Get organized by turning an old military chest into a computer stand, complete with places for office supplies and hanging file folders.
Materials:
military chest
drill
jigsaw
shutter
screws
corkboard
old frame
industrial-strength glue
Steps:
1. Remove the lid by unscrewing the hinges and taking the latch off. Turn the chest so that the opening will be the front of the stand. To hold the files, cut a section out of what is now the top with a jigsaw (figure A).
2. Cut the removed lid in half to make a shelf. Add a brace to two opposite edges on one side of one half. Cut a piece of scrap wood to make the center divider and add a brace to one edge. Set the shelf on its side; center the divider on top, and then screw the pieces together.
3. Set the assembly into position inside the chest. Hold the shelf in place by putting two screws through the side of the chest. Use two more screws to secure the divider to the top of the stand.
4. To create the file holder, cut a shutter to fit the open side of the chest top (the louvers should open fully to hold hanging files). Drill holes along the front edge to hold pens and pencils. Set the shutter onto the chest and screw it in place.
5. Turn the chest onto its back and screw the other half of the removed lid to the front opposite the shelf section.
6. Make a board to post notes by sliding a piece of cork into an old picture frame and glue the frame to the front of the stand.
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