diy homemade how to build a rotating canned food storage shelf

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How to Build a Rotating Canned Food Shelf

Storing canned food in your kitchen cabinets is aninefficient use of space and you will often find old cans inthe back. This easy-to-build shelf system will solve theproblem by rotating the cans. The cost is a small fractionof the price of retail canned food systems. There are manyvariations so modify the plans to suit your needs andabilities.

Decide the size and number of shelves you need. This article will cover a 5-shelf systemthat is 32 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 64 inches tall.

Cut the plywood on a table saw or with a circular saw.

Cut one full sheet in half length-wise. From each half, cut a shelf at 32 inches (shouldleave 64 inches for the sides).

Cut the other full sheet in half length-wise also. Cut each half in thirds at 32 incheseach.

Cut the half-sheet of plywood at 32 inches. Cut the 32x48 piece in half (24x32). Setthe remaining 16x48 piece aside for later. You should have 2-24x64 and 10-24x32.

Using a router and straight edge, rout slots into the sides 3/4 inch wide and 1/4 inchdeep. (An alternative is to attach rails that the shelves will rest on. The slot method isstronger and will not interfere with the rolling cans.)

Steps

How to Build a Rotating Canned Food Shelf: 14 steps http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Rotating-Canned-Food-...

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The shelves need to have a 1:12 slope (1 inch drop for each 12 inches run).

For standard cans, the distance from the top of the input shelf to the top of thecorresponding output shelf is 8 inches.

For standard cans, the distance from the top of the input shelf, to the top of the nextoutput shelf is 4 inches.

For standard cans, the input shelf is 3.5 inches shorter than the output shelf.

For larger cans, add 1 inch to these dimensions.

Draw outlines for all slots.

Trim the shelves. The finished outside width of the shelf system will be 32 inches. Theshelves will fit in a slot 1/4 inch deep. Therefore, the width of the shelves is actually 31inches. Each input shelf also needs to be trimmed on the back to allow a space for the canto drop. For standard cans, this gap needs to be 3.5 inches.

Lay one side flat on the ground with the slots facing up. Insert the shelves into the slotsand place the other side on top.

Drive 2 inch screws through the side and into the edge of the shelf. Put two screws ineach shelf.

Turn the unit over and drive screws in this side also.

Turn the unit over so the back is facing up. Attach the pieces that were cut from the inputshelves to prevent the cans from falling off the back.


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From the 16x48 scrap plywood, cut 5 pieces 2x32 inch. Turn the unit over so the front isfacing up. Attach the 2x32 inch pieces to block the cans from falling out the front.

With the remaining plywood and/or additional scrap you have laying around, build abase that the casters will attach to. Stand the unit upright and attach it to the base.

Decide the configuration of cans that you need. Each row will need to be about 1/2 inchwider than the can. On the table saw, rip 1/4 inch-wide strips from plywood, MDF, ordimensional lumber. MDF and lumber work best. Attach them to the shelves with woodglue.

One problem you may have is the cans getting mis-aligned when they drop down.


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Another problem occurswhen the gap is too large for thecans.

A solution for this is to add a divider connecting the row dividing strips, filling the gap.Cut cardboard in a trapezoidal shape to fit over the two row dividers. Cut out thecenter material of the cardboard and glue the flaps to the row dividers.

Another problem occurs when the gap is too large forthe cans. The can can get blocked, preventing othercans from dropping down.

A solution for this problem is to glue wedges at the back of the lower shelf. This willcause the can to roll forward before the next one locks it in. The wedges can be cutfrom the same material used for the row dividers. They should be large enough tomove the can forward.


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14 Start using the rotating canned food shelf. Add labels to the front of each row to identifythe contents and load cans in the top portion of each shelf.


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This shelf system can accommodate any can size - even #10 cans. Just measure the diameterand length of the can and allow at least 1/2 inch clearance.

A simpler design is possible when you have easy access to the back. This allows you to loadthe cans in the back and they simply roll forward.

The casters are very important. Experience has shown the mobility they add is a valuableconvenience.

The same concepts can be applied to build this shelf system fixed in a closet. Just use rails(screwed into studs) to support the shelves.

For added stability make the base larger than the footprint of the shelf unit. The casters shouldprovide support a couple of inches in front of and behind the shelf unit.

Tips


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Power tools can be dangerous; stay attentive and use with care.

Always wear safety glasses when operating or using any type of power tool.

4 casters (3 inch)

2.5 sheets 3/4" plywood

MDF or lumber

Wood glue

2 inch screws

Table saw

Circular saw

Router with 3/4in bit

Drill

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Warnings

Things You'll Need

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diy homemade how to build a rotating canned food storage shelf

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