Small Stackable Box

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.

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

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

• About My Programs

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.

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.

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.