DIY CNC Table & Tool Storage Cabinet | How to Build

In this video and Instructable, I'll show you how I built this workstation for my new CNC, the Shapeoko 3 XL! This unit also doubles as a tool storage cabinet and would also be great for those benchtop tools you don't have a good spot for in your shop. Drill presses, bandsaws, lathes, sanders... they would all fit nicely here. Let's get started!

For this build, I used 3 sheets of ¾" plywood and 1 sheet of ¼" plywood. You'll also need an 8 foot 2x2.

For hardware, you'll need:

• 8 x 5/16" T-Nuts : http://amzn.to/2gIEGyM
• 8 x 2" long 5/16" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts : http://amzn.to/2hCmyZ2
• 40 x 1 ¼" screws : http://amzn.to/2gIF1l5
• 40 x 1 ¼" brad nails
• 10 x Drawer pulls (I'll be making mine on the CNC later) : http://amzn.to/2gFge2C

Here's a list of the tools I used:

• Dewalt 20V Max Impact Driver : http://amzn.to/1QxJD7w
• Bosch ROS65VC-6 Random Orbit Sander : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• SawStop PCS 1.75-HP Professional Cabinet Saw : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• DEWALT FLEXVOLT 120v MAX* 12″ Double Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System: http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• Cordless Brad Nailer: http://amzn.to/2hqeMRi

To break down the sheets of plywood, I used a combination of a circular saw, table saw, and miter saw. You could use a circular saw for all of the cuts, but you'd have a much more difficult time keeping your cuts square.

For exact measurements of the pieces in my build, I have plans available here. The plans include a detailed cutlist, cutting diagram, and SketchUp file.

For assembling the cabinet carcass, I used a pocket hole jig. This is a phenomenal tool for cabinet construction, as it creates a sturdy joint that's simple to create. Using the carcass pieces I cut in the previous step, I assembled both of the carcass assemblies.

In the Hardware section at the top of this Instructable, you'll see the parts needed for the leveling feet. These parts are 8 pieces of 5/16" T Nuts and 8 pieces of 2" 5/16-18 stainless carriage bolts. To install the feet, first attach the 2x2 piece inside the bottom of the cabinet carcass using wood glue and 1 ¼" screws.

After the 2x2 pieces are attached, drill one hole at each corner, pound in a T-Nut with a hammer, and then thread in the carriage bolt. Voila! You have a set of leveling feet that will not rust and are incredibly sturdy.

To build the drawers, lay out your drawer sides onto the drawer bottom. Using the bottom as a template, attach the drawer sides using 1 ¼" brad nails and glue. Assembling the drawer sides on top of the bottom will ensure your drawers are squared. Also, attach the bottom with glue and 1 ¼" brad nails. Reinforce each corner of the drawer and the drawer bottom with 1 ¼" screws.

After the drawers are assembled, install your drawer hardware. Spacer blocks are helpful here, as they make sure the drawers are level and evenly spaced.

Place the cabinets in their final location and level them using the leveling feet. Connect the two cabinets using 1 ¼" screws through the sides of the cabinet. After the cabinets are connected, install the top by attaching it with 1 ¼" screws through the carcass below.

Attach the bottom faceplate using screws from the inside of the cabinet carcass, then install the drawers. Once installed, cut a ⅛" spacer and attach the drawer fronts, using the spacer in between each drawer front. Temporarily attach the drawer front using spring clamps, then attach them permanently using 1 ¼" screws from inside.

Cut a piece of hardwood to size and then attach it to the front of the CNC table with glue and brad nails.

If you'd like, you can roundover the edges of the top and add a finish. I'd recommend a basic polyurethane finish here. With that, the CNC table and tool storage cabinet is done! Hopefully you enjoyed this build! This tool storage cabinet will provide tons of storage in your shop and is a perfect spot for your CNC or benchtop tools.

If you'd like to check out more of my builds, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I post new projects every Tuesday. Thanks!