I know this isn't exactly something to be excited about. I was running inventory this past weekend to see what I needed to setup a new tank. I decided that everything could use a good wash down. As I was washing my test tubes I remembered how much of a pain it was setting them upside down on paper towel, only to find them an hour later after a stray draft from my heating vent knocked them over like bowling pins. So I decided that I would put together a simple test tube holder for drying the tubes.
Supplies Needed:
6" long 2"x4" wood
2x 36" long Ø0.25" Wooden Dowel Rods (this will depend on how many rod holders you wish to have)
Ø0.25" drill bit
Drill
Sand Paper
Clear Lacquer
Wood Glue
Hack Saw
Steps:
1. Cut the 6" 2x4 to desired length. (I used 6" length)
2. Sand entire piece to a smooth finish while removing any knotted areas if desired
3. Mark and drill holes for rods to insert into the 2x4. I spaced mine 2" apart width-wise and 1" length-wise. A 1" deep hole will suffice if you tubes are 3" long
4. Resand the top surface where you just drilled to remove any splinters from drilling
5. Mark and cut the dowel rods to 5" lengths
6. Sand end of dowel rods to remove splinters and to round the ends that are going to be pointed upward. (Gives is a nicer appearance and rounded edges won't scratch/break the tubes)
7. Place a drop of wood glue in each hole then insert the dowel rods. Be sure that if a bunch oozes out of the top to remove the dowel and wipe off some of the excess. This will keep the top looking cleaner and not so sloppy
8. Allow glue to dry
9. Apply 3 coats of lacquer to the entire holder. This will water proof the base and rods when the tubes are set to dry. There's nothing worse than a rack with nasty wood rot
Now for the photos:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Supplies Needed:
6" long 2"x4" wood
2x 36" long Ø0.25" Wooden Dowel Rods (this will depend on how many rod holders you wish to have)
Ø0.25" drill bit
Drill
Sand Paper
Clear Lacquer
Wood Glue
Hack Saw
Steps:
1. Cut the 6" 2x4 to desired length. (I used 6" length)
2. Sand entire piece to a smooth finish while removing any knotted areas if desired
3. Mark and drill holes for rods to insert into the 2x4. I spaced mine 2" apart width-wise and 1" length-wise. A 1" deep hole will suffice if you tubes are 3" long
4. Resand the top surface where you just drilled to remove any splinters from drilling
5. Mark and cut the dowel rods to 5" lengths
6. Sand end of dowel rods to remove splinters and to round the ends that are going to be pointed upward. (Gives is a nicer appearance and rounded edges won't scratch/break the tubes)
7. Place a drop of wood glue in each hole then insert the dowel rods. Be sure that if a bunch oozes out of the top to remove the dowel and wipe off some of the excess. This will keep the top looking cleaner and not so sloppy
8. Allow glue to dry
9. Apply 3 coats of lacquer to the entire holder. This will water proof the base and rods when the tubes are set to dry. There's nothing worse than a rack with nasty wood rot
Now for the photos:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
