Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/6/2006

Question
Hi I have been looking for some plans to build my own home drinks bar. I would like it to be transportable as it would be used only on occasions.
it needs to light but sturdy enough to be able to handle beer pumps etc.

I have been looking on the net and in book shops for weeks trying to find something that may help.

I found one site that will send plans for variuos bars but for a fee and I am reluctent to shop online at the mo as I was a victim of identity theft not so long ago.

Can you suggest anything that may put me in the right direction....

Thank you I know its not a specific enquiry but your profile seemed the most relevent.

All the best
Andy

Answer
Hi Andy,

I do an awful lot of reading and poking around online and I don't believe I've ever seen plans for what you're looking for. I sort of think you're going to have to come up with something yourself, or adapt an existing plan to fit your needs.

That said- a few years ago, I built a bar similar to what you described. It was a woman who owned Arabian horses and showed them around the country. So when they had a show, they would load the horses, gear and bar into their 18 wheeler and drive everything to their location.

In designing that bar, I had a list of things I needed to incorporate into it- a drawer for bar items like napkins, corkscrews, spoons and beer taps. Since the bar was transportable, I installed a small latch on the drawer, so it wouldn't pop open during transport.  It also had an area underneath to hold a beer keg, and the hookup for that keg on top. With those new keg refrigerators, it would be easy to build a bar using that as the main part, and then fashion the bar around it.

My best suggestion it to put it on locking FULL SWIVEL wheels, so that it's easy to move it around. But make sure the wheels lock, and certainly use beefy ones, as kegs and bar things can get heavy.  

When I have a unique project like this, the first thing I do is brainstorm, coming up with a list of all the things I want to include in the project. So make your list- and try not to forget anything. Next- decide what size you want to build the bar. Take some measurements where the bar will eventually be parked, and then sit down with paper and pencil and make some sketches. It's really not that hard.

Anyway, below are some of the better sites I've found for locating plans. I used to teach woodworking and students would ask where to find free plans, so I put together a list of some of the better places. If you find something that works, I urge you so check these plans before you cut your wood, as most plans usually contain an error or two.

http://absolutelyfreeplans.com
http://www.am-wood.com/index.html (amateur woodworkers plans)
http://www.woodworkingplanfinder.com
http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com
http://www.woodzone.com
http://www.womeninwoodworking.com

Don't be put off by that last site- Women in Woodworking.com. They offer some very good tips and advice, as well as plans. And many men post there, as well as write columns for them. I tend to think it's misnamed, as it's not only for women.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV