Keep Your Power Tools Protected with Custom Covers
I’m sure I don’t need to state the fact that if power tools are exposed to the elements, they will rust. Keeping my tools covered and protected is a must – especially since I don’t have a shop so my power tools are stored under the carport. I’m not sure if there are any covers on the market that can be purchased to protect these investments. Today, I ‘ll share how to make custom covers for your power tools. This project does require minimal sewing skills so if you can sew a straight line, you are in business!
My table saw and my miter saw (on the stand) sport waterproof grill covers and trust me, they work! The best part is that the tools are also concealed… I’m sure the neighbors are wondering what I am doing with three grills!
Before you start think that these covers will be flowery and girly, they won’t be but that doesn’t mean I won’t stencil a fancy letter “C” on them! I bought a nylon fabric with a rubberized back (similar to the grill cover fabric) a few years ago just for this task and it happens to be in my latest favorite color – grey! I purchased the fabric at Walmart but I did find a link to fabric that’s very similar (<– affiliate link!)and the fabric comes in several colors!
The construction of these DIY power tool covers is suitable for even the novice of sewers with no fancy seams or stitches involved! Each cover will consist of a square (or rectangle) a little larger than the overall width and height of the tool – in my case, my scroll saw, band saw, and drill press – with a long strip the depth of the tool in between the two squares.
Start by measuring the tool… My bandsaw measures 36″ high at the highest point, 24″ wide at the widest point, and 16″ deep at the deepest point.
I cut two pieces for the sides, and one long strip for the center. (Just because I can, I stenciled a giant letter “C” on the front!)
Because this fabric is rubberized on the back, a Teflon foot must be used in the sewing machine so that it doesn’t get stuck on the rubber. Regular thread with a long stitch is suitable. Sew the strip the pieces for the center strip together at one short end of each pieces. Flatten the seam, then topstitch for a professional look.
Pin the strip around three sides of one of the squares. As you are pinning when you get to a corner, cut a notch in the center strip so the corner will be square. Sew the strip to the square. Pin the other edge of the strip to the other square and sew.
For a professional look, the bottom can be turned up and hemmed. I used a 1″ hem.
Doesn’t that look better than the plastic wrapping from the pellets for my pellet stove??
Now that I’ve shared how to make your own power tools, get creative and protect your investments!! Got a project you’ve completed using my plans? Share photos with me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com or designsbystudioc {at} gmail {dot} com. I would love to feature your work on DbSC!
Originally posted 2014-02-18 08:00:00.
4 Comments
These look great! And they protect your tools from the elements! Win/win! 🙂
Hi, Kim! Thank you so much for stopping by! These covers were certainly long overdue and I found out (because I left them in a area where they got a little rain on them) that they really are waterproof! Yay for me!
Just curious as to how much yardage for scroll saw (Dewalt), drill press (table top) and a Makita miter saw. I do not want to be short on my order.
Thank you.
Shirley
Hi, Shirley! In all honesty, I would have no idea since each power tool is a different measurement. You can start by measuring each tool (as outlined in the post) and draw the pieces out on a piece of paper rearranging the pieces as needed to fit the width of the fabric. Once the pieces are arranged, you’ll be able to figure out the total number of yards needed. I would buy about a half yard extra, just in case! Hope this helps!