Easy-Access Dowel Storage Carousel for Your Workshop
Dowels, inlay strips, and small molding blanks are worth saving for future woodworking projects. But keeping those leftover pieces organized can be a challenge.
Long pieces are usually easy to store. It's the shorter cutoffs that tend to disappear into drawers, get mixed together, or end up damaged.
To keep these useful scraps organized, I built a simple rotating dowel storage carousel that mounts underneath my shop cabinets.
It uses clear plastic tubes to hold the pieces, so I can see exactly what's available without digging through a box or drawer. And because the carousel rotates, everything is easy to reach.
Make the Carousel with Clear Plastic Tubes
The organizer consists of four compartments made from clear fluorescent tube protectors.
These lightweight plastic tubes are designed to protect fluorescent light bulbs, but they also make convenient storage compartments for narrow woodworking materials.
Each tube fits into matching holes drilled in two plywood wheels. The wheels hold the tubes together and form the rotating assembly.
I left both ends of the tubes open so I can slide dowels, inlay strips, and molding cutoffs in and out easily.
The clear plastic makes it simple to identify the contents, even when the pieces are short.
Just make sure the tubes fit securely in the plywood wheels and that the stored pieces won't slide out unexpectedly when the carousel turns.
Mount the Carousel Under a Shop Cabinet
The plywood wheels rotate on axles attached to the underside of my shop cabinets.
This keeps the organizer off the workbench and makes use of space that might otherwise go unused.
The rotating design lets me bring any of the four storage compartments into a convenient position.
And since the tubes are open at both ends, I can access the contents without removing the carousel.
Position the organizer where it has enough clearance to rotate freely and where longer pieces won't interfere with nearby tools or work areas.
Keep Small Wood Scraps Organized and Ready to Use
The best thing about this storage carousel is how easy it makes finding small pieces.
Instead of sorting through a pile of dowels or molding scraps, I can simply rotate the organizer and look through the clear tubes.
It's a handy way to keep useful cutoffs from getting lost or damaged, while freeing up valuable drawer and shelf space.
If you frequently use dowels, decorative inlays, or small molding strips, this inexpensive storage solution is a great addition to your workshop.
More Workshop Storage Ideas
A well-organized workshop makes it easier to find materials, protect valuable scraps, and keep your workbench clear.
Discover more practical Woodsmith storage ideas, shop-made organizers, and clever solutions for getting the most out of your woodworking space.
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