How to Build a Drawer From Plexiglas
Some do-it-yourself projects are easier or more useful than others. A Plexiglas drawer, for instance, may not be the most aesthetically pleasing addition to a room, but it might also be just the thing to replace an old or worn-out drawer in a desk or other piece of furniture. It also can serve as a useful organizing tool. Plexiglas is a fairly strong material that can be cut and cemented together easily, and so is a prime material for simple projects like these. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plexiglas sheet
- Power saw with carbide blade
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Sander
- Drill
- Screws
- Drawer handle
- Screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
- Acrylic Cement
- Large C-clamps
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Instructions
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1
Measure the height, width and depth of the drawer space into which the Plexiglas drawer will fit. Mark these measurements down on a piece of paper.
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2
Mark out the needed dimensions on the Plexiglas sheet using the measurements from Step 1. You will need a single piece of Plexiglas that is as wide and as deep as the drawer space for the drawer base. You will also need two pieces of Plexiglas that are as tall -- minus the thickness of the Plexiglas base -- as the drawer space and as deep. Finally, you will need two pieces that are as tall and as wide -- minus the thickness multiplied by two to account for the two drawer sides -- as the drawer space for the front and back pieces of the drawer.
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3
Cut the pieces out using your cutting implement. It may help you to completely trace the outlines of the drawer pieces on the Plexiglas sheet. Make the cuts straight and try to avoid any curve cuts or imperfections, as this will impair the Plexiglas' ability to seal together.
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4
Lay the pieces out in the manner they are to be assembled. The four wall pieces will sit on top of the base piece, with the front and back pieces sitting between the left and right wall pieces. Put them together to make sure there are no overlapping pieces or parts that do not line up correctly.
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5
Make a mark on the front piece where you want the handle attached, then make marks on the Plexiglas where the screw-hole(s) must be drilled in order to attach said handle.
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6
Sand down all the saw-cut edges until they are perfectly smooth and straight. The acrylic cement will not bond well with non-smooth edges.
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Drill the screw-holes into the Plexiglas, then position the handle over the holes and insert the screws. Tighten down the screws with your screwdriver.
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8
Put on your rubber gloves and place each side piece onto the base piece. Line the pieces with the base edge so that there is no overhang or overlap.
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Steady the wall pieces with one hand, then apply the acrylic cement to the base of the wall pieces as directed by the included instructions. Wait several minutes for the bond to set.
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Turn the drawer onto each of its sides and apply acrylic cement to each join to increase the strength of the drawer itself.
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Wait 24 to 48 hours for the acrylic cement to reach a full-strength bond.
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Tips & Warnings
Be very careful when using acrylic cement; it is a caustic liquid that can burn your skin if it comes in contact.
