How To: Build A Pegboard Blowtorch Holder
Pegboards have always had a place in my shop. They are simple to install, and easy to reconfigure as the needs evolve. I have a section by my stationary tools and few large boards for everything else. Mostly, I keep small tools like screwdrivers, scrapers and saws hanging. But there's so much more than hooks and pins. For example, here's a simple pegboard holder to organize my growing collection of blowtorch tools.
I've recently been doing more work with metal in the shop, which means gathering a few more sources of heat. Extra tanks, fittings, and a few accessories turned into an unmanageable mess pretty fast, so I needed to get a place to keep it all in order. This blowtorch holder can be set on a shelf, mounted to the wall, or installed on a pegboard; but no matter where it is, everything will have a home.
Wondering why you might need a blowtorch in your shop?
A blowtorch is a truly versatile tool. We talked about six unexpected uses for them last year, showed you how to make a simple blowtorch forge, and even why a blowtorch is our favorite way to light a grill. Yep, we think it's an essential tool.
The Bernzomatic TS8000 produces a large, optimized swirl flame provides maximum heat output. The auto start/stop ignition lights and extinguishes with the push of a button, and an adjustable flame control knob makes it easy to size the flame for different applications. The run-lock button keeps the torch lit for continuous use.
I used poplar for this project because it's easy to work and finishes up well. The materials were readily available at my local hardware store. This holder is sized for 4 tanks, a brazing torch, and some extra accessories. It can be resized for fewer tanks if you don't need quite so much gas storage.
Cut List
The Steps
1. Measure and cut pieces – I kept most of the measurements to 12″ for ease of material cutting, so there are only a few cuts needed to get all the pieces ready for assembly. A single rabbet cut on the drawer front adds strength. Adding a bit of curve to the sides isn't necessary, but it looks better and makes accessing the tanks a bit easier.
2. Assemble the case – With all the pieces ready, assembly is all about tacking and gluing. Be sure to check for square while assembling the pieces, and cleaning out any glue squeeze-out before it dries. I don't overdo the nails, just a few is fine since the glue is ultimately what will keep everything tight.
I started by attaching the sides to the bottom, then added the center shelf where the tanks sit. This needed to be spaced properly to be sure that the drawer would fit well. Adding the dividers then the back stiffened it up, and some clamps held it all tight until the glue dried.
3. Make the drawer – The drawer is straight-forward, but make sure it properly fits before assembly. Some minor adjustments may be necessary to make it properly fit the case. This is where I added a rabbet to the front for some stability, the sides and back are lightweight 1/8″ boards, and a plywood drawer bottom as a slide-in, with small supports under it for strength.
A simple silver handle rounded out the assembly.
4. Finish it off – I used a bit of wood filler on the nail holes and joints, then sanded smooth. The final touch was a natural poly stain for protection and to bring out the character of the wood.
To hang this on the pegboard, drill two holes for hooks in the backing board. It's important to keep them level with each other so the organizer hangs correctly on your pegboard. While two pegboard hooks should be sufficient for holding four tanks and accessories, a third hook may be needed if you plan on loading it down with extra weight.
The last personalization I did was add a personalized brand I made to add my mark to make my projects my own. I simply heat it up with my now easy to grab torch (I grabbed the TS4000 for this one), and press onto the wood for a clean, crisp maker's mark. I like how the contrast to the light wood helps it really pop.
The holder ended up keeping 4 tanks, a TS8000 on the shelf, extra brazing rods, a brazing torch, a pencil torch, and a TS4000 in the drawer. It holds an amazing amount in a small organized space. Now I can't help looking around for the next opportunity to organize another collection in the shop.
This post is sponsored by Bernzomatic, but all opinions are mine alone. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make ManMade possible.