The key to making this handy desktop filer is accurate cuts. I used 3/8" and 1/2"-thick Baltic birch ply for mine, but you could use more traditional plywoods, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or even solid wood. With a few adjustments you can size your project to fit more (or fewer) files. For legal-size files, make the box depth 9 1/2" from the top of the aluminum angle strips to the box bottom, with the metal 15 1/8" apart. Everything else is open to your interpretation, so have some fun!
Getting Started
Start by cutting the sides to size, beveling the bottom and inside ends to 45°. Cut the side linings now from 1/2"-thick stock, then glue and clamp one lining part to each inside surface of both sides. Note how the sides and lining parts create a rabbet on the ends where they come together.
Cut the front and back pieces now, then glue and clamp the front only into the rabbeted edges of the sides. Leave the back piece off for now. Next, cut the bottom piece, mitre the ends to match the mitred edges of the side parts, then glue, clamp and nail the bottom section to the lower edges of the front and sides.
1 Comment
A good project students can make--maybe as a present for teachers. Are there detailed work drawings available?