September 9, 2016

Workbench Paper Roll Dispenser | Woodworking Shop Project

I often get paint, stains, glue, or other finishes on my workbench. While I am unconcerned about its appearance, this stuff on the surface causes a few problems. Dried glue blobs create uneven areas and interfere with squaring up panels and other boards. Paint overspray transfers to good work pieces as I move them around for assembly. And oils that get on projects prevent other finishes from sticking. The solution I designed is a workbench paper roll dispenser.

This one holds a roll of heavy brown builders paper that I can unroll as needed, like that crinkly paper on doctors’ examination tables. This will let me completely cover my workbench while gluing or finishing and then throw away the paper when I’m done.

I’ve also added a secondary roller for other items. I keep a roll of blue shop paper towels and a roll of craft paper on it for now. I like to use craft paper for wrapping things for shipping. You can also store tape on this roller.

How to make the Workbench Paper Roll Dispenser

I made this entire project using 3/4″ (18mm) scrap plywood, cutting the pieces to size on my table saw. Note: the blue painters’ tape prevents the top veneer of plywood from chipping when cutting across its grain. This isn’t always necessary, but this scrap of cherry plywood has an exceptionally thin veneer.

I drilled a hole in the two end pieces and then widened it a little with my spindle sander so that a 3/4″ (18mm) dowel would fit loosely.

I bent a thin strip of wood to make a curve that I drew onto the top edge of one of the sides.

Then I taped the two sides together using carpet tape so I could cut the curve on both sides at the same time and make them match. I cut them out on my band saw.