Figure A: Compressor Station
Overall dimensions:
25-1/2″ wide
20-3/4″ deep
30-1/4″ tall
Note: Figure A and the Cutting List and Materials List are available in pdf format in “Additional Information” below.
Storing Your Compact Compressor
Save floor space and get organized with this sturdy compressor stand
Store your nail guns, fasteners, hoses and accessories as well as a small compressor in this easy-to-build cabinet. Build it from one sheet of plywood and a few 1x2s.
- Time
- Complexity
- Cost
- One day
- Simple
- $20 – $100
Project overview: Materials, time and cost
You can get your nail guns, fasteners, hose and accessories off your workbench and out of your way by building this wall-mounted compressor station.
This easy project requires just one sheet of 3/4-in. plywood; about 8 ft. of 1×2 lumber; and only standard carpentry tools, plus a circular saw and a jigsaw. We used a table saw for most of the plywood cuts, and a miter saw for the trim, but a circular saw and straightedge will give good results too. You can also use a track saw for cutting the plywood. (See Benefits of a Track Saw for more information.)
We spent about $75 for birch plywood and birch 1×2 for this station, but you can cut the cost in half by using less expensive wood. Plan to spend about six to eight hours on this project.
Figure B: Plywood Cutting Diagram
You can cut all the plywood parts for the compressor station from one 4×8 sheet.
The names and dimensions for the parts are in the Cutting List in “Additional Information” below.
Note: Figure B and the Cutting List and Materials List are available in pdf format in “Additional Information” below.
Step 1: Cut out all the parts
Start by cutting out the plywood pieces according to Figure B. Use a table saw or a circular saw fitted with a sharp carbide-tooth blade to minimize splintering. If you’re using a circular saw, clamp a straightedge or a saw guide to the plywood for straight, accurate cuts. Photo 1 shows how to make the diagonal cuts for the sides.
Build the hose holder by marking four half circles with a gallon paint can and a half circle with a 5-gallon bucket on a plywood strip. Cut out the parts with a jigsaw (Photo 2). Glue and clamp the four small half circles together. After the glue dries, use a belt sander to smooth the edges, then glue the half round block to the larger half circle.
Step 2: Assemble the station
Once the parts are cut, assembly is straightforward. Mark the centerline of the shelves (E, F and G) on the sides, and the centerline of the dividers (D) on the top (C) and upper shelf (E). Drill holes and countersinks for screws on the centerline of all shelves and dividers. Space screws about 1-1/2 in. from plywood ends and about 8 in. apart.
Start by driving 1-5/8-in. screws through the sides into the back and attaching the shelf and hose holder with screws. Then screw the top to the sides and back and add the dividers (Photo 3). We made the first space 6 in. wide and the three remaining spaces 4-3/4 in. wide to fit our nail guns. Adjust these dimensions to fit your own tools. Screw the wide shelf (E) to the dividers and then screw through the sides into the three shelves (E, F and G).
Finish the station by adding a 1×2 edge to the top and to the accessory shelf (Photo 4). Align the 1x2s with the plywood so they protrude 3/4 in. above the top and shelf to create a lip. Glue and nail the 1x2s to the plywood. For a more finished appearance, we covered the raw plywood edges with 1/4-in. strips of wood, but screen molding would work fine.
We brushed two coats of clear polyurethane on the station before hanging it on the wall. When you mount the station, be sure to locate wall studs and attach the station firmly to them with four 1/4-in. x 3-1/2-in. lag screws and washers. To reduce noise and compressor movement, cut a rubber mat or piece of carpet to fit under the compressor.
Additional Information
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Belt sander
- Circular saw
- Clamps
- Countersink drill bit
- Drill bit set
- Drill/driver - cordless
- Finish nail gun
- Framing square
- Hearing protection
- Jigsaw
- Miter saw
- Safety glasses
- Straightedge
- Stud finder
- Table saw
- Tape measure
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Scrap carpet or pad
- See Materials List in "Additional Information"
- Wood glue
