I wanted to have a space in the garage shop to keep my pencils and paper for woodworking, stuff needed when working on projects. The items were kept in a cabinet which works of course, but is not too convenient, especially when using the pad of paper. The paper on a clipboard would be used at the bench, but was frequently in the way. What I needed was a desk, but space would not allow for something like that.
The solution is an under-counter shelf that folds down at an angle.. looking online, such hinges cost about $50 and look too small for this application. Time to build one!
All items required for the build were purchased at Menards:
- Angle iron
- Steel Flat bar
- Springs
- Shoulder bolts
- Nylon lock nuts
Some thoughts on the build:
- The rough geometry of the hing was determined using wood, with nails as a pivot point. I made adjustments until it worked as needed.
- The off-the-shelf should bolts had too much shoulder, that was fixed by running a die down to the desired amount.
- 1/2″ plywood used for the shelf, pine pieces for dividers.
- When tightening the fasteners, a small amount of friction is a good thing, it helps the shelf stay in the upright position.
- The springs will have to be resized for the proper tension.
