Build a Magnetic Paper Towel Holder for Your Shop
Paper towels are one of those supplies I reach for constantly in the workshop. Whether I'm wiping up glue, cleaning a work surface, or handling a finishing job, it's handy to have a roll close by.
The problem is finding a convenient place to keep them.
Rather than permanently mounting a dispenser to a wall or cabinet, I built this magnetic paper towel holder from a few pieces of plywood, a dowel, and some magnets.
It attaches to a suitable steel surface, so I can position the roll where it's needed and move it when my work changes.
Build the Plywood Holder
The holder consists of three plywood pieces: a back and two sides.
Start by ripping a plywood blank to width, then cut the three parts to size.
To strengthen the assembly, I used a tongue-and-dado joint between the back and sides. The interlocking joinery helps keep the holder rigid when pulling towels from the roll.
The joints are easy to cut at the table saw.
Add Magnets for Easy Mounting
The feature that makes this holder especially convenient is the magnetic mounting system.
Drill recesses in the back of the plywood holder and install magnet cups with screws.
The cups hold the magnets in place and allow the dispenser to attach to a steel cabinet, tool stand, or other suitable metal surface.
Make sure the magnets provide enough holding power to keep the dispenser secure while pulling off a towel.
Since there's no permanent mounting hardware, you can relocate the holder whenever you rearrange the shop.
Cut Stopped Slots for the Dowel
A wood dowel serves as the spindle for the paper towel roll.
To support it, rout stopped slots in the inside faces of the two plywood sides.
These slots allow the dowel to rest in position while making it easy to lift out when it's time to replace the roll.
After routing the slots, I rounded the front edges of the sides at the band saw.
This gives the holder a cleaner appearance and eliminates the sharp front corners.
Assemble and Use the Magnetic Paper Towel Holder
With the parts prepared, glue and assemble the plywood holder.
Once the glue dries, install the magnets, slip a roll of paper towels onto the dowel, and set the dowel into the stopped slots.
Then position the holder on a clean, flat steel surface.
The result is a simple, removable workshop paper towel dispenser that keeps towels close at hand without taking up valuable bench space.
It's a handy little shop project that puts a few scraps of plywood to good use while making everyday cleanup more convenient.
DIY Table Saw Fence Organizer for Tools & Accessories
A magnetic paper towel holder makes cleanup more convenient, but it's just one way to keep your workshop organized.
This shop-made table saw fence organizer provides a handy place for pencils, measuring tools, and other frequently used accessories. Its simple plywood construction and magnetic mounting features help keep essentials close at hand without cluttering your workbench.
BUILD THE TABLE SAW FENCE ORGANIZER → Keep Your Most-Used Tools Right Where You Need Them
