Man Crate Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about man crate plans. The project features instructions for building a wooden man crate, that is ideal for wrapping a gift or for decoration. You can print logos on the sides of the crate, if you want to take the customization further. You can even use pallet or scrap wood to get a rustic appearance. Work with attention and make adjustments to the design and overall dimensions if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Man Crate Plans

Building a man crate

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 7″x12″ long, 2 pieces – 7″x10 1/2″ long BOX
• B – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 12″x12″ long BOTTOM
• C – 8 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 4 1/4″ long, 4 pieces – 12″ long, 4 pieces – 13 1/2″ long TRIMS
• D – 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 13 1/2″x13 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 13 1/2″ long TOP

• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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How to build a man crate

Building the crate frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the crate. Cut the components from 3/4″ plywood. Alternatively, you could use 1×8 slats (remember that they are 7 1/4″ wide). Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short components and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular slats. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges before inserting the screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Attaching the bottom to the crate

Next, you need to attach the 3/4″ plywood panel to the bottom of the box. Align the edges with attention and secure the component to the box using 1 1/4″ nails. Alternatively, you could drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the trims to the front and back faces

If you want to enhance the look of the crate, we recommend you to attach 1×2 trims to the sides of the box, as shown in the plans. Cut the trims at the right dimensions and secure them to the box using glue and 1 1/4″ finishing nails. Leave no gaps between the components for a professional result.

Attaching the trims to the sides of the crate

Attach trims to the other sides of the man crate using the same techniques described above. Alternatively, you can build the trims from 1/4″ plywood (secure them with 5/8″ nails).

Building the top

Build the top of the crate from 3/4″ plywood.

Fitting the trims to the top

Attach 1×2 trims to the top of the crate. Cut the components at the right dimensions and secure them to the top with glue and nails. You can use 1/4″ plywood or 3/4″ thick trims, according to your needs.

Man Crate Plans

Fill the holes and dents with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours. Use 120-200 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Remember that you can adjust the dimensions for the man crate to suit your needs.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the components from decay, we recommend you to apply paint or stain.

This woodworking project was about man crate plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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