$40 Craigslist Flat File to $2000 Heirloom Cabinet

Get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com...
Thank you BetterHelp for sponsoring this video!
Plans are now available! www.almfab.com...
This week I'm building the ultimate Glowforge cabinet out of and old flat file I found on Craigslist. With materials being so expensive, I'm trying to up-cycle as much as I can for the furniture in my office.
Thank you to Rockler for sponsoring this channel. Here's a list of Rockler products used in this video.
Rockler Sure-Foot Clamps www.rockler.co...
Rockler Table Edge Router Bit www.rockler.co...
Label holders www.rockler.co...
Marking and Measuring Pouch www.rockler.co...
This Glowforge Discount saves you and helps support my channel Thanks!
Please visit www.glowforge.com/michaelalm for $500 Off Glowforge Pro, $250 off Glowforge Plus, and $125 off Glowforge Basic
Plans for Picture Frame Jig- www.almfab.com...
Affiliate links to products used in video:
Brass drawer pulls amzn.to/3yrcVkU
23 gauge pin nail gun amzn.to/3OTqzUN
Crown staple gun amzn.to/3Iki1UC
Festool TS55 track saw amzn.to/3ylUG0g
Bondo Autobody filler amzn.to/3P7L6W1
Iron-on walnut edge banding amzn.to/3c2REqg
Edge band cutting tool amzn.to/3P9w7tX
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal amzn.to/3RhNavV
3” Casters amzn.to/3c0L8Ah
Soft close side mounted drawer slides amzn.to/3uwso1W
Japanese Pull Saw amzn.to/3NKdwnm
Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Set amzn.to/3yYMF2V
T-Square amzn.to/3yrdpre
Camera Gear
Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera - almfab.com/son...
Cage for Sony a6600 Camera - almfab.com/rig...
Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone - almfab.com/sho...
17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E - almfab.com/tam...
77mm NXT Plus UV Filter - almfab.com/uv-...
577 Rapid Connect Adapter with Sliding Mounting Plate - almfab.com/rap...
MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod - almfab.com/tripod
Orion Jr DVC50 4' Compact Camera Crane / Jib - almfab.com/cam...
Aluminum Travel Tripod - almfab.com/tra...
MC RGBWW LED Light - almfab.com/mc-...
PavoTube II 6C RGB LED Tube Light (10") - almfab.com/pav...
Heavy-Duty Portable Tripod Dolly - almfab.com/tri...
360° Pan Lockable Bearing Mount to 3/8" Tripod Legs - almfab.com/bea...
Tilt Brake for Orion DVC200, DVC210, and DVC250 Camera Cranes - almfab.com/til...
For project plans and more Alm Fab visit almfab.com
Instagram @almfab / almfab
Pinterest @almfab / almfab
Facebook @almfab / almfab
TikTok @michaelalmfab / michaelalmfab

[@MichaelAlm]

Plans are now available! www.almfab.com/plans/flatfile

[@restezlameme]

From one artist to another, THANK YOU!!! Any decent studio furniture is scary expensive, so being able to DIY a proper functional piece is a Godsend 💕

[@NorthVanDukeOfDirt]

Michael, I just tried the link for the flat file plan and it failed. The plan is there when I go to the site directly.

[@swolleneyes]

got your plans and am excited to get started. question: considering how heavy the glowforge is, is there no sag to the plywood top? are there some simple ways to reinforce to prevent sag?

[@RobCartwright]

I'm always blown away by the stuff other people find on online. People are like, "I found an original mid-century modern armoire on Marketplace for free." Meanwhile, in my area, Susan is selling her daughter's used hamper from college for $40.

[@TheCluelessAF]

It hurt the soul that i can relate to this so much ...

[@brycereid7047]

I’ve gotten a mid century modern armoire for free! Haha and a MCM teak dining room table all 4 chairs and leafs re finished professionally for $125. When you see that shit you don’t ask the wife you say I’ll take it then ask just in case.

[@cosmicbrambleclawv2]

@@brycereid7047 better to ask forgiveness than permission 😂

[@reesbritton6623]

Hampers are expensive! Lol

[@chrishuhn5065]

Those cutoffs aren't useless. There are lots of thin and long things to store in them. Veneer strips, rulers, threaded rods, turning tools, belts, billiard sticks, really big candles, baseball bats.

[@unicornlap]

I want to see the little drawer cab to be redone as well and hung on the wall maybe above or in the center section above something else!!!! 😁😁😁😁😁

[@amyjewell1381]

The 10” off cut would be very useful for smaller items. Smaller papers, pens, rulers, computer or camera equipment. So many things. And the top can act as an additional shelf in the space. Painted with the walnut trim it would look really great.

[@thewoodenlegbyjoe]

Amazing work! As a woodworker at heart and a furniture artist, I love the use of walnut to completely transform this cabinet. The gold... brass... is always such an elegant finish with it.

[@diyhuntress]

Thank you for normalizing talking to yourself in the workshop. I really felt that drawer fit in my soul. Also, this looks UNREAL and now you have me stalking Craigslist for furniture to flip. 😍

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Sam!!! Oh I talk to myself all the time 😂

[@sameerayiesha]

I WANT you to make use of the off cut drawers too. they are good shallow drawers for long stuff

[@Cherbear1565]

You should take the "Mini" leftover and finish it the same way and hang it above the "new table/desk/storage" flat file.

[@nanabella007]

One of the best things this channel has tought me as non-English native speaker: a rabbit isn't always a rabbit :D took me a while to figure it out but until I did I had fun thinking you have cute woodworking terms :D thanks for all the awesome content - it's so satisfying to see these classy modern pieces come together!

[@LiqdPT]

In other English speaking countries, it's sometimes called a rebate.

[@b3ardedbarbarian]

Love how you transformed this piece. I'd love to see plans. I think it would make a great art chest for my kids

[@jeremyspecce]

Plans???

[@sarahhardtbern]

I love that you talk about testing, mistakes, redirects, etc. It’s a really great way to build a story and I actually find it extremely relatable to my work as a UX designer.

[@jewdd1989]

I love the thin drawers, even for a garage shop you can store so much inside them. Love the beauty that the trim and walnut plus the brass pulls and labels give to this piece that was originally someone’s junk ;) it certainly isn’t junk anymore! Can’t wait for more dream office organization builds 👏🏽 or whatever it is you’re working on right now

[@3600bball]

Those off-cut drawers are pretty similar to a drawer set I have on top of my workbench to a store small parts

[@correlian1155]

My God! Those tiny drawers would be perfect for me. I live in a horse box so depth is the most rare resource. Those shallow and wide drawers would be fantastic to store my painting equipment and crafting tools.

[@fbarnes09]

By far the dopest Woodworker on KZbin! I am not a enthusiasts, or hobbyist in wood or fabrication but I respect the craft. The videos are smooth and relaxing which I believe will make anyone believe they can do what you do! The Murphy Bed, the Office Drawer for the Glow Forge, and Plywood Tambour! Bro you are dope! Keep it up! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@EarlB252]

I bought an old wooden desk that sat in a barn for a few years for $50. There was insect damage to the lower pieces, but they were coming off because the desk was too tall for an office chair. I sanded all the surfaces. I then did a primer coat and two layers of paint. Repainted all the drawer pulls. It is the heavest desk I have ever had to move around. It is even heavier than the military desk I use to sit at in the 1970s. I am still using the same desk after five years. I love this thing. I agree completely about upcycling.

[@davidshorb7453]

man. that turned out fantastic. love the concept of upcycling. on a funny note i could actually use a 10in deep flat drawer between my bench and bell skiver to hold misc. leather tools and cut dies 🤣🤣😂🤣

[@GetHandsDirty]

So much nicer! Great project Michael! I also need a deep cabinet like that one but can't seem to find the time to make it...

[@laurendao4467]

…and now I’m on the hunt for a cheap flat file. It’s what I should have gone for to hold all my crafting supplies anyway. (I opted for IKEA Kallax cubes and regret it.) I love that you specifically mentioned for us beginner woodworkers to start with upcycling. It really has been a helpful way to learn! Your finished piece is truly a work of art on its own.

[@ericwilliams538]

Puzzle boxes!!! I have become obsessed with puzzle boxes, desks with hidden drawers, or any type of furniture with hidden drawer....or a "puzzle" you have to figure out to open a secret drawer.

[@prozacgod]

Welp, now I want to see the small drawers made useful. Maybe put some limiting straps in them so they don't fall out on your head when you try to use them.

[@johnmcnally2227]

There are so many woodworking KZbin channels. But none of them come remotely close to your design esthetic. Incredible work!

[@Chucknades355]

Use your small router and an edge band flush bit to trim your edge banding, then a couple passes with a sanding block and it will be perfect. Keep up the good work, nice seeing your skills progress on your own

[@TetraCNC]

I would love to see how you handled the fumes and smoke for the Glowforge.

[@MichaelAlm]

That’ll definitely be covered in the GF video 👍

[@bbbqmac]

In the previous office videos you can see he built an exhaust port into one of the walls!

