How to build a cap-down glue bottle holder, 10" × 6 1/4" × 12"

Cut list

Step by step

1. Make the strap slots

   Make eight rounded-end strap slots in the backboard before assembly.

   • Mark slot centers 1 1/4", 4 1/4", 5 3/4" and 8 3/4" from the left edge.
   • Mark slot bottoms 5 1/2" and 8 1/2" above the bottom edge.
   • Clamp the backboard over scrap with all slot paths clear of the bench.
   • Drill a 1/4" hole at each end of every 1/4" × 1 1/4" slot.
   • Join the holes with a narrow-blade jigsaw along the marked sides.
   • Sand the slot edges smooth enough that webbing cannot snag.

2. Smooth the edges

   Sand the parts and soften exposed edges before assembly.

   • Sand the faces with the grain using 150-grit abrasive.
   • Ease all exposed corners lightly.
   • Remove sanding dust with a clean cloth.

3. Attach the side supports

   Fasten the base to both side supports with their outside faces flush.

   • Clamp both supports beneath the inverted base with the outside edges flush.
   • Mark screw centers 3/8" from each end edge and 1 1/4" from front and back.
   • Drill four 9/64" clearance holes through the base only.
   • Drill 3/32" pilot holes 3/4" into the supports through the clearance holes.
   • Countersink the base holes for flush screw heads.
   • Drive four #6 × 1 1/2" screws snugly.

4. Attach the retaining rails

   Fasten the front and back rails between the side supports to form the lower tray.

   • Clamp both rails between the supports, resting on the base with outer faces flush.
   • Mark each support 3/8" from front and back, and 7/8" from top and bottom.
   • Drill eight 9/64" clearance holes through the supports only.
   • Drill 3/32" pilot holes 3/4" into the rail ends through the clearance holes.
   • Countersink the support holes for flush screw heads.
   • Drive eight #6 × 1 1/2" screws snugly.

5. Attach the shoulder supports

   Attach two pairs of shoulder supports above the tray for cap-down storage.

   • Clamp the four supports front-to-back with their ends flush with the tray.
   • Set their left edges 3/4", 3 1/4", 5 1/4" and 7 3/4" from the left side.
   • Check the capped bottles against both 1" gaps before drilling.
   • Drill eight 9/64" clearance holes centered 3/8" from the support ends.
   • Drill 3/32" pilot holes 3/4" into the rails beneath.
   • Drive eight #6 × 1 1/2" screws into countersunk holes.

6. Attach the restraint backboard

   Screw the slotted backboard to the outside of the rear rail.

   • Clamp the backboard against the rear rail with its bottom flush with the rail.
   • Mark four screw centers 2" from either side and 1" and 2 1/2" above its bottom.
   • Drill four 9/64" clearance holes through the backboard only.
   • Drill 3/32" pilot holes 1/2" into the rear rail.
   • Countersink the rear-facing clearance holes.
   • Drive four #6 × 1 1/4" screws snugly.

7. Secure the inverted bottles

   Restrain each cap-down bottle with two adjustable straps while its shoulders rest on wood.

   • Place the holder on a flat, dry bench.
   • Thread one strap through each horizontal slot pair with its buckle at the front.
   • Lower each closed bottle cap-down between its two shoulder supports.
   • Fasten two straps around each bottle body without squeezing it.
   • Test each bottle separately for slipping or tipping while holding it.
   • Remove glue drips promptly after use.