Looking for a Flat File? Your Area Might Be In Here

Information on shipping, storing and repairing your art, plus your reviews on products for art collecting, making, storing, etc..
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SurfingJeff
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Sun Nov 30, 2014 9:05 pm

I figured I'd drop in a quick review of one of the Martha Stewart flat files. I recently picked up this one:

http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha- ... 00/Outlet/
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Pros:
- It's the only "factory" flat file I've ever seen that comes with a glass top
- If you time it right with the appropriate coupons, it's almost cheaper than buying a used one. Mine came to $210 shipped
- Sitting in the corner of my living room, it's actually quite good looking (mine is in the brown wood finish)

Cons:
- Assembling this thing was a giant pain in the ass. The precision of the cuts is not great, and you need quite a bit of elbow grease to get everything to fit. I actually snapped 3 of the shitty cam connectors that comes with it, and had to buy my own replacements from home depot (you might want to do this from the start, the home depot ones are MUCH better).
- The drawer runners are not nearly as nice as a good metal flat file. Getting the drawers inserted in the first place was a big pain, and they don't run that smoothly or lock that well.
- The interior of the drawers is a extremely tight for a 24" x 36" print with less 1/2" margin around each edge. I don't think you'd want to keep a big stack of 24" x 36" in here - getting them out would involve serious risk of edge damage.

Ultimately - it's that last point (drawers too small for 24"x36") that's the real killer. The arduous assembly and imperfect runners are tolerable, but if you collect anything in that size range, then this isn't going to work that well. Too bad - it really does look quite good for the price.
Last edited by SurfingJeff on Sun Nov 30, 2014 11:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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swabie2424
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Sun Nov 30, 2014 11:10 pm

Thanks so much for the review. I was soooo close to buying this piece over the weekend as I've convinced my wife we need some flat file furniture pieces. I read a lot of reviews talking about the assembly nightmare, but ultimately my question was about it fitting 24x36. Your insights couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
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sidewaysscott
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Sun Nov 30, 2014 11:12 pm

A couple times I've thought about picking one up....guess i won't now. thanks for the review.
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greedy21
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Mon Dec 01, 2014 4:42 pm

FinalKickstand wrote:
theperfecttree wrote:$281 w/ free shipping if you pick Cement Gray. Seems like a really really good deal for a brand new flat file
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha_ ... binet/400/

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a few pics- http://forum.expressobeans.com/viewtopi ... 5#p2636735
Sold out :(

10% off today with free shipping, save about $130 total, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger.

Anyone pick one of these up, like it?
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HappaHaoli
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Mon Dec 08, 2014 12:32 pm

Chicagoland deals...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/fuo/4793263170.html
Flat File Drawer Units for Drawings or Posters - $60 (Aurora)

$60 for both drawer units and base. Each unit has five drawers. White finish; wood construction. Good condition. Approximate size of each drawer unit is 45" wide x 35" deep x 14" high.

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http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/fuo/4790092110.html
Martha Stewart Living Craft Table 3-Drawer Cabinet - $200 (Lincolnshire)

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The Martha Stewart Living™ Craft Space Three-Drawer Flat-File Cabinet is a versatile storage solution for your craft area. Its trays and dividers are adjustable and removable so you can easily customize your craft storage to fit your needs. Drawers are ideal for patterns, fabric, or craft paper. Create an island with one cabinet or two back-to-back, or pair with a Martha Stewart Living™ Craft Space Table to expand your work area. Purchased from Home Decorators Collection for $399.

- Color: Dove Gray
- Dimensions: 36"H x 42"W x 28"D
- Includes two middle drawers and one large bottom drawer.
- Open shelf at the bottom is perfect for larger items (holds up to 100 lbs).
- Top surface has a scratch-resistant coating.
- Will have to be partially dismantled upon pick up.


http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/fuo/4766525530.html
3 PIECE CRAFT SPACE & STORAGE CABINETS - $600 (HOMEWOOD)

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3 amazing furniture pieces from HOME DECORATORS COLLECTION for crafting and organization! Great condition- (some minor scratches)

Color of furniture is called: Rhododendron Leaf

1st Piece - MARTHA STEWART LIVING™ CRAFT SPACE EIGHT-DRAWER FLAT-FILE CABINET (a work surface with expansive storage built inside)

An ideal storage solution for any craft area. Its trays and dividers are adjustable and removable so you can easily customize your craft storage to fit your needs. Drawers are ideal for patterns, fabric, or craft paper. Create an island with one cabinet or two back-to-back, or pair with a Martha Stewart Living™ Craft Space Table to expand your work area.
Features eight drawers of varied heights.
Top surface has a scratch-resistant coating.
Size 36"Hx42"Wx28"D

2nd Piece- MARTHA STEWART LIVING™ CRAFT SPACE THREE-DRAWER FLAT-FILE CABINET

Includes two middle drawers and one large bottom drawer.
Open shelf at the bottom is perfect for larger items.
Top surface has a scratch-resistant coating.
36"Hx42"Wx28"D

3rd Piece- MARTHA STEWART LIVING™ CRAFT SPACE TABLE
create your dream studio with this convenient craft table!

Perfect for sewing, scrapbooking or other craft projects, the Martha Stewart Living™ Craft Space Table is the ultimate hobbyist's companion. Its large surface allows you to spread out projects and keep things organized. Drawers are perfect for commonly used tools and accessories. Place two back-to-back to create an extra large work island. The possibilities are endless.
Includes two deep drawers to keep your commonly used tools close at hand.
Top surface has a scratch-resistant coating.
Size: 36"H x 54"W x 28"D
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phishstix101
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Mon Dec 08, 2014 2:03 pm

phishstix101 wrote:Have one available in Tallahassee for local pickup $250
46x35 safeco
Pic on page 27
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egrimens
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Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:30 am

San Diego
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/art/4797719733.html
pretty good deal if someone acts fast
rerocustom1989
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Mon Dec 15, 2014 12:34 am

Any manufacturers out there that make flat files where the drawer faces can flip down? Seems like it would make sliding out prints and paper much easier.
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exiter
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Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:30 pm

Architect's Flat Filing Cabinet - $200 (Cleveland)
45" wide x 55" long x 20" high
Sitting on 19" metal legs
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listerfeend
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Fri Dec 26, 2014 10:05 pm

Last edited by listerfeend on Sat Dec 27, 2014 9:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
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dasponyboy
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Sat Dec 27, 2014 12:38 am

Milwaukee: 2 sets of 5 drawer Maylines for $195

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bfs/4801833701.html
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dasponyboy
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Sat Dec 27, 2014 12:41 am

Wish this fit 24x36's, she's a wooden beaut and close to me :(

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/atq/4814818918.html
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phishstix101
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Sat Dec 27, 2014 12:43 am

phishstix101 wrote:
phishstix101 wrote:Have one available in Tallahassee for local pickup $250
46x35 safeco
Pic on page 27
$200
Image
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exagenous
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Sat Jan 10, 2015 6:16 pm

http://centralmich.craigslist.org/bfs/4837001253.html

2 different files in central Michigan, $350
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egrimens
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Sat Jan 17, 2015 2:03 am

San Diego peeps http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/for/4850494918.html
$60 for a big sucker, needs a little TLC, but one hell of a deal, I'm tempted to rent a truck and drive down there to get it.
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