Desk Drawer Oganizer

Project Overview:

This project involves designing and creating a custom 7x4 inch desk drawer organizer using a laser cutter. The organizer is intended to provide practical storage for small office supplies or other items that often clutter a workspace, making it easier to keep everything organized and accessible.

Materials and Tools:

The primary material used in this project is 3mm thick birch plywood, chosen for its durability, smooth finish, and compatibility with laser cutting. The tools required include design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, to create the vector files for the laser cutter, and access to a laser cutting machine capable of precise cuts on wood.

Design Process:

1. Measurement and Planning: The first step was to measure the desk drawer where the organizer would be placed. Ensuring a snug fit was crucial, so the design was planned to fit within a 7x4 inch footprint with an internal grid structure.

2. Divider Configuration: The organizer is divided into nine compartments arranged in a 3x3 grid. Each compartment is designed to be equal in size, providing consistent spacing for items. This arrangement was chosen to balance functionality with simplicity, allowing for easy organization without being overly complex.

3. Designing the Cut Files: Using vector design software, I created the individual parts needed to assemble the organizer. This included the outer frame, the dividers, and the base piece. Each divider has slots that allow it to interlock with adjacent pieces, creating a stable structure once assembled.

4. Slot and Tab System: To simplify assembly and ensure a snug fit, the dividers were designed with a slot-and-tab system. This approach also enhances the stability of the organizer without requiring additional adhesive or fasteners. The tabs and slots were precisely measured to match the thickness of the 3mm plywood, allowing the pieces to interlock smoothly.

Laser Cutting:

1. Machine Setup: Before cutting, I adjusted the laser cutter settings to match the specifications for 3mm birch plywood. The laser’s speed and power settings were configured to ensure clean cuts without excessive burning or charring.

2. Test Cut: A small test cut was performed on a scrap piece of plywood to confirm the settings. This helped identify any adjustments needed in power or speed to achieve clean edges and precise cuts.

3. Cutting Process: The final vector file was uploaded to the laser cutter, and the components were cut out one by one. Each part was carefully removed from the cutting bed to avoid any damage, particularly to the delicate divider pieces.

Assembly:

1. Dry Fit Test: Before fully assembling the organizer, I conducted a dry fit test to ensure all pieces aligned correctly. This step was essential for identifying any slight adjustments that might be needed.

2. Interlocking Assembly: With the slot-and-tab system, the dividers were interlocked to form the 3x3 grid. The outer frame was then added, fitting tightly around the grid structure to hold it securely.

3. Securing the Base: The base piece was attached to the bottom of the frame to provide additional stability. In this case, adhesive was applied sparingly around the edges to ensure a secure fit without affecting the overall look.

Finishing Touches:

To give the organizer a smooth finish, I lightly sanded the edges to remove any minor burns from the laser cutting process. This helped achieve a more polished look, making the organizer both functional and visually appealing.

Reflection and Outcome:

The final product successfully meets the project goals, providing a practical and visually appealing storage solution for my desk drawer. The laser-cut interlocking design allowed for easy assembly, while the 3mm birch plywood provided a sturdy yet lightweight structure. The compartmentalized design makes it easy to organize and access small items, helping to keep the desk clutter-free.

Conclusion:

This project demonstrates the potential of laser cutting for creating custom, practical solutions tailored to specific needs. With precise planning and design, a simple piece of plywood can be transformed into a functional organizer, showcasing the versatility of laser cutting as a tool for both professional and personal projects.

1. Laser Cutter
2. Wood or material of choosing

To begin, start by designing the desk drawer organizer. The file I used is attached to this step. Feel free to adjust the dimensions of the design as you see fit.

Once the design is made or the file is downloaded upload your design following the specifications of your laster cutter.

Once all the pieces have been printed I recommend sanding off the burn marks and any rough edges.

NOTE: This option is not required but leads to a better final product.

Once pieces have been sanded, insert the pieces which connect to the middle of the organizer. See image for reference.

Attach corresponding center pieces to design.

Attach the pieces that make the outer edge of the box.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to push too hard when connecting pieces.