How To: Build A Beverage Carrier

Step 1

First, cut the sheet of poplar into the base (A), which measures 7 ½” x 12″. Then cut the 1″ x 1″ boards to the following lengths:
Sides (B): Six 12″ lengths
Handle (C): One 12″ length
Long ends (D): Six 7 ½” lengths
Short ends (E): Six 6″ lengths

And cut your rope (F) to two 24″ lengths.

Don’t forget to sand down the edges of the handle piece to smooth it out. If you want to paint or stain the pieces, do so before assembly.

Step 2

Place marks at 1 ¼” from both ends of the handle piece (C), then drill a hole at each marking for the rope to thread through.

Step 3

It’s time to begin assembling! Stack three side pieces (B) on each long side of the base (A). Using woodworking clamps, secure these pieces together on both sides of the base. Then drill holes 1 ¼” from each end of the pieces for the rope to thread through.

Step 4

Place your base (A) face up, then glue a long end (D) on each short side of the base (A) using your GT300 professional high-temp glue gun. Next, stack one side piece (B) on top of the long ends (D) like a log cabin. Glue the ends of the side piece to the long end pieces, being mindful to line up the drilled holes vertically.

Step 5

On one end of the base (A), glue a short end piece (E) on top of the long end piece (D). Repeat on the other side. Then glue your second side piece (B) to complete your second course. Continue gluing and stacking end pieces and side pieces in this order until complete. Trim any cooled excess glue with a utility blade, and sand using your sanding block.

Step 6

Tie an overhand knot in one end of each rope (F) and glue your knot. Then tape the opposite end using electrical tape for easier threading. Now string it from the bottom of each end of the carrier up through the side walls. Then pass the rope through the handle (C), back down through the opposite side, and finally through the bottom. Tie an overhand knot in that end and glue to secure the rope. Check that your carrier is level with the handle when lifted up and adjust your knots as needed. Add a spot of glue to secure each knot to the bottom of the base.

Step 7

On one end of the carrier, locate the center to install your bottle opener. Depending on your opener, secure the top screw through the center of the second course down. Finish the installation with any additional screws required to mount the opener.