How to Build the Ultimate Clamp Rack

Ultimate clamp rack

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The clamp rack, all loaded up!

Yes, you can buy a clamp rack similar to this one for about $150, but why not have this good-looking version for a lot less? Plus, it’s another shop project!

If you have a big shop, a rollaround clamp rack is better than any wall-mounted system. It holds every type of clamp in one compact space, and you can wheel it right up to your work area. That saves miles of walking back and forth to the clamp rack.

This version is built from oak legs and 3/4-in. plywood shelves. Note that the front and back edges of the plywood are all the same length but have 7-degree bevels. The shorter pieces of edge trim also have 7-degree angles. When you cut the edge trim to length, it should be measured and cut to the bottom, longest part of each board. Assemble the legs first and then preassemble the shelves. Then screw on the top and bottom shelves. Rest the rack upside down and slide in each shelf. Make sure they’re evenly spaced and screw each one to the legs. Add the wheels, varnish it and you’re done.

Figure A: Clamp rack

Figure A: Clamp Rack

This rack is made from 1x3s for the vertical legs glued and nailed into Ls. Cut the shelves and edgeband them with 1x2s.