Workshop Utility Cart

As you can see from the "before" photo above, my current setup in the garage leaves a lot to be desired in both categories. My only real worksurface is the table saw, and there is no storage to speak of (besides the gravel floor itself).

So, I figured that the first real project to set up the workshop should be a utility cart, offering a large top surface with clamping options, and plenty of easily-accessible tool storage below.

I started by laying out a simple design and dimensions for the cart. In order to maximize storage, I wanted plenty of drawers. I decided to go with an ultra-simple design for the drawers, using pre-made Uline bins sliding in and out on simple rails, as I wanted to get this thing put together quickly and easily.

After that, I got some 2x4s and got to work.

The frame is ultra-simple as well, but I did put some thought into the design. The 2x4s are oriented to allow easy clamping options to the top surface all around the perimeter (at least, once the top is installed later), and also to leave space to hang tools in a recessed space on either narrow side of the cart.

I want to be able to move the cart around easily, so large casters on the bottom are a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the garage has a loose-gravel floor, which makes moving anything around a major pain, even with casters. But, it's the best I can do with what I've got, short of making a new floor surface for the garage.

Next, there are some pieces of hardboard installed to create simple shelves, close in the "drawers" a bit, and offer a surface to hang tools on the outside of the cart. 

I decided to put the hardboard walls on the inside of the frame, so that hanging tools there would be within the "silhouette" of the cart, meaning I wouldn't constantly be bumping into them when moving around the cart.