[@TetraCNC]

@@bbbqmac Well Cr@P i must of missed that.

[@EternalTotem]

I don't know what GHlowforge is so I will like to see a video of what it is and what can be done with it. There are probably videos already on this. I like watching things from you. It is such a chill energy :)

[@901D]

Love the final esthetic, so satisfying upcycling. Welldone 👌

[@jimbecker5675]

Really outstanding up-cycle and the end result really is great.

[@wonderfulmystical4316]

6:10 The moment you started laughing, I was already in tears. This is so comical 😂

[@RunarMagnussen]

This looks crazy good! The drawers look like they slide really well with just wooden runners, surprised that they didn't bind when you pulled them out in the end. I'd love to get or make a flat file for my kids one day, to store their drawings. This was a great inspiration!

[@blackvenges]

I love the brass and walnut look

[@spencerdevlinhoward]

Amazing work! You wouldn't think the finished piece came from such humble origins. I would absolutely love to see plans for this project!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

The black paint with timber is my favourite at the moment and when you add brass to any build it just adds class.And yours is no exception it looks stunning. Great job I always enjoy your content thanks

[@J.M.Lander]

The paint colour looks great against the walnut! Nicely done.

[@unicornlap]

And conveniently matches the wallpaper...lol!!

[@RyanPaton]

I'd love to see you cut and etch some of your patterned ply on the glow forge!

[@donesry2902]

Thanks for the video. I think you should change out the labels with dark color so that you can see the shiny brass better.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

Nice re-build. Since the laser is small and 2 stocks may fit in one drawer side by side, you could put the labels under the handles and put 2 of them in each drawer, as for split drawers.

[@Walsfeo]

I know you said those really thin leftover drawers were useless, but I would absolutely use a set of drawers that size.

[@c.a.g.1977]

23:56 had to google this one. Nice project, Michael!

[@mikeamboy7292]

Nicely done! I love Waterlox on walnut. It will stay dark for many years.

[@J4Julz]

I love that cabinet and have always wanted a flat file but either couldn't find or couldn't afford one. Now you've made it possible. Thanks man!

[@peterzeller5736]

The things you can accomplish with a table saw is absolutely incredible!

[@therealjamesmccrary]

SPAR varnish takes much longer than a typical alkyd based clearcoat. It takes a bit to setup and then continues to cure over a week or so. Regular polyurethane or acrylic urethane (not the same as waterborne urethane, even though it is acrylic) works great for the application you are doing.

[@roderickfemm8799]

Those short drawers are the perfect size for -- fountain pens! If you like that sort of thing.

[@wcline06]

What happened to the tiny flat file?

[@JTWoodworks]

It's surprising how small changes can totally transform a piece. Nice work man! And I think I know what that laser cut pattern at the end is for. Maybe a test for something? 🤔🥃

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks dude!! You're on to me 😉

[@NinaThoren]

Absolutely love the combo of walnut and brass hardware, I think they go so well together. I used to only like darker woods because I thought lighter ones looked unfinished or they were leaning a bit yellow but slowly liking them more because of Scandinavian interior design

[@cabman86]

My first thought for the top was a layer of patterned plywood. It seems to be a signature.

[@coffeefortwosolly]

I loved that you up- cycled this and yet it didn’t loose it charms and it is still a great storage idea! ❤️🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧💕jane

[@matthewm9327]

Looking at getting a GlowForge of my own, and my neighbor has one. This flat file would be a great gift, looks perfect for a GlowForge.

[@kanedNunable]

you made those small drawers for a t-rex and its small arms, right? :P

[@frigbychilwether]

Lovely work. Great idea about learning through repurposing existing stuff.

[@almostanengineer]

I’m not personally keen on the round over on the edge banding, but other than that personal choice, a decent upcycle.

[@dojifly]

Great video, thanks. I think Winston would be a good therapist as well.

[@Sewcialitecrew]

Gorgeous

[@billybike57]

Awesome job, I really like repurposing materials. Well done!

[@mkzenthusiasts]

I'm new here and since this is your most recent upload I thought I'd leave an extra comment here about your shed build - Tom Silva & Norm Abrams would be proud with your first time cedar shingles as they say MONEY IS IN THE CORNERS!! I'm glad you weaved the corners and added the diamond pattern

[@andersonolive4553]

Amazing work as always. Super pumped to see what new wrinkles the Glowforge will add to your project! You’re an amazing artist and builder, man.

