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My wife always complains that I have too many beer mugs and that they always take up the space that her wine glasses are in. So, I needed to somehow create a new storage system for them (if I left it up to my wife, they'd be in the attic or basement!). I got this idea from the April 2012 issueof Popular Woodworking. I took the design in the magazine, and modified the measurements to fit my German Beer Stein collection. Of course, this was only designed to hold 12 mugs (which is about 3/4 of what I own), but any bigger would've been too big.

I built this from 2 rough-cut 8/4 boards of Elm. I got a discount for the knots because it was "unusable," but it was perfect for center-stage as the back panel of the cabinet. Beautiful, huh?



I constructed this using ~65% power tools and 35% handwork/handtools. It features sliding dovetails to connect the sides to the top and bottom, and bridle joints for the cabinet doors. I used knife hinges and shelf supports from Brusso hardware. It is hung on the wall via a French Cleat. To complete the theme, I commissioned a blacksmith to build custom cabinet handles to contribute to the aura of beer and beer steins that this cabinet creates - he did an awesome job! Lastly, I bought LED strips and a rechargeable laptop battery (I didn't want a gaudy wire hanging from the cabinet going into a plug socket) and wired the backlighting into the wood. The battery and dimmer switch is located under the bottom wooden shelf, while the LED strip is along the front ceiling.

Hopefully this will provide my son (4 years old now), and his son, plenty of drinking down the road after I'm gone! Until then, prost!

Gallery

Comments

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Yes, this is a wonderful use of an unusual and beautiful piece of wood. You had a great eye in seeing how it could be used here. What is the little compartment along the bottom for? Ir is it there simply to keep the steins in full view?
 

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The bottom compartment: 1) keep the steins in full view and 2) hold the battery for the backlighting.

Thanks for the compliments!
 

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Nice job on the fit and finish. Now,"everyone" will have to have one. Oh, if our beer stiens could talk
 

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One real nice cabinet

The Elm is such a warm wood

You have done the wood justice

It also looks a quality piece

The handles, do you have a better picture?

They look fantastic

Jamie
 

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The Elm is beautiful and your project came out great : )
 

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Very Nice cabinet for these steins…..
 

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I'm so amazed to see the final product, after watching you work on this for sooo long. You definately came out with a masterpiece and your attention to detail(damn near fanatical by my own standards) paid off in spades. I only regret that the detail of the pictures on here can't possibly show the real beauty in this cabinet. The colors that burst from the wood and the matching figure that permeated the design, really highlight your skill in wood selection and building. I was shocked when we discussed the cost but, then I saw the final product and thought you made pure art that your children will hopefully pass to thier own.
 

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Good looking cabinet !
 

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Very nice cabinet and collection. I really like the door handles.
 

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Great looking cabinet. Great theme.
 

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I love the "unusable" wood. Very nice cabinet.
 

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All, thanks for the comments of encouragement.

Mike, I'll see you in about a week or two to start a living room table!
 
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