W3 Shot Glass Holder

For this week’s press-fit assignment, my goal was to design a functional yet playful object: a shot glass holder. I chose this design because it combines practicality with creative assembly—press-fit joints allow for stability while keeping the design reconfigurable. The project helped me think about how flat pieces can transform into a strong 3D structure through proper joint planning.

Above is an attached image of how I got my idea when I was scrolling online. That is not my project.

Source:

1. Fusion360
2. Laser Cutter
3. 1 x sheet 1/8" plywood
4. ShotHolder.svg file

I sketched a minimal stand that centers 2 glasses side-by-side with a braced frame.

Base plate with two circular recesses sized for standard shot glasses (~1.25 in diameter opening; verify with your glasses).

Two vertical side walls that press-fit into the base.

One cross brace to lock the side walls and eliminate racking.

Three distinct parts: base, side wall, cross brace. (The SVG exports as 5 paths representing these shapes.)

First attachment: The 2 pillars are to hold the "bench" or base of the shot holder

Second Attachment: The main body where the glass is going to sit.

Third Attachment: The spine of the "bench."

Fourth Attachment: The base to solidify.

Last Attachment: Complete set of parts for this object.

Import ShotHolder.svg.

Settings: wood cut, kerf compensation 0.25 mm.

Cut, label parts, and keep the offcuts for notes.

1. Press the two side walls into the base until fully seated (slots flush).
2. Slide the cross brace across the tops of the side walls to lock them square.
3. Place two shot glasses into the base openings and check stability on a flat surface.

If joints are too tight: lightly sand tab edges; or increase slot_width by +0.05–0.10 mm and recut.

If joints are loose: reduce slot_width by 0.05–0.10 mm.

Optional: add a light chamfer to slot entries in Fusion for easier press-in.

Holds two glasses securely; compact footprint fits the 6×8 in constraint.

Joints are snug and square after the cross-brace is installed.

Reading Things Fall Together by Skylar Tibbits changed the way I thought about this project. Instead of just designing separate parts, I started to see my shot glass holder as a system where the base, side walls, and brace all work together. The idea of building “from the bottom up” reminded me that the strength of the holder comes from how the pieces connect, not just their shapes. That’s why I focused on getting the slot sizes right so the joints would hold firmly without glue. Even though my final piece is small and only holds two glasses, the lesson applies to bigger designs too—good connections create strong structures. I also learned the value of testing before committing; making a small kerf sample saved me from recutting everything. Overall, the reading helped me think of design as creating relationships between pieces, not just cutting parts.