Things You'll Need:
- Empty 2 pound coffee can with plastic top
- Marking Pen
- Carton Knife or X-Acto Knife
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Step 1
Find an empty, large (approximately 2 pound) coffee can with a good fitting plastic top. Put something heavy in the bottom of the can to keep it from turning over too easily if bumped. I use old tire weights, but old nuts and bolts, sand, or pebbles should work also. Once it is loaded, the weight of the files also helps to keep it stable.
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Step 2
Previous Method of OrganizingExamine your collection of files to decide what shape and size holes you will need to cut into the plastic top
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Step 3
Top Marked for CutingPut the plastic top on the can. With a marking pen, draw some appropriate size and shape opening outlines on the plastic top based on the set of files you want to store in the holder. Draw thin rectangles for flat files, triangles for triangular files, circle segments for half-round files, small circles for rat-tail files, etc. These do not have to be very precise in shape, but should be spaced appropriately and files should be a bit snug when inserted. Use a sharp carton knife or an X-Acto knife to cut the openings.
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Step 4
Insert files and rasps into the organizer and store it in a convenient spot on your workbench or on a close by shelf. The plastic top should stay on when you remove files; but if it ever gets loose, tape it to the can with black electrician's tape. If you are interested in other recyclable objects for workbench organization or home projects, see the links under resources.
