East Fork Map Cabinet / Occasional Table with Safety Glass Top

Latest from the East Fork. In order to make your building experience more tailored to fit your needs/materials/skill level, I have uploaded the map cabinet/ safety glass-topped occasional table to the Sketchup 3D Warehouse. Download, look around, edit to meet your mood and space, share with your pals. You can find the fully accessible model in all its 3D glory at http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=e96bfb93d0ccc70b6644f2a1e354446e [2]

All of my builds are made from 100% reclaimed material. Why? Because it's fun, inexpensive, challenging, and I'm a tree-hugger. It takes a bit of effort and some reverse engineering. The traditional build has plans and calls for materials. My build has materials and calls for a plan.

How does that affect your build? Well, if you follow my plans, you might go crazy looking for a 31-3/4" x 24-1/8" piece of safety glass, and I'll feel terrible for requesting you spend a fortune on hardwood lumber only to mill down perfectly good boards to match my dimensions.

So please, amend as needed.

During your build, I encourage you to be safe, creative, and awesome (like you always are).

If you have any questions or would like more guidance on a "re-plan" to fit your build, please ask.

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Overall dimensions are 32-5/8" x 25" x 18-3/4"

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

***see summary***

approx 30" x 24" safety glass (table top)
(3) 1" x 4" x 12' (case)
(5) 1" x 4" x 10' (drawers)
(1) 4' x 8' sheet 3/8" plywood (to match or complement) your chosen lumber
(10) old card catalog style drawer pulls (if you're lucky enough to track some down)

1 1/2 inch screws

1 1/4 inch finish nails

2 inch finish nails

wood glue

wood filler

120 grit sandpaper

wood conditioner

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

hammer

safety glasses

hearing protection

drill

compound miter saw

table saw

nailer

staple gun

level

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

Rip all 1x4s to 2-3/4" wide, then

Qty//Description// Length///Width///Thickness
5 drawer back 31" 2 3/4" 3/4"
5 drawer front 31" 2 3/4" 3/4"
10 drawer side 24" 2 3/4" 3/4"
10 drawer guides 23" 3/4" 3/4"
4 frame hrz.top 32 1/8" 2 3/4" 3/4"
1 frame support 21" 2 3/4" 3/4"
4 frame top rail 21" 2 3/4" 3/4"
4 frame vertical 15 5/8" 2 3/4" 3/4"
4 glass support 2 3/4" 2 1/4" 3/4"
5 drawer bottom 30 1/4" 23 3/4" 3/8"
2 side panel 19 1/2" 14 1/8" 3/8"
1 top panel 28 1/8" 21" 3/8"
2 top side trim 23" 3/4" 3/8"
2 top side trim2 32 1/8" 3/4" 3/8"
1 back panel 32 1/8" 14 1/8" 3/8"
2 bottom panel 21" 12 3/4" 3/8"
4 leg* 2 3/4" 2 1/4" 2 1/4"

*create legs by laminating 2 3/4" scrap before cutting to size

Cutting Instructions:

This is where you really need to download the Sketchup model if you haven't already done so. Continued in step 1

General Instructions

Browse the plan and reaad the comments before beginning this project. This step is important as I'm bound to give you a wrong dimension in a project with many dimensions. I try my best, but I make the plans after I complete the project, so sometimes I get turned around in all the post-project blissing out. Review the Getting Started Section if you are a new builder or old builder or have the pre-build jitters. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris, or basically just somewhere you won't trip over your project and crack your head open on your table saw (I tried it. Not fun.) or get overly cramped and frustrated. Nothing kills beautiful furniture like a frustrated builder. Use straight boards if you are able and it suits you. Check for square more times than you think you'll need to. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Doesn't have to be fancy. Any wood glue will work. I've used good ol' Elmers school glue in a pinch, but I'd try to round up some yellow for this project, just because it's a little on the heavy side. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, be creative, and if you don't love what you're doing, take a breather. You'll be rarin' to go in no time.

Step 1

This mess of rabbets, dadoes, and other fun joinery cuts is where Sketchup lifts an instruction manual the size of Websters unabridged off my shoulders and I instruct: please reference Sketchup model for rabbet/dado widths, depths, and locations. Thanks, Googs.

Step 2

Glue, clamp, and nail drawers (please reference Sketchup model for joinery details)

Step 3

Glue, clamp, and nail side panels (please reference Sketchup model for joinery details)

Step 4

Glue, clamp, and nail top and bottom panels (please reference Sketchup model for joinery details)

Step 5

Glue, clamp, and nail top, bottom, and side panels together (please reference Sketchup model for joinery details)

Step 6

Slide drawers into case, set glass in top, jump up and down, clapping and squeeling with glee because it's done (except for a quick bit of finishing) and you just built the sweetest map cabinet of all time. You rule.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Take the drawers back out. Fill any visible nail holes with wood filler and let dry. When wood filler is completely dry, lightly sand cabinet and drawer edges (faces as needed). Sweep and/or vacuum and remove remaining dust from cabinet with a tack cloth (damp rag will work in a pinch, but steer clear of paper towels if you can help it). Grab a few clean rags (white is always best), dip one in Danish oil (or Teak oil, or some naturalish wood protecter), and apply. Do not allow to pool. Wipe excess or apply motre as needed until you have yourself a nice even sheen (if it's a shimmer, you might have used too much).

Finish Used:

Danish oil.

Build happily, friend!

East Fork Map Cabinet / Occasional Table with Safety Glass Top

Accent Tables [3], Tables [4], Console Tables [5], Side Tables [6], Cabinets [7], Bedroom [8], Craftroom [9], entry way [10], living room [11], office [12], storage and organization [13], Intermediate [14], Under $20 [15], Green [16], Modern [17], Pioneer [18]