The idea for this cupboard and workbench is to create a space for kids to store all their toys, where they can play and which provides enough storage space to clean up after their playing time is over. The cupboard has a height up to the ceiling, providing enough space to store all toys, books, crayons and so on. And with the open side panels it's easy to get the things and place them back. The workbench is integrated into the cupboard.
I've made the prototype in 6mm MDF.
Illustration of depth of pockets in prototype
The original workbench I've made from 22mm MDF. It's heavy material, but sturdy, so great for kids to play on.
The cupboard is upto ceiling height (in our house 2380 mm), has three shelves and the forth is the integrated workbench (see picture). To built this model, you need a little over two full plates of MDF.
I started to mill all the separate parts on the Shopbot. Mill the pockets for the shelves first, then cut the pieces. As the material is thick, you need to cut it in three passes. Check that the drilling bit is long enough (appr. 25 mm) to make sure you don't burn your material. Furthermore, don't forget to turn on the dust collection system, because MDF releases a great amount of dust while cutting. Sand all pieces, to make sure there are no sharp(er) edges.
To strenghten the cupboard, I chose to glue the shelves into the sidepanels and also to use screws. It's easier to paint all pieces before assembling the cupboard.
Leave the edges of the shelves (see picture) and don't paint the pockets. Then the glue holds much better. As MDF has a very high saturation for paint. TIP: rub the sides of the plate with wood glue. This leaves a filter, enabling you to paint the sides in two to three times.
Assemble the shelves onto the backpanel. Put the backpanel up right and assemble the frontpanel and workbench. Drill holes and screw the shelves onto the backpanel (and front panel). Fill the holes, sand the filling and paint the panels for the second time.
