Celebrate National Holiday Month with 80/20's Xtreme DIY!

January is National Hobby Month!

Frankly, it couldn't come at a better time. The busy holiday season has come to a close and the decorations are (hopefully) all put away. So as long as you're making resolutions and promises for the year ahead, why not pick up a new hobby or dive back into one you've set aside?

Most of the time, hobbies are just pleasant ways to pass the time. However, sometimes they have a way of becoming a bigger part of our lives. The thing to remember is that we don't necessarily have to be good at our hobbies; we just have to enjoy them.

While 80/20's aluminum extrusion frames can be used in a variety of industries for a wide range of enterprise solutions, they're also the perfect building system for home-hobbyists and DIY-enthusiasts. There's a reason why folks refer to our T-slot construction system as an "Erector Set for grown-ups."

Whether you're looking for a specific solution or just looking for ideas to spark your own creativity, 80/20 has nearly 50 Xtreme DIY projects to get you rolling. Each project includes an instructional video, a step-by-step project plan, a bill of materials, and drawing files (available in AutoCAD, IGES, SolidWorks, and eDrawing formats). In fact, some of our Xtreme DIY projects are available in kits, so you get all of the materials and all the tools you need in one convenient purchase.

Below are just some of the awesome DIY projects that 80/20 has to offer:

Coffee & End Tables

If you're looking to add some eye-catching modern appeal to your living room decor, along with the right to brag, "I built it myself," then this is the perfect DIY project for you. Design a coffee table and matching end tables to your exact specifications to fit your style and space. 

Tool & Storage Cabinet

Nothing says "Xtreme DIY" like designing and building your own customized tool and storage cabinet, with adjustable shelving, locking casters, and even a built-in and lighted workspace!

Sliding Truck Bed Shelf

This Xtreme DIY project was actually submitted by one of our customers and selected as a favorite by the 80/20 community. This rugged shelf slides in and out of your truck bed to provide additional organization and storage, and it's easily removable if/when you need the space for larger loads. And like all 80/20 T-slot solutions, it's completely customizable so you can fit it exactly to your pickup or SUV.

Designer Frame

Practical projects are all well and good, but maybe you're looking for something a little more aesthetic to scratch that DIY itch. This project, included in our Xtreme DIY Holiday Edition collection, walks you through the process of creating custom framed displays that you can use to showcase your favorite items.

Mobile Folding Worktable

This DIY project takes you through the design and construction of a mobile worktable, with tool storage, shelves, and locking swivel casters. The table surface itself can be folded up for easy transport or extended to provide a work surface that's 7 feet long and 4 feet wide.

Project Pal

What better way to celebrate National Hobby Month than a DIY hobby cart? It doesn't get much more meta than that! This workstation on wheels includes customizable shelving and tool storage, as well as a work surface on top. It's the perfect way to keep your hobby supplies and tools in one convenient location.

Of course, the six projects described here only begin to scratch the surface of what's possible with 80/20 T-slot profiles. If you're looking for further inspiration, be sure to check out all of our Xtreme DIY Solutions.