Shop Project - Make a Magnetic Tray for Drill Bit Storage

All my drill bits were either setting loose or in the containers they came. I decided I didn't want to build a case, but a tray I can move to the bench when I need to use them. Also, I wanted to add magnets to lessen the chance of losing bits when the tray is dropped or jarred.

You need:

• Some plywood for a base (I used 1/4 inch thick)
• Rare earth magnets (more is better)
• Some thin veneer (one piece is better, but you can used strips of edge banding like I did)
• Drill with a bit the size of the magnets
• Wood glue
• Paint
• Iron (if using iron on veneer)

Lay out your bits so you can determine the size of your tray. Note any limiting dimensions your storage space may impose. (The cabinet I use can hold a tray of 11 inches deep.)

I had some 1/4 plywood lying around. You can use whatever is convenient for you.

• Cut it to size
• Cut some strips about 3/4 of an inch wide for the dividers.

• Set the bits on the plywood
• Mark where the dividers will go.

• Mark where you want the magnets. More coverage is better.
• Drill holes in the plywood just deep enough for the magnets.
• Mark the end of each divider line on the sides so you can redraw after adding the veneer.

• A single piece of veneer would be better here, but if you don't have any you can use iron on edge banding.
• Sand any adhesive residue away.

• Redraw the dividers on the veneer
• Hold the divider that crosses diagonally on the base and mark the angle needed for cutting.
• Match the angle on the table saw and cut.
• Cut the straight dividers for the edges.
• Glue them to the base
• Cut the diagonal divider to size.
• Glue it to the base.

• For the other vertical dividers, cut one end to the angle for the diagonal divider.
• Cut the other end at 90 degrees, length to fit.
• Glue them in place.

If desired, paint or clear coat,

I should have used more magnets, but this tray should be OK under normal circumstances. You can never use enough magnets here.