Do you have some old antique or collectable beverage bottles just lying around? Maybe you own a few vintage Coke or Dr. Pepper bottles? Would you like to have a vintage looking 6 pack carrier for your bottles? Here is a great way to make one of these “old time” looking carriers. The idea was borrowed from the This Old House website.
Materials
You’ll need to get the materials ready before you begin. The main section of the holder requires two pieces of wood, 5 inches by 13 inches, and one inch thick. The best way to do this, is to buy a 1X6 section of wood at least three feet long and cut it to fit.
Since the main part of the 6 pack carrier will be painted, you can use an inexpensive wood like pine. This will help to keep your costs to a minimum. Also, pine is a soft wood and easier to work with than many of the harder woods.
With the rest of your pine 1X6, you can make the bottom of your 6 pack carrier. It needs to be 5 inches by 7.5 inches.
Your handle will be made from a dowel rod which is 9 inches long. Next you’ll need wood for your 1/4 slats, to make the side rails. Cut four pieces 9 inches long. You’ll need a minimum of 38 inches of wood (allowing for cutting waste). A 36 inch piece will not be enough.
More Measuring
Your side pieces will taper toward the top of the 6 pack carrier. At the top of each piece, measure in 1.5 inches from both ends and make a mark. Measure halfway down each 11 inch board (6.5 inches) and make a mark one each side. Now draw a line from the midway mark to the top mark, and repeat on the other side. Next, cut along the lines. This will give you your tapered sides.
Drilling
Measure down one inch from the middle of the top of each side piece and bore a one inch hole all the way through, and repeat on the other side. Place a scrap piece of wood behind your drilling piece to keep it from splintering.
Assembly
Screw the sides to the base with wood screws. It’s best to drill pilot holes first to eliminate splitting the wood.
Attach the side rails (slats) with small screws and drill pilot holes beforehand.
Glue the dowel rod into the holes with quality wood glue.
Finishing
Use a wood primer before painting. For the outer coat, it’s best to use a flat paint in barn red, to give your 6 pack carrier a vintage look. To keep paint fumes to a minimum, go with a latex based paint, and it will be simple to clean up afterwards. For a finishing touch, consider attaching an old style bottle opener to the carrier.
