Small Stackable Box
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![Tim's Stackable Boxes](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FX6/6HS9/LCVYLEOB/FX66HS9LCVYLEOB.jpg&filename=Tim's Stackable Boxes)
Got my self a CNC Machine and a Laser Module which will cut 3mm Plywood.
- So it is quite a short Instructable as the machine does all the work.
Thought it was time to stop all the stuff on my untidy desk from falling of to the floor.
- It's a mess but it's all in arms reach ha-ha.
- I know where most stuff is, but as usual the thing you want is usually berried under a bunch of other stuff.
- That's when it all starts falling off the desk to the floor, ha-ha.
So I have designed my self a small stackable box to store all the little bits and pieces floating around the top of my desk.
- I wanted something that could be put together easaly.
- I also wanted it to hold together by it's self, no glue or screws required.
- I wanted most of the parts to be the same.
I didn't want to make them too big.
- I have made them about 100mm X 100mm X 40mm.
- I am able to stack them two high on my desk and still see my PC monitors clearly over the top of them.
- I had some stuff longer than 100mm so I also made some doubles, about 200mm X 100mm X 40mm.
- The double are designed to stack with the singles.
- They all lock together so well I think you could build a wall with them.
Supplies
![Tim's CNC + Laser [Short 001]](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FHV/GMU4/LETZ5OU4/FHVGMU4LETZ5OU4.jpg&filename=Tim's CNC + Laser [Short 001])
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I have designed these to be cut out of a sheet of 2.5mm Hardboard.
- I have use hardboard with a white finish on the surface.
You will need a laser that will cut such material.
- My drawings don't allow for any off-set, the thickness of the laser cut was enough for clearance.
Pieces needed for a Single Box (100x100x40):
- 1x Base (single).dxf
- 4x Side (single).dxf
Pieces needed for a Double Box (200x100x40):
- 1x Base (double).dxf
- 2x Side (double).dxf
- 2x Side (single).dxf
Convert and Cut
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The files I have supplied are DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)
- This means most Cad Software should be able to open them and edit them.
- Should you wish to change the thickness of the material you are using.
- Should you wish to scale them up.
- You may want to merge all the files together, to do a batch.
To cut the parts out you need to convert the DXF files to G-Code so that your plotter or CNC machine understands what to cut.
- I use my own program to convert DXF to G-Code.
- Your machine may have its own software that can use DXF files.
- You may find some software online that will do it.
Tim's XY Stepper Controller (XY_Plotter.zip) Current version 3.0.0.109
The only issue with my software is:
- It only accepts DXF with basic objects in ENTITIES, has to be 2D with straight polylines.
- Now that I have a CNC Machine with grbl firmware, I have altered my software to make it grbl friendly.
- I have added a check-box "grbl friendly", put a tick in this box will make the laser settings "M03 S<value>" with a feed if required.
Once you have your files converted
- Cut your parts out on your machine.
Assembly
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The corners fit together by slotting one end inside the other.
- Gently push the hooked end of one side through the vertical hole of the other.
- When the hook is through the hole slide it down to lock it in place.
The Base fits into the horizontal holes of the sides.
- Work your way around anti-clockwise.
- Slide the Base into the slots after fitting the next side.
The last corner.
- There should be just enough give to let you fit the corner and Base at the same time.
Epilogue
My original version of this box was made from Corrugated Cardboard.
- my previous laser was only strong enough to cut card.
These boxes can be made from any stiff medium.
- So what ever have and are able to cut may do the same job.