Bob Pearson · Workshop journal

Workshop resource · 1 / 3

Hardware-store shopping list

Check existing supplies first. Quantities are planning allowances; take hardware templates and actual measurements.

QtyItemNotes
1 full sheet + 1 project panel3/4 in cabinet-grade, sanded plywoodOne usable 48 × 96 in sheet plus one true 24 × 48 in panel. Inspect flatness, veneer and usable dimensions. If cleanup leaves less than 24 in, buy larger stock; two full sheets are the fallback.
5 boards; optional 6th2×4 × 8 ft, dry straight softwoodFrame and eight caster blocks; actual 1½ × 3½ in. Extra board covers defects and practice.
1 board2×6 × 8 ft, dry straight softwoodFour bracket-backer blanks, initially 12 in long. Final length and holes follow the selected bracket.
2 boards1×2 × 8 ft, straight stockRear-panel cleats and two nonstructural dowel-practice joints; use leftovers first.
44 in dual-locking swivel castersBoth wheel and swivel must lock. Confirm plate/hole pattern fits reinforced pads, brakes stay reachable, and hardware clears full swivel. See capacity note below.
4 brackets / 2 pairsPositive-locking folding worktop bracketsSelect a manufacturer-approved 24 in projection, compatible 24 in panel width and wooden backing installation. Obtain hole template and fastener instructions before final backer cuts. Pair rating is not a cart rating.
100-count box2½ in coarse-thread Kreg pocket screwsFor actual 1½ in 2×4 stock and a compatible standard Kreg jig. Do not substitute drywall screws.
About 501¼ in wood screwsPlywood-to-frame and cleats where actual thickness permits; predrill. Do not use these as generic caster/bracket fasteners.

Store notes / prices: __________________________________________________________

Workshop resource · 2 / 3

Hardware-store shopping list

QtyItemNotes
About 24Rated structural wood screws for padsSelect length after stack-up for at least the manufacturer’s required embedment into rail side grain. Nominal 3½ in may suit a 2¼ in pad; verify against the actual framing and avoid pocket screws.
16 sets, if four holes per plateCaster through-bolts, washers and locknutsDiameter follows plate; length = pad + plate + washers + nut with full thread engagement. Buy after template check. Recess only as needed for a flat pad bearing surface; never cut into rails.
8 sets, planning allowanceBacker-to-leg through-bolts, washers and locknutsTwo vertically spaced per backer; nominal 1/4 in is a starting allowance, subject to hardware requirements. Length suits two 1½ in layers plus washers/nut. Keep safe edge distances and clear of bracket screws.
4 setsSaw bolts, flat washers and locknutsOne compatible factory hole per foot. Diameter and length from actual saw/deck stack; washer bears flat without loading a curved casting. No drilling or enlarging the saw casting.
Per hardware templateBracket fasteners and wing fixingsApproved fasteners into solid backers; wing screws must not pierce the top. If the specified fixing cannot work in 3/4 in ply, add approved backing and remeasure wing geometry.
Small bottle + 8 dowelsInterior wood glue; 1/4 in fluted dowelsFour dowels for two practice joints, four spare. Match the doweling jig. Glue is not a substitute for the structural fasteners.
2 lengths / optional kitLeft- and right-reading adhesive tapes; T-track and compatible flip stopOne tape per wing, long enough to display its real distance from blade. Allow two 24 in track sections or cut a longer length. Confirm track, stop reach and fence stock thickness together.
About 8 setsRemovable fence screws/bolts, washers and knobsSize to chosen fence mounting tabs and wing thickness; allow clearance underneath when folded.

Bring back before final cutting: caster dimensions, bracket template and fastener instructions.

Workshop resource · 3 / 3

Hardware-store shopping list

QtyItemNotes
1 quart each, verify coverageCompatible conditioner and Provincial interior semi-transparent stainChoose a stain/conditioner system for the plywood face species and softwood. Provincial is a color, not a chemistry specification.
About 3 quarts, check labelWater-based polyurethane, satin suggestedThree coats on all exposed wood; optional fourth on work surfaces. Rough allowance 70–85 sq ft per coat; divide total coat area by label coverage and allow waste.
Assorted120/150/180/220-grit abrasives; finish applicatorsFollow finish label for final prep and between-coat grit. Include dust removal supplies and safe finish-waste storage.
Check existing toolsSquare, tape, straightedge, clamps, drill, bits, jigsAlso countersink, depth stops, driver, wrench/socket set, sheet-cutting guide and stable supports, PPE and dust extraction.

Hardware selection worksheet

Caster rating / overall height: __________
Plate size / bolt length: __________
Bracket 24 in projection approved: __________
Bracket spacing / fasteners: __________
Stain + conditioner system: __________
Topcoat coverage / over-stain interval: __________

Capacity selection screen: estimated total loaded cart weight ÷ 3, then choose comfortably higher-rated individual casters within maker conditions. This does not establish a cart load rating. Support long/heavy boards independently.