Many workbenches have holes on their sides or ends, either for use with side-mounted hold-downs, or as installation holes for future vises. I built this small tool tray to keep tools and materials clear of my benchtop. By mounting dowels in the back to match the holes in my bench, the tray can be pressed into service when needed or pulled out when it’s in the way. Snug-fitting dowels, coupled with the weight of the contents within, keep the tray firmly in place.
Design the tray to fit your bench. To maximize your benchtop surface, set the tray slightly below it. I made mine deep enough to store hand planes so that the handles don’t protrude above the benchtop edge.
