Increase kitchen workspace with this tasteful maple cart
By Rick Campbell, photos by Yvonne Duivenvoorden, illustration by Len Churchill
You will need:
For the top
Material
Size
Qty.
Top
maple
2" x 20" x 34"
1
End caps
maple
1 1/2" x 2" x 20"
2
Rod plugs
maple dowel
1" dia. x 1"
8
Threaded top rods
plated steel
3/8" dia. x 19"
4
Nuts
plated steel
3/8" dia.
8
Flat washers
plated steel
3/8" dia.
8
For the base
Legs
maple
2" x 2" x 32"
4
End skirts
maple
3/4" x 4" x 16"
2
Back skirt
maple
3/4" x 4" x 31"
1
Knife block brace
maple
3/4" x 1 1/2" x 16"
1
Crossbraces
maple
1" x 2" x 18"
4
Shelf slats
maple
1" x 1 1/2" x 36"
7
Drawer runner cleats
maple
7/8" x 1 1/2" x 14"
2
Drawer runners
aluminum angle
3/4" x 3/4" x 14"
2
Casters
heavy-duty, rubber-edged
4
For the drawer
Drawer front
maple
3/4" x 4" x 29"
1
Drawer sides
maple
3/4" x 4" x 16 5/8"
2
Drawer back
maple
3/4" x 3 1/2" x 28"
1
Drawer bottom
plywood
1/4" x 16 1/4" x 28"
1
Stop block cleat
maple
1/2" x 1" x 4"
1
Drawer pull
brass
Lee Valley 01A44.11
1
For the knife block
Block strips
maple
2" x 5" x 8"
5
Knockdown bolts
50 mm Lee Valley 00N16.50
3
Threaded inserts
20 mm Lee Valley 00N11.20
3
For the wine rack
Rack slats
maple
3/4" x 1 1/2" x 36"
2
Rack front/back
maple
3/4" x 3" x 19"
2
Rack sides
maple
3/4" x 3" x 9"
2
Rack bottom slats
maple
1" x 3/4" x 19"
4
Top Drawer Don't rely on the drawer dimensions given in the plans-for a precise fit, measure the opening and allow for a 1/16" clearance on each side and 1/4" recess at the front.
Join the sides to the drawer face with half-blind dovetails and the back corners with rabbets. Any strong joint should work so long as the dimensions are correct. Prepare the corner joints, then cut 1/4" grooves into the sides and front for the plywood bottom panel. You may want to rout the recess before assembling the drawer, in case of error.
Assemble the drawer with glue and clamps. Cut the bottom to size and slide into place from the back. Tap in a few finishing nails to connect the back edge to the box.
The drawer glides along a pair of L-shaped aluminum tracks screwed to the wooden drawer runner cleats. These cleats shim the aluminum flush with the inside face of the legs. Attach the runners to the spacers with #8 x 3/4" screws. Counterbore slightly below the surface.
