How to Build a Dog Feeding Station

Eating Station Cut List
(download plan here)

1x12 Sides – 2 @ 13½ inches
1x12 Top – 1 @ 23 inches
1x12 Bottom – 1 @ 23 inches
1x12 Back – 1 @ 24 ½ inches
1x12 Door – 1 @ 24 ½ inches
1x3 Top Supports – 2 @ 23 inches
1x2 Base Supports – 2 @ 23 inches

1x12 Tray Bottom – 1 @ 23 inches
1x3 Tray Sides – 2 @ 24½ inches
1x4 Tray Sides – 2 @ 12 inches
1x2 Cleats – 2 @ 10 ½-inches

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Using a jigsaw guided by a straightedge, cut the parts of the box and the removeable tray according to the measurements on the cut list. Using a combination square, check that all the cuts are perfectly squared.
 

Measure the diameter of one bowl inside its lip. Using a compass, draw two equally spaced circles at the size of the bowl's diameter onto the tray bottom.

Using a drill driver fitted with a 3/8-inch drill bit, create an entry hole for a jigsaw blade inside each marked circle. Using a jigsaw and starting at the entry hole, cut out each circle.

Using a rasp tilted at a 45-degree angle, remove the sharp edges around each hole on the top and bottom side of the tray bottom.

Cut a piece of adhesive contact paper to the size of the tray deck. Cut a circle, centered over each dish hole, that's smaller than the hole. Peel one end of the adhesive backing and apply it to the tray deck. Use a scrap block to smooth out any air bubbles. Pull the adhesive backing away from the applied area as you adhere the rest of the paper. Cut pie-shaped slices from the center circle to the perimeter of the dish holes and fold the paper around the inner edge of the dish holes to secure it on the underside of the tray.

Make a line at the center of each 12-inch 1x4 tray side. Using the lip of the dog bowl as a template, make an two intersecting arcs centered on the line. Position one arc 1 inch away from the edge and the other arc 2½ inches away from the edge.

Using a 3/8-inch bit, create an entry hole for the jigsaw blade inside each handle mark. Cut out each handle and ease the edges of the holes with a rasp.

Using a 1 5/8-inch trim head screws and wood glue, glue and screw the 1x4 sides with the handles to the outside edges of the tray bottom. Glue and screw the 23-inch 1x3s onto the outside edges of the tray bottom and 1x4 sides. Install two 10½-inch cleats to the bottom of the tray 1 inch from each end. These will keep the tray from sliding off the box.

Using 1 5/8-inch trim head screws, glue and screw a 1x2 base support between the two 13½-inch-tall sides, flush with the back and bottom edges. Screw another 1x2 base support flush with the bottom edge and ¾-inch back from the front edges. Screw a 1x3 top support flush with the top and front edges and another flush with the back and top edges.

Set the bottom of the box onto the base 1x2s. Draw a line across each side 2 inches from the bottom to act as a fastening guide. Screw through the line and into the edge of the bottom piece to secure it through the sides. Attach the back of the box flush with the top edge of the sides and over their back edges, leaving the bottom 1x2 base support exposed.

Attach the top of the box below the 1x3s by marking a second line on each side as a fastening guide.

Fill all the faster holes and seams with wood filler. Sand everything smooth using medium-grit sandpaper.

Apply painter's tape to the inside edge of the box. Coat the front edges, door, tray, and outside of the box and the door piece with primer. Once the primer is dry, sand the finish smooth using fine-grit sandpaper and paint with a semi-gloss paint.

Turn the box over. Align the door so that its top edge sits flush with the top edge of the box, and the bottom sits flush with the underside of the bottom piece. Attach the door to the box using a 22-inch piano hinge positioned knuckle side out.

Install the door slide to the inside wall of the box and inside of the door.

Attach a magnetic door catch to the underside of the top of the box and the inside of the door to hold the door closed.

Install a door handle on the front of the door near the top. Place the tray on the box and set the bowls in place.