You’ve got to admire the steps some people take to squeeze a shop into a small space. Finding ways to pack in ever more tools and to work on bigger and bigger projects become ends to themselves for some, and the neat little tricks they find to do so can be really instructive.
Take this workbench pop-up outlet strip for example. The shop that [Woodshop Junkies] occupies appears to be a single-car garage, on the smallish size in the first place, that is almost entirely filled with a multipurpose workbench. It provides tons of storage underneath and a massive work surface on top, but working with small power tools means stretching extension cords across the already limited floor space and creating a tripping hazard. So he claimed a little space on the benchtop for a clever trap door concealing a small tray holding an outlet strip.
The tray rides on short drawer glides and, thanks to a small pneumatic spring, pops up when the door is unlatched. There was a little trouble with some slop in the glides causing the tray to jam, but that was taken care of with a simple roller bearing. The video below shows its construction and how it stays entirely out of the way until needed.
As cool as this build is, it’s just icing on the small shop cake when compared to the workbench. [Woodshop Junkies] has a complete playlist covering the build which is worth watching. And you might want to refer to our tiny shop roundup for more tips on getting a lot done in a little space.
Thanks to [Itay Ramot] for the tip.
Coincidence I watched it yesterday.
It’s a nice idea but it’s a lot of effort with a lot of drawbacks as per the comments in the video.
He could have put lots of outlets on each side of the bench. He could have a ceiling drop down.
I have both.
But perhaps it’s more about seeking new content in a sea of “ultimate workbench” videos on youtube.
His bench is a pretty good one BTW.
Ridiculously, one has to push it by hand, this thing is not even motorized, it should have bluetooth and come with an app, also useful for monitor the power usage on each outlet.
Half done job, but the greatest article here today, after the so useful “field expedient soldering iron”.
Entertainment is so much more valuable than too deep articles that teach abstruse knowledge !!!
Cool, but that’s a lot of effort for something that’s going to be open 100% of the time.
yeh, a cavity with simple lid with a notch so you can close it when it is plugged in would work
Looks like a South African multi-plug. ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan!
Yeah, I was looking at that and thought; “Neat idea, but none of my power tools have plugs that would fit it.”
B^)
Those push to unlatch latches are a nuisance. One touch or bump and now it’s loose. Worst of all, lower cabinet doors unlatching coming open as you stand at the counter and knee them. An overhead reel cord works well here.
You’re late.
https://www.legrand.us/adorne/products/outlets/arptr151gm2.aspx