[@xmetal280]

Dang that is nice! My Glowforge is completely jealous now. It’s spent many a year on its IKEA unit but having such a luxurious base would make it so much happier. 😊

[@colemanmcc]

Looks fantastic!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thanks Coleman! 🙌

[@gregorydaines]

This made such a nice result. Good work.

[@Craftlngo]

That transformation is like the fairy tale of the uggly duckling. An amazing result for such an aweful looking drawer box from the beginning.

[@patriotkieler9750]

Looks amazing!!! Great Job and thank for sharing this! looks very classy..

[@LisaHarsh]

That looks great. Yes you are right about up cycling started doing that with a friend.

[@triciac.5078]

In all my comments, I don’t think I’ve commented on your sawdust system. I really like it and appreciate it. When I was ~7, my next door neighbor’s house had a dryer/sawdust fire (the exhaust of the dryer was blowing too close to a leftover pile of sawdust) Scared me for years. So I love how you have a whole system for collecting sawdust while you’re working. Have you done a video on it?

[@davidcornell9167]

First video of yours I watched. Well done. Will watch more.

[@kediliajans]

That intro bussin

[@Triple_D__]

Beautiful piece, I wish I had the room for something like this

[@robertburns3020]

That looks great.

[@mduvigneaud]

Absolutely fantastic work! The walnut, grey and brass all look really amazing together.

[@MikeTheExplore]

Super great job on the cabinet.

[@TMCLIFTON100]

The plans would be amazing!!!

[@garykintzler4273]

I would love to have plans for this cabinet. Thank You

[@lindagroskopf3749]

Nice work! You betcha I'd like plans.

[@ryanbdykes]

Yes please put some plans together!

[@dougc78]

Damn! That turned out really nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@yunglynda1326]

ive been trying to find a 2ndhand flat file forever!!! really useful for art storage

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Great job on the build! It looks amazing! Great to see you repurpose and up cycle the old flat file cabinet. As you mentioned, with the cost of materials and to reduce waste, it can be a great solution, especially for shop storage and office furniture. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the glowforge!

[@harryking6820]

Hi. 1st off I must say that yet again you knocked it out the park. What I love most is the creative brain you have and how you get it from thought to made. As a fan of the pattern ply I feel this would of looked great with pattern walnut and lighter wood say beech. But that's my own opinion. But either way keep doing awesome projects and looking forward to seeing what's next. Support from the UK. 🥃

[@MichaelAlm]

Cheers! (I’m definitely sorting out a patterned ply project for the office 😉)

[@matthewderezinski8103]

Great job on repurposing the old unit with a nice facelift. Looks great, plans would be nice to have because I have been wanting a flat file to store my work.

[@l8trh4ter]

Great upcycle. And very elegant considering it a manufacturing table. Impressive and beautiful

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I love this cabinet. It turned out so well. Now I am rethinking what I should have my Glowforge on.

[@akmozart]

This came out amazing man 👏 Great up-cycle of this cabinet and excellent cinematography as always!

[@michaelmenard8614]

Was just thinking I’d like to make one myself plans would be awesome

[@evans_workshop]

Michael - Great build. Really enjoyed watching it come together! BTW - Love my Glowforge. We use it for all kinds of things. I built up a steampunk lamp for my niece and many of the components were laser cut (bezels for lenses, mounts for parts). Great tool, lots of fun to use!

[@calebreasons]

You’re an amazing artist and a huge inspiration to me! Hey from KC!

[@bleugaze]

I'd love to see plans for this whole thing. I have to do something similar to a map chest I use for art storage to fit in my room. That's why I clicked on this vid, which was so worth it by the way.

[@cleedus_]

As soon as the dog came on the screen I hit the like button.

[@aiRbckwrds]

A nice and clean look, I love it. Wouldn't have ever guessed it was upcycled.

[@queensillybritches]

Super cool upcycle!

[@167curly]

Very clever and attractive recycling of that old cabinet, Michael.

[@WoodworkingStudio]

Very impressive design

[@masontejera506]

Love the combination of black, walnut and brass!

[@negotiableaffections]

Beautiful upcycle, Michael. Well done.

[@Viken43]

Inspirational only word to describe it. More upcycled projects... Subscribing 😀

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Beautiful work. Any artist would be proud to have this fine piece of furniture in their studio. Please provide the plans.

[@henryworkswoodandmetal]

That turned out great, what a difference!👍

[@brunofonseca9686]

Amazing build as usual. Kudos from Brazil.

[@timmymartin317]

Great work once again!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Looks incredible Michael, you gotta be super happy with the whole office! Looking forward to some GF goodness , I def love mine.