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Desktop File Holder
A desktop file holder is a great office accessory. It provides easy and immediate access to the files you’re currently working with so you don’t wear a path between your desk and your file cabinet. Our desktop file holder is strong, portable and a snap to make.The only technique that may be new to you is cutting threads with a die. If you’ve never done this before, you’re in for a treat. It’s fun and easy and it’s one of those techniques you’ll wonder how you ever got along without.
• Start by selecting your wood. We chose 1/2-in.ApplePly (see Sources, below) because it’s stable, free of voids and it looks cool with the exposed cap nuts.
• Cut the two 10-1/4-in. by 13-5/8-in. end pieces.
• Lay out and drill the four holes for the steel rod.
• Use a quarter to lay out the corner radius. • Round over the edges on a router table with a 3/16-in. round-over bit.
• Cut the stainless steel rod (brass works well too) into 8-in. lengths.
• Cut threads on both ends of the rod with a 1/4-in. die (see photo at right).
• Sand and finish the sides and assemble.
Bring your finished file holder to work and you’ll soon be taking orders for more!
Click any image to view a larger version.
Use a 1/4in. die (see Sources, below) to cut 1-in. threads on each end of the rod. Slightly round the ends of the rod to remove burrs and make it easier to start the die. Keep the die level and use slight downward pressure to start the cut. Once the die begins to cut it will guide itself. Keep the cutter lubricated with a little light machine oil like 3-In-One.
Sources
Note: Product availability and prices are subject to change.
Find an ApplePly distributor near you at www.statesind.com/appleply.htm or call 800-626-1981. Expect to pay about $45 to $55 per 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheet. 1/4-in. dies, stainless steel or brass rod and the hardware is available from most hardware stores and home centers.
This story originally appeared in American Woodworker June 2000, issue #80.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
