GRAINBENCH ORIGINALS

The Neat Stack Magazine File

A narrow wooden file for notebooks and magazines, with a low front, sloping sides and a simple plywood back.

6 in W × 9-1/2 in D × 12 in H

Confident beginnerAlways free

Download the free PDF ↓

Printable drawings, a labelled cut list and nine assembly stages. No account or email required.

Common materials. Clear details.

A 1x10 board, a small 1x4 offcut and a plywood back.

Use straight, dry stock and check its actual thickness. The PDF lists quantities, hardware sizes, part labels and the cutting layout.

Shopping list

1x10 x 4 ft: 1 board for S and B.
1x4 offcut: At least 6 in usable for F, or buy a short board.
1/4 in plywood: One flat 6 x 12 in piece, cut to the assembled outline.
Hardware: 10 x 1-1/4 in pocket screws; about 20 x 3/4 in brads.
Supplies: Glue, sandpaper, finish and felt pads if desired.

Before the first cut

Tape, square, pencil, supported saw, drill/driver, clamps and sanding tools. Use eye, hearing and dust protection. Clamp small parts and keep hands clear of cutting and screw paths. Pocket-hole jig, brad nailer and supported jigsaw or guided saw.

Digitally checked; not physically built or load-tested. Follow the PDF’s fixing, stability and inspection instructions.

Your parts at a glance

Dimensions in inches. Stock names are nominal; finished dimensions are actual.

ID	Part	Qty	Stock	Length	Width	Thickness
S	Sloping side blanks	2	1x10	12	9-1/4	3/4
B	Base	1	1x10	4-1/2	9-1/4	3/4
F	Low front	1	1x4	4-1/2	3-1/2	3/4
R	Overlay back	1	1/4 ply	6	12	1/4 nom.

A clear way through

Keep the PDF beside you for the dimensioned drawings and drilling layouts.

01 Cut S blanks, base (B) and front (F)

Square-cut both full S blanks and identify front/rear edges. B and F fit BETWEEN the sides; their lengths remain 4-1/2 in. Reserve plywood R for the finished case.

02 Mark and cut the slopes on S

On each S front edge mark 4-1/2 in above bottom. Join that mark to the upper rear corner at 12 in. Clamp securely and cut the diagonal, retaining the wood below it. Match both profiles.

03 Dry-fit S, B and F

B lower face aligns with S bottoms. F sits on B with its front face flush to S front edges. Check the 6 in overall width, matching slopes and square rear diagonals.

04 Drill base (B) and front (F)

For measured 3/4 in stock use 1-1/4 in pocket screws with jig-approved heads, coarse thread for softwood or the maker's choice for your material. Set jig and collar to actual thickness, test matching scrap and use low clutch torque. Put three pockets per B end on the underside at 1, 4-5/8 and 8-1/4 in from front. Put two per F end on its inside face at 3/4 and 2-3/4 in above bottom: ten screws.

05 Join base (B) between sides (S)

Glue B ends lightly, clamp bottoms and fronts flush and drive six screws into S. Support the narrow case while clamping; do not force a twist into it.

06 Fit low front (F)

Glue F ends and lower edge lightly, seat it on B and drive four screws into S. Check its top is 4-1/4 in above the overall bottom, just below the front side peaks.

07 Measure and attach back (R)

Cut R to 6 x 12 in assembled rear. Square the file and glue/brad into solid S/B rear centre lines, about 3 in apart. Inspect inside for projecting tips.

08 Finish sides, front and base

Ease exposed edges while leaving joining faces square. Sand 120 then 180 grit as appropriate, remove dust and test finish on an offcut. Follow finish ventilation and full cure directions. Smooth sloping tips and seal the thin back edges. Apply pads evenly if used; keep the file flat on its base.

09 Inspect and place the magazine file

Check rocking and loose joints. Set it on a flat surface with its back near stable support. Keep papers upright and avoid tall, heavy, unbalanced contents.