If you're having trouble storing and organizing your vegetables, try building a multi-level bin to keep them in.
Materials:
1"x12" or 1"x10" shelving board
jigsaw
drill, with drill bits and driver bits
table saw
hammer
finishing nails
nail set
wood glue
piano hinges
all-purpose screws
safety glasses
Steps:
- Decide how tall your bin will be, and cut three pieces of shelving board to that length. These pieces will serve as the back and sides.
- Run a thin bead of wood glue along the side edges of the piece you plan to use for the back of the bin. Lay the back piece flat, and dry-fit the side pieces next to it. When you have them positioned properly, secure them to the back piece with finishing nails.
- Measure the inside dimensions of the bin, and cut a bottom piece so that it fits inside the box (figure A).
- Dry-fit the bottom piece in the bin so that it's raised off the floor by 1-1/2 inches (figure B). When you're sure it's positioned correctly, secure it with finishing nails and wood glue. Raising the bottom piece will allow for decorative molding to be attached around the base.
- Cut a lid from the shelving boards to the desired size. If you want to round off the corners of the lid, you can use a small paint can or other round object as a template (figure C). Then cut the curves with a jigsaw and sand them smooth .
- Mark the center of the lid, and drill a hole in it. Use a bit that's slightly larger than the screw you'll be using to attach the knob.
- Cut shelves to fit inside the bin, and place them where you want them (figure D). Secure them with wood glue and finishing nails
- Cut base trim to fit around the bottom of the bin. For a more professional look , miter the corners.
- The lid area on the bin is angled downward. Place the lid against the side of the bin, and use it as a template for marking a cut line from the top of the bin to the front. Transfer the measurements to the other side of the bin and cut along the lines with a jigsaw.
- Measure the flat area on top of the bin, and cut a piece of shelving to fit. Use a table saw to cut the top piece, and set the blade at an angle that matches that of the lidded section of the bin (figure E). Use a stick to push the top piece past the table saw blade.
- Attach a piece of piano hinge (or a couple of small cabinet hinges) to the back of the lid. The hinged section should be just above the top of the lid (figure F).
- Attach the top piece, to the other half of the hinge (figure G). Be sure to elevate the piece before attaching the hinge (nickels make good shims for this ) so that the hinged section will be above the top piece when the top is secured to the bin. Secure the top piece and lid to the bin using wood glue and finishing nails .
- Measure and cut doors for the front of your bin. Use a large round object such as a coffee can or a roll of duct tape as a template for making curved cuts in the front doors (figure H). The curved cuts will serve as handles for opening and closing the doors. Cut the curves out with a jigsaw.
- Attach the front doors with hinges. Start with the bottom door (figure I). When the bottom door is secured, attach a face plate above it; then attach the next door and face plate.
- Attach a latching mechanism to hold the doors closed (figure J). You can use a clip latch or a magnetic latch. Just be sure that the latch doesn't interfere with the operation of the door.
- Fill any nail holes with wood putty. Then sand and stain or paint the bin as desired .
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