Storing Your Compact Compressor

Family HandymanFamily HandymanUpdated: Mar. 21, 2023



Save floor space and get organized with this sturdy compressor stand

FH08NOV_COMSTA_01-2Family Handyman
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Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$51–100

Introduction

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.

Tools Required

  • 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

Materials Required

  • Scrap carpet or pad
  • See Materials List in "Additional Information"
  • Wood glue
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.

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Cut the Parts

  • Cut the angled sides using a straightedge to guide your saw.
  • Cut the rectangular pieces with a table saw or a circular saw and straightedge.

Step 2

Jigsaw the Curved Parts

  • Trace around one half of a paint can and one half of a 5-gallon bucket to mark the pieces.
  • Saw out the hose holder parts with a jigsaw.
  • Glue and screw the half circles together to make the hose holder.
  • After the glue dries, use a belt sander to smooth the edges, then glue the half round block to the larger half circle.


Step 3

Assemble the Dividers and Shelves

  • 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.
    • Note: Position the dividers with temporary spacers. This eliminates the need for measuring and marking and makes alignment much easier.
  • Use the same spacers again when you install the shelf below the dividers.
  • Drive 1-5/8-in. screws through the sides into the back and attaching the shelf and hose holder with screws.
  • Screw the top to the sides and back and add the dividers.
  • We made the first space 6 in. wide and the three remaining spaces 4-3/4 in. wide to fit our nail guns.
  • Screw the wide shelf (E) to the dividers and then screw through the sides into the three shelves (E, F and G).

Step 4

Add the 1×2 Shelf Edge and Finish Up

  • Wrap the top of the station with a sturdy lip to prevent the compressor from “walking” off.
  • Align the 1x2s with the plywood so they protrude 3/4 in. above the top and shelf to create a lip.
    • Pro tip: Use both glue and nails for a strong connection. For a more finished appearance, we covered the raw plywood edges with 1/4-in. strips of wood, but screen molding would work fine.
  • Brush 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.
    • Pro tip: To reduce noise and compressor movement, cut a rubber mat or piece of carpet to fit under the compressor.


Step 5

Additional Information

Originally Published: June 20, 2017