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Cut the plywood parts according to the Cutting List above. Assemble each of the three bins
as shown in Photo 1. To make assembly faster, we used self-drilling screws, which means
you won't need a pilot hole or a countersink. However, drill a shallow starter hole with a
3/32-in. bit to keep the tip of the screw from wandering off the mark as you start to drive
the screw.
When you join the three bins (Photo 2), you'll need a work surface that's absolutely flat; an
old flush panel door on sawhorses works perfectly for this. Finish the bin unit by gluing and
nailing the top into place (Photo 3).
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Step 2: Assemble the drawers
Measure the openings in the bottom of the bins and then downsize the drawer about 1/8 in.
in total height and width. Since the drawers don't have slides, this will give you just the
right clearance. Take into account the thickness of the plywood drawer bottom. Sometimes
“1/4-in. plywood” is actually 3/16 in. thick.
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Mount the drawer slide that will support the pullout table (Photo 5). Then lay the upper unit
onto its back and glue and screw the outer sides (R) to the bin sides (A). You may need to
shim underneath to bring the sides perfectly flush.
Next, slide the lower unit into the upper until it contacts the spacers (W). Align the faces of
the lower assembly with the outer sides (R) and drive the screws from the inside. You'll
need nine screws per side.
At this stage, the project has acquired considerable heft, so get someone to help you tip it
upright.
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Step 5: Assemble the pullout table and trim and apply a finish
With the unit nearly finished, you can now make the pullout table. Carefully measure the
distance between the side spacers. Subtract 1 in. from this measurement (1/2-in. clearance
for each drawer slide) and build the table to this precise width. Now you can cut and screw
the drawer faces to the front of the drawers. Be sure you have 1/4-in. clearance between the
bottom of the drawer faces and the pullout table. Align the edges of the outer drawer faces
so they're even with the table front.
Tip: To make sure your drawers don't get trapped inside their openings before you install
the fronts, press a strip of masking tape onto the inside front of the drawer and let it hang
past the drawer. You can pull on the tape if you accidentally close the drawer.
For a fast, easy finish, use a wipe-on polyurethane or Watco oil. Use a brush to get into
tight areas and then a lint-free rag to wipe the finish. Let dry and give it a second coat.