Make a Riser For Your Computer Monitors

Cut the half lap joints according to the scribe lines on each part. Test the joints to ensure that you have the appropriate depth and width on your cuts.

We'll need a few more pieces before we can begin assembly. Cut two pieces of maple (or oak) at 14-1/4" long, ripped to 3" width. Then, cut two pieces of poplar (or pine) to 13-1/2" long, ripped to 3" width.

As with the drawers, it would be a good idea to do some initial sanding on all of the parts of the carcase before assembly. Some parts will not need sanding, but the interior of the carcase where the drawers will slide will need to be smooth, and it will be difficult to do after the carcase is assembled.

To assemble the carcase, you'll need a few scrap pieces of stock (I used some old 3/4" plywood that I had in my scrap pile). Beginning with the five parts of one of the frames (that you cut in the previous step), apply a small amount of glue to each of the half laps in the two long pieces and spread it around evenly throughout the joint. Set these two pieces into their approximate positions, on top of the scrap stock. Then, fit each of the three adjoining pieces into place and wipe off any initial glue run-out.

Cross-measure diagonally to check the unit for square. Then, using a drill bit with a countersink, drill a couple of pilot holes through each of the four corner joints, 3/8" in along the 12-1/4" edge, and affix to the scrap using 1" screws.

After those eight screws are inserted, mark a centerline 12-1/4" from the end along each 24-1/2" side to denote the center of the unit, and countersink a hole 3/8" on each side of the center line (one pair of holes in each of the two center half laps). Again, use 1" screws to secure to the scrap through these holes. Wipe off any remaining glue run-out and set aside to dry. Complete the second frame in precisely the same manner.