Wooden Beer Carrier (for a Six-Pack!)

Alas, this is the last of my woodworking projects to share with you.  I shared my first project ever (wood piece basket), my first scrapbuster (scrap vase), and the unfinished project that hopefully I'll get to soon (custom X-leg stools).

I am so excited about this project because I think it turned out fantastically!  To celebrate, maybe I should crack a beer open?  :)

We were given plans with some instructions for a toolbox, but we could make it with any dimensions we liked.  You can see the example with the flames, which was made pretty huge.  Obviously, I decided to go with a different size to tote around a six-pack of beers.

In the picture to the right, first I cut the sides of the carrier.

Then, I used a band saw to create a rounded shape towards the top and sanded it smooth.

Next, I used a drill press to match the size of the pipe I planned on using as a handle.  By the way, I spent a ton of time sanding the hole bigger because there wasn't a size that quite fit my pipe.  That meant drilling a smaller hole and sanding it larger.

Then, I changed the plans a bit on the advice of the instructor to make a notch in the sides using a router.  That way, the bottom of the carrier would be even more snug and secure!

Next, I cut the sides of the tote down and used the router again to add a bit of detail.

Then it was time to glue it all together and clamp it while it dried.

Then, it was time to put in a ton of screws.  Oh, and you can see the bottom of the carrier and how the wood piece is wedged between the two sides!

First, I drilled a hole for the screw and then made a shallow hole to sink the screws in.

The hard part was screwing in all of the screws by hand because not one of the screwdrivers were very good!  My hands were pretty red by the end of this part.  :(

Next, I decided to make "dividers" for the six-pack carrier, so I used a piece of plywood and took some measurements.

I made the notches with a bandsaw and then sanded it all down.

Next, it was time for staining!

Don't you love the color!

And even though it might look a little messy with the knots of wood showing, I actually made sure to choose the "messy," rustic-looking pieces of wood.

Then, I added the pipe handle and secured it with some wood glue.

Lastly, I added the beer bottle opener opener on the right. Remember it from this tip I shared?

And voila, here it is!

It fits six beers comfortably... and then less when you start cracking them open.  :)

And for huge bottles, you can remove the insert and fit those in as well.

For non-beer drinkers, it'll hold your favorite Cold Brew coffee too!

Anyways, I'm totally proud of my project made totally from scratch!  Not bad, for my second project ever, right?  It almost makes me wish that I had made two of these at the same time, because it's just so fun and unique to have out at a party.  Also, I had this awesome idea to make a distressed "logo" with initials and a year on it.  *Sigh* maybe next time!

How would you design your custom beer carrier?

You might also like...

Etched Beer Steins

Woodworking Project #1: Wood Piece Basket

Nautical-Inspired "Odds & Ends" Jars

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