easier to plug things in. You had some nice improvements like the bushing for the pivot. I using Jeff's design because it is the one I saw first but I think I will be adding some of your ideas as well. Keep up the good work.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it and found it useful. The full 2x4 would be a nice touch but I never had to access that area after building it

[@manueljimenez8866]

New Sub ; Thanks for keep it simple , going to start this weekend . T /C

[@JTWoodworks]

Awesome!! Glad it helped out

[@JR-jq6dd]

Brilliant! One improvement that I would consider is 1/4” removable panels held in place with magnets as dust covers.

[@JTWoodworks]

You mean for the open areas in the ends? I meant to do something like that but never got around to it

[@JR-jq6dd]

@@JTWoodworks Yea, I’d just make an easily removable panel for each opening. Something held in place with magnets or cleats, or a combination of both. 👍

[@JTWoodworks]

Why make it removable? There's nothing in there to access on a regular basis

[@JR-jq6dd]

@@JTWoodworks I assumed that you needed clearance to flip tools or you would have run the stiffener panels to the top.

[@JTWoodworks]

Ah I see what you're saying. I was thinking something else. That's a good idea and would definitely help keep dust out

[@usedcarsokinawa]

Great build, good idea. I was wondering how you’ll do 3 tools. Nice touch adding your mistake.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickw.1520]

Very nice. Do you have any plans for this ?

[@aheath73]

Great looking cart! You were asking for an easier way to mount the bolts for the heavy sander... if you carefully place the sander upside-down, then you can just lay the board on top, line up the holes and tighten the bolts. That way you don’t have to worry about balancing the sander on the edge of your table while tightening from underneath. Well done! Another version of the flip top cart for me to draw inspiration from! 👍🏻

[@Smurphenstein]

Cool, the only suggestion I have is perhaps to add some lock nuts or spring washers to stop your nuts vibrating loose.

[@michaelslee4336]

Nyloc nuts are your friend here

[@JTWoodworks]

That wouldn't hurt

[@olivepressdesign]

I wish you had plans or some measurements for your flip top cart. (I know there are similar carts out there), but your design aesthetic makes it very efficient and simplified enough to say “This is the one” 😃. Great job and video, thanks for sharing.

[@JTWoodworks]

Check out the cart that Fisher's Shop made. He has plans and this is modeled after his design

[@gracebrown1404]

Everyone's tools package and needs are different. You must figure out your own measurements to suit your needs. PLANS, ha ha, right? Does anything go according to plans?

[@richardcagle5475]

Dude this design addresses all my issues with what I've seen to date. Proper cord management and wear bushings for the pivot. Only changes I'll make is fixing the black pipe to the top to ensure it spins and doesn't stick, causing potential wear on the cords where they enter the T. And I'll add a simple drawer to the base instead of dead space. Other than those minor changes this is kind of perfect. Good fuckin work dude edit: no need to secure the pipe to the table imo after building it. i just put several wraps of electrical tape where it goes into the T to be sure. Definitely gonna add drawers at a later date though. plenty of room for some shallow ones on each side i think

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you like it! Those are good points. You can also simply glue the pipe to the T. It'll probably be easier than securing it to the plywood. Although, after over 2 years of use, I haven't had any issues

[@richardcagle5475]

@@JTWoodworks two years? Nice. I was a bit worried about long term durability, but not any more. And I plan to use machine screws though the top into the pipe to fix it in place. Just gotta be sure they don't protrude into the pipe is all. Prolly overkill, but that's how I roll. Thanks for the work an reply

[@frankcarter4677]

Skills

[@rapunzeleh546]

interested to see if you changed those casters to the locking type!

[@JTWoodworks]

Nope! I still have the same ones on after several months. They don't roll around on me at all