SHOE INN

USE DRESSED BOARDS AND DOWEL TO WHIP UP SMART, MOBILE HOUSING FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORIES

Project, photography and styling NATASHA DICKINS

Make a cabinet that can be moved from mud room to spare room to the garage as needed. The finished size is 1200mm wide, 285mm deep and just over 900mm high, perfect as a bench or hallway stand. Finishing the cabinet in a tough, water-based enamel paint helps protect it from high-traffic wear and tear. For contrast, leave the dowel natural by sealing with furniture oil.

Cut Ting List

First, check the six 1200mm dowel lengths are exactly the same, trimming them to match the shortest piece if needed. Cut a length of 285mm x 19mm pine in half for the top and base. Cut the remaining length into thirds for the divider and two sides, checking they are exactly the same. Tip: Use a compound mitre saw to cut the timber to size, or have it cut in store.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Mitre saw n 400mm combination square n 19mm holesaw with arbor n Drill with driver and 2.5mm bits n 8G combination countersinking bit n Rafter square n Quick-grip clamps n Cloths n Mini microfibre roller with spare cover and tray n Rubber mallet n Nail punch n Small hammer

Storing everyday footwear on open shelving keeps them handy and allows air to circulate n Six 1200mm lengths 19mm Tasmanian oak dowel• n Two 2400mm lengths 285mm x 19mm pine• n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block n Woodworking adhesive n 8G x 40mm timber screws n Timber filler n Primer n Water-based enamel paint n 20mm x 1.25mm bullet head nails n Furniture oil n Four 75mm castors (two with brakes) n Tape n 20mm button head screws

ABOVE Visible dowel ends add extra interest to the cabinet

Keep in mind…

n Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding.

n When buying a holesaw, check it includes an arbor (the centre drill bit), otherwise purchase it separately or as part of a kit.

n Lock the castors when the cabinet is in place to avoid movement.

n The cabinet is designed to hold shoes, bags and accessories, and is not for climbing or sitting on.

1 To set out a grid for the holes on the divider and sides, use a combination square to mark down both sides, 70mm in from the edges. Measure down 180mm, 360mm and 540mm to mark across.

Tip: If you don’t have a 400mm combination square, use a smaller one, checking the lines from both sides.

2 Position the arbor of a 19mm holesaw on the intersections of the grid to drill halfway through. To prevent breakout, flip the pine to finish drilling from the opposite face, through the small holes made by the arbor. Tip: To make straight holes, clamp a square upright as a guide for holding the drill at exactly 90°.

3 On the top and base, mark a line across the centre and 10mm in from the ends, then use an 8G countersinking bit to make holes at the centre and 30mm in from the edges. Sand all pieces with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove breakout. Test-fit the dowel, sanding inside the holes with rolled paper if needed.

4 Working on a flat surface, set out the top and base against the sides, using a rafter square to check they’re straight. Apply adhesive and secure through the holes with 40mm screws and clamp to dry. Repeat to install the divider at the centre. Smooth over the screw heads with filler, leaving to dry.

5 Sand over the filler, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust. Use a mini microfibre roller to apply primer all over the cabinet, leaving to dry. Change the cover to apply two coats of water-based enamel, leaving to dry after each. Tip: Paint into the corners with the tip of the roller, but avoid inside the holes.

6 With the cabinet upside down, tap the dowel through the holes with a rubber mallet. Use a nail punch to hammer 20mm bullet head nails through both sides of all holes in the divider, checking the overhang is even at the ends. Sand any paint or dents from the dowel and wipe away dust. Apply a protective furniture oil with a clean cloth, leaving to dry.

7 To mark the castor holes, use a combination square to position them 20mm in from the edges, with the brakes on opposite corners. Pre-drill with a 2.5mm bit, using tape 15mm from the end of the bit as a depth gauge, then secure with 20mm button head screws.

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5 Easyroll 75mm 70kg load transparent swivel plate and brake castor, $12.85, I/N: 3940301. 6 Bondall ‘Monocel’ furniture oil trigger pack, $19.16/500ml, I/N: 1520428.

7 Empire ‘True Blue’ 180mm laser etcher rafter square, $25.44, I/N: 0154654. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

It’s important not to damage or disturb asbestos-containing materials. Become asbestos aware.