File Cabinets Makeover

File Cabinets Makeover · 12-21-2008, 04:48 PM

I have some sort of an affinity for file cabinets.

I've been going to make a couple for a long time, but couldn't decide on a design. Also, we've got four old ugly ones hiding under our roof in storage. So I finally brought the two small ones out and sort of prettied them up. Here's the before...... sorry it's a little blurry....

Here's after............

Here you can see the old metal colors hidden under the new coverings...

Thanks for looking!!

DaveO · 12-21-2008, 05:10 PM

Tom that's really cool and sure beats making them from scratch yourself. What did you use to attach the false front and panels to the old metal cabinets???
I've got an old ugly but functional metal file cabinet that my wife has been asking me to remake. I don't like the idea of the expensive full extension slides that would be required. I like your idea much more

Dave

thrt15nc · 12-21-2008, 05:26 PM

Thanks Dave. The screws for the handles go all the way through the metal drawer front. Then I put smaller sheet metal screws from the inside of the drawers into the wood frames. I didn't spend much on it. Just some whitewood and some 1/4 inch oak plywood, all from the borg.

Tom

DaveO · 12-21-2008, 05:30 PM

Cool, thanks. I was thinking about using some construction adhesive

I like the idea of the screws for the drawers, but the side panels might be a little hard to get to...especially if the drawers aren't removable.

Dave

thrt15nc · 12-21-2008, 05:36 PM

Actually Dave the fronts are the only thing I've got sheet metal screws in so far. The sides are being held down and in by the top. I built them a little tall just for that. You're right though, it'll be a little tough to get in to the sides with the drawers in.

Tom

Bas · 12-21-2008, 05:46 PM

It's probably sufficient to only fasten the file cabinet to the outer shell at the bottom or the top. A dishwasher is usually only fastened to the countertop with just a couple of small clips as well. But yeah, non-removable drawers make it a little harder.

Bas · 12-21-2008, 05:48 PM

Great looking file cabinets -and somehow it transformed into a desk in the process

I see that type all the time on Craig's List for $10 - 15: in perfect condition, but looking really beat up. With a nice wooden frame like that, you can make some really nice office furniture on cheap! Great idea and great execution.

You may want to send this in to one of the woodworking magazines....

DaveO · 12-21-2008, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by thrt15nc

Actually Dave the fronts are the only thing I've got sheet metal screws in so far. The sides are being held down and in by the top. I built them a little tall just for that. You're right though, it'll be a little tough to get in to the sides with the drawers in.

Tom

Ah-ha, that makes perfect sense. Thanks again for the ideas

Dave

thrt15nc · 12-21-2008, 06:06 PM

Hey Bas, you know I think I'll take you up on the suggestion of turning this in to some mags. Never thought about that till just now. Won't know if I don't try???

Thanks,

Tom

Bas · 12-21-2008, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by thrt15nc

Hey Bas, you know I think I'll take you up on the suggestion of turning this in to some mags. Never thought about that till just now. Won't know if I don't try???

Yup. In my completely misguided opinion, I think the chances of this one getting in is pretty high. It's useful, very straightforward to do (the cabinet dictates the dimensions), you can make endless variations in the design (raised panels, flat panels, molding), and you don't need much beyond a table saw and maybe a router.

Besides, they will publish just about old dumb idea submitted by just about any idiot

And get $100!

Glennbear · 12-25-2008, 08:44 AM

Who says you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear ? Great job Tom