My Flat File Build

Jason Bourne

Contributor-Prints
Premium Supporter
Oct 24, 2011
5,519
Van-City, BC
So I thought I would share my flat file that my Dad and me built this past summer. Being fed up and worrying all the time about me and my clients prints not having a proper safe haven I decided it was time to get a flat file. Of course here in the great white north pricing even on Craigslist sometimes is bit of a ripoff. I could not find a decently priced flat file or one in decent condition. One day I mentioned casually to my Dad about possibly building one and he said sure, lets do it! So a few days later we built one.

Details about the flat file - its veneer finished with a glass top. Internal guts are made of ply. Inside drawer clearance is 30" x 42". Its a pretty basic build that anyone with a table saw, compressor, brad nailer, measuring tape and a screw gun can build. Nothing too fancy wood working wise happening here.

Build Details:

We cut up all the pieces & "taped" them first and got all the prep work & cutting out of way
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Assembled the drawers
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Getting started on the assembly of the body of the flat file
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Installing the drawer rails, this was a little more tricky then expected.
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Test fitting the drawers. We had to go back and make some adjustments.
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Made the top frame where eventually the glass top would sit
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All assembled and brought inside
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Installed the drawer handles
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Gave it a good cleaning and installed the glass top. Here is the flat file all complete!
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Wow!
Amazing job @Jason Bourne!:thumbs:
Kudos to you and your dad.
Query: Don't you need some legs for a little more clearance on the bottom drawer?

it looks really nice, thank you for sharing
I need something similar, but I think I'm not that handy to build it on my own :)

Awesome work you both did there. Looks really beautiful. Especially the glass top. Would love to own one of these also! Chapeau :notworthy:

Great job! Looks awesome @Jason Bourne

^^^ Thanks all

@C.C. 95 ... I used these rubber spacers underneath that are hidden but create enough clearance from the ground for the bottom drawer to open/close without obstruction.
 
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That looks fantastic. Forgive my ignorance, but is this like a supplement that's more accessible than portfolio? I think it's really neat. How many prints can you store in it?
 
That looks fantastic. Forgive my ignorance, but is this like a supplement that's more accessible than portfolio? I think it's really neat. How many prints can you store in it?

Most poster collectors use Flat Files. You can search craigslist in your areas as sometimes old engineering firms are getting rid of them like crazy due to blueprints going digital. Tho its harder for this to happen these days , but it does. But art collectors will snatch them up so you gotta be fast. I never have had luck on getting a flat file for cheap and they can cost like $500-800 if bought brand new.

Ideas I've thought about but not pulled the trigger on are ones that look more like furniture as to blend in seamlessly with house (and Mrs!) or building one so its under a coffee table.

Currently I have a portfolio, snap frame, and also a museum archive box that serves a lot like a flat file ... but its huge, and with a dog and little one I cant put under a bed and feel safe ... so it rests up high and thus is a bulky annoyance for now ... I plan to get rid of that box some day for a more permanent solution.

Saw some great craft furniture from martha stewart believe it or not