Over size flat files?

[Brian K]

Does anyone know of flat file storage cabinets that can hold 36 x 52" prints and doesn't cost $8000? I've done a little research and they seem to jump from $2500 for a 53" outer dimension unit to $8600 for the next size up which is 74".

I'd prefer metal as they don't out gas. But I am guessing it would be cheaper to have custom files made.....

[Peter Gomena]

The best deals I've seen are at used office furniture places. You'll have to hunt around. They're always expensive.

Peter Gomena

[Mark Sampson]

look on the Rochester craigslist under "photo&video". Maybe that one will work.

[ROL]

I bought one new many years ago, then picked up 2 more at a downtown office move. The problem I found, several years ago, with used office supply is that they know what the files are worth and will try to get near retail on them, even when they are rusted or in otherwise poor condition. I was even nipped by a chained dog (didn't see him) at one of these places and then was threatened by the personnel. Needless to say, I don't recommend these places.

A better option might be to search for architectural firms, city planners, and such that are moving or going out of business, in your area. Put the word out. In my experience, you are much more likely to find well maintained files, at a decent price, anyway. Many of these firms have downsized and computerized their files, and consider large flat files to be a space wasting nuisance.

Flat files really are the only practical way, I've found, to store large prints. But I wouldn't be so quick to discount wood, if you encounter nice ones. Unless you're archiving for a museum, I would doubt residual outgassing to be of much consequence. And, of course much more beautiful.

[Drew Wiley]

I simply traded a print to a high-end cabinet shop for one. I could make them in my
own shop, but it takes quite a bit of time. They're fairly common in architectural salvage yards if you are lucky enough to find the right size without a bunch of rust or
contaminants. Some of the newer metal ones are a bit flimsy for heavy stacked prints
on ragboard.

[Richard Wasserman]

It's been a few years since I've done this kind of work and I am not up on the latest technology. If you go the custom made wood route a low VOC water-based catalyzed varnish would I think substantially reduce the outgassing problem. Make sure they completely seal all the cut edges of any plywood used even if they are hidden in grooves or anywhere else. Plywood is loaded with volatile solvents in all the glue that is used in its manufacture. I would still let the new cabinets sit open and unused for at least a month.

[Kirk Gittings]

I once had to do a HABS documentation on a BIA building that was being torn down. One floor was full of flat files in great shape-maybe 20. I asked what was going to happen to them and they said they would be demolished with the building. I asked if I could have them and they said yes. I recruited a number of art friends (these things weigh a ton) and we took them all. I kept two-still in use today.

[Frank Petronio]

You could always do hanging job jackets like printers and ad agencies used prior to digital. Everything hung vertically like a clothes closet. Either use clips on a raw edge or have large envelopes made from archival paper. This would have the advantage of never pressing anything against the print.

[arkady n.]

Check out http://www.fridfurniture.com/, they do quality custom work.

[Drew Wiley]

I certainly agree with the outgassing etc warning on new wooden materials. You can
get formaldehyde-free finish plywoods, including sheets with clear inert factory coatings, but they don't assemble all that great. Usually a slip of true shellac sanding sealer will hold in most of the nasties, followed by waterborne high quality varnish. Avoid anything like particle board or OSB like the plague (lots of sulphur as well as formaldehyde). Metal cabinets typcially were painted with baked enamels or expoxies, but beware of anything that has been aerosol painted since. You can generally tell by the smell, or if the paint will dissolve using a little acetone. The older the flat files
the better they seem to have been built.

[chris_4622]

I'm getting ready to make a couple for myself, but not 52". Drawer bottoms that wide made out of plywood will have to be carefully constructed or they are sure to sag over time.

[Brian K]

Thanks for the tips. I think I'll see if any architecture firms are selling theirs on craigslist.

[jp]

I got a couple flat file drawers from a local surveying company. The are moving to digital storage and wanted to free up the space. They are pretty well used up though, so I'll probably build new ones on the same design or have a cabinet maker build some.

[Drew Wiley]

Chris - that's certainly correct. You'll need to plan for extra net depth between drawers to allow room for stretcher bars to prevent sagging when loaded. Another
problem which you are also probably already aware of is to order the full-extension
slides according to weight specs at full extension, rather than spec only at a common-denominator extension for the series, which is typically only 18". I'd allow a minimum
of 100 lb rating, because lighter than that you get a lot of wobble even if the weight
per se is supported.

[Drew Wiley]

I've made my own once they get that big, but not everyone has the right kind of shop. Once a cabinet shop made me a wonderful one in trade for a 20x24 print they
were coveting.

[Regular Rod]

Does anyone know of flat file storage cabinets that can hold 36 x 52" prints and doesn't cost $8000? I've done a little research and they seem to jump from $2500 for a 53" outer dimension unit to $8600 for the next size up which is 74".

I'd prefer metal as they don't out gas. But I am guessing it would be cheaper to have custom files made.....

Look for an old drawing office plan chest. In perfect condition they go for about £300 in the UK.

RR

[Drew Wiley]

You have to be careful how cabinets are finished. Plywood or mfg composite wood products outgas things like formaldehyde, have wood acids etc. So they need to be
properly sealed and lined before any potential use around photographs. If metal, they need to be finished with inert BAKED enamel for the same reason. Around here,
architectural salvage outfits often sell used flat files, but the condition and cleanliness of them varies widely. One outfit even specializes in them.

[Michael Graves]

Virtually any college has a surplus outlet. I picked up a 28" x 48" flat file with 32 drawers in it for $40.00. Then it cost me that much again to rent a truck to haul it off. But it was worth it.

[Robert Opheim]

Architecture and engineering firms are surplussing flat files with the advent of computer drafting. I picked up (2) 50"x 40" 5 drawer sections that were being surplussed and a 40"x30" 5 drawer one from another source. A 52" wide drawer is quite large. Planning firms and Landscape firms tend to work on larger drawings and would also be a good source. Many of these firms went under or downsized during the market collapse and bank frauds of the 2008-9-10 period.