Woodworking Talk banner

Built in file cabinet and storage in office area....

11K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  cabinetman 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I have a 10' wall, that I have added a wall office to and am looking to make it a little more functional.

Basically, built it with base cabinets and a tall pantry cabinet.

I would like to make one of these base cabinets into a file cabinet. I am guessing that I would need a setup, similar to that of a slide out trash can.

I really don't want to buy something that wasn't meant for the purpose, so I am going to build it myself.

Any ideas?

I would also like to do some random slide out drawers in the large pantry cabinet for DVD storage, since the built in is in the back of my Home Theater. I assume that I could buy the slide out drawers from Lowes for $50 bucks a pop, but I am thinking that I could build something better, for less.

Your thoughts?

Pictures can be sent if need be.
 
See less See more
#7 ·
This thread is over 2 weeks old. The OP may have solved his problem...maybe not. The least expensive slides that work just fine you can get here.

The cabinet is a basic box. The drawers can be more specialized than just an opening and you place in manilla folders. Keep in mind the height of folders when planning multiple drawers or drawer fronts, so there's no obstruction.

For file drawers, folders can be placed in "file folders" which have little clips on the ends to slide on rails. This is basically a Pendaflex type of hanging assembly. Bar stock in brass, or aluminum is available at HD in 1/8" x 1/2" in lengths up to 6' I think. For a lateral file drawer, the components for the drawer box (not the drawer front) using the front and back can be notched with a saw kerf, and the bar stock cut and placed into the grooves. The bar stock then becomes "rails" to slide the file folders front and back.

A small space should be allowed to the outer edges of the bar stock to allow for the clips on the folders. The depth of the rails or drawer sides should allow for a file folder height (including the 1/2" tabs) when planning the drawer parts. There needs to be a small space below the file folders when they are empty so they don't ride on the drawer bottom. When you jam papers and stuff in the folders, they protrude down a bit less...but don't plan for that.

Or, you can buy a Pendaflex type frame to carry the hanging files to just set into the drawer box. Folders and frames are available for either letter size or legal size.






.
 
#8 ·
Modifying a cabinet to accept file drawers can be a challenge. Since file folders (and DVD's) are a fixed size, the trick is to come up with a plan to accomodate then without wasting too much space.

Start with the dimensions of your file folder hanger, and work from there. Allow 1/2" per drawer side and another 1/2" for the drawer glides.
 
#9 ·
Start with the dimensions of your file folder hanger, and work from there. Allow 1/2" per drawer side and another 1/2" for the drawer glides.
I figure the spacing according to what is being used. For example if the actual file folders (the manilla ones) are going to be used, to allow the interior width (and height). Then to add whatever the thickness of the drawer material might be. It may not be 1/2". Then depending on which slides, and I use full extension 100 lb, the suggested clearances from the manufacturer. Most are 1/2" pus 1/32" per side or, you can figure it as 17/32". Overall outside dimension of the drawer to be 1 1/16" or figure it as 17/16" less than the width of the opening.






.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top