A simple pull-out shelf helps to hide an infrequently used computer printer, but ensures it is easy to use when needed.
The project
Here's an easy storage solution for your printer. We always need a printer for bills, school paperwork, bank paperwork. It's always good to keep one handy but we've always hated the way it looked in our study. The cables were showing, our printer is actually quite big as well so it took up a lot of bench space. I decided to build a little drawer unit and left the bottom space open for a pull out out shelf.
Steps
Step 1
First step would be to determine what space you're working with in width. For ball bearing runners, your drawer box or (in this case, your pull out shelf) should be determined using the following formula: Internal width of your cabinet minus 25mm.
Step 2
Once you've worked out your shelf size, cut it out of white melamine board and edge all four sides using the iron-on edging.
Step 3
If you're planning to do a pull-down door like us, I would suggest using hinges that have an opening angle between 90-105 degrees so that the door doesn't drop down too much, and the hinges should be about 100mm from the side edges.
If you have an existing cabinet with normal doors that open sideways, what you could do is add blocks behind the hinges and start your shelf in between the blocks. I would also change the door hinges to full overlay hinges.
Step 4
Now that you've cut your pull-out shelf to size, fix the ball bearing runners on the shelf and to the cabinet sides. I've installed the shelf about 100mm above the hinges.
Step 5
Install your pull-out shelf and place your printer in place. We made sure to build this cabinet close to a power point so the cables could be hidden inside the cabinet, so this is something to keep in mind.
Step 6
Here you have it: a super easy D.I.Y. that I'm sure will help you a lot. When we need to use it, we simply open the door, pull the shelf out and turn on the printer. It stays connected and we can turn the power off from underneath the desk.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
Tools used in the project:
More inspiration for your home office
Bunnings Workshop member Starkers17 created floating office shelves.
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