Before You Buy Mini Woodworking Tools, Build This Simple Desk Tray

What the mini-tool story actually tells you

SlashGear’s September 26 roundup brings together six products, including a Dremel workstation, a DeWalt planer and several Milwaukee cordless tools. Its selection method relies on retailer ratings alongside portability and usefulness; it does not describe a comparative hands-on test. Treat it as a starting point for research rather than a beginner’s shopping list. Read the original roundup.

The key distinction is between equipment that occupies less space and equipment that suits small projects. A portable power tool can still require substantial support, clearance and practice. For a first purchase, name the operation you need help with: drilling repeatable holes, shaping an edge or removing material. If your project does not require that operation, postpone the purchase.

Three tools, three different reasons to buy

The Dremel 220-01 WorkStation is an attachment that holds a compatible rotary tool for stationary work. Dremel lists drilling, horizontal tool holding and flex-shaft support among its functions. Check the compatibility list against your exact model before buying. It makes most sense when you already use a rotary tool and want a more controlled setup for suitable small tasks. Dremel’s product details.

Milwaukee’s 2723-20 compact router offers a 1/4-inch collet and variable speed from 10,000 to 31,000 rpm. That makes it worth investigating when repeated edge shaping becomes part of your hobby. Those specifications alone do not make it necessary for a first tray; hand sanding can soften that project’s edges. Milwaukee’s product details.

DeWalt’s DCP580B planer has a 3-1/4-inch cutting width and a maximum cutting depth of 5/64 inch. The manufacturer says the battery, charger and dust bag are sold separately. For the project below, buying smooth, dimensioned wood lets you defer this purchase. DeWalt’s product details.

Make a shallow tray and practice accurate assembly

Here is an original beginner project: a tray for sticky notes, paper clips or other desk odds and ends. Use a flat plywood base measuring 12 by 6 inches, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Add four wooden rim strips with actual cross sections of 1/2 by 1/2 inch: two 12 inches long and two 5 inches long. These dimensions place the short strips between the long ones, with all four sitting on top of the base.

Have the pieces cut to size if you do not already have a suitable saw and know how to use it. Gather wood glue, clamps, a square, a sanding block and 120- and 180-grit abrasive paper. Dry-fit everything before opening the glue. Check that the rim follows the base edges and that the corners meet without forcing them together.

Sand rough surfaces with 120 grit, then refine them with 180 grit. Lightly soften exposed sharp edges while keeping the mating surfaces flat. Remove sanding dust, apply glue according to its label, and clamp the rim pieces in position. Check the corners again after tightening: clamp pressure can shift a carefully arranged piece. Remove squeeze-out and leave the assembly clamped for the adhesive manufacturer’s specified time.

Wear eye protection for cutting or drilling, secure the work, and manage sanding dust with suitable extraction and respiratory protection. Add a finish only if wanted, following its application and curing instructions.

Let the finished project guide your next purchase

Inspect the tray before buying another tool. Uneven corners suggest more practice with layout and clamping. Scratch marks suggest a sanding issue. Neither automatically calls for a powered upgrade.

When a tool would solve a recurring problem, compare the complete setup cost: tool, compatible battery and charger where required, cutters or bits, workholding and dust collection. Also check where you will operate it. Storage dimensions tell you little about the space needed to support a workpiece safely.