Project: Drawer Organization

[Jim Becker]

I've started down the rabbit hole (and I love rabbits...) with finally getting around to some more formal drawer organization with three done so far. For me, it's a CNC project that in some small ways, adds some additional skill building since I'm designing on the fly.

The first was my "Centrotec" drawer where I used scrap MDF. A few blade related and other things are also in that space.

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The second was for the pliers and scissors...a switch to pink insulation foam here. Because it had it. It works fine so I will likely continue with it even when I run out and have to buy more.

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And the most recent took care of the metric wrenches...the SAE drawer is to come and can leverage a lot of this work

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There's AC in the shop and given the hot/humid weather, doing things inside is a nice way to spend the time!

[Steve Jenkins]

Very nicely done

[Bill Dufour]

I was expecting to see cut off oil bottles full of nails and screws. They cut well on the bandsaw.
Great job!
Bill D.

[Bruce Page]

You are killing me Jim! I have tossed around making inserts for my machinist rollaway since buying my Stinger. I have particle board inserts for my micrometers, depth and inside mic’s, calipers, etc., but they were done 40+ years ago with a jig saw. Functional but a little on the crude side. How durable do you think the pink foam will be?

[Ted Calver]

Very nice, Jim. I suspect the pink foam will do quite well for this purpose. Looks like it machines nicely.

[Edward Weber]

So, you're not buying any new tools? Where would they go?
In all seriousness, I go back and forth on this type of thing.
Many moons ago when I worked as a mechanic, I was teased about my wrenches
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They've been in the same place for the last 35 years. Any overflow had to go in the next drawer
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Sometimes I like the organization for certain items but not everything

If you want another project, I have more tools you can practice with.

[Alan Lightstone]

Oh, I am so not worthy. Well done, Jim. Very well done.

[Dan Friedrichs]

The pink foam is a great idea.

I had some of these custom made, in the past (laser cut) and the one thing I wish I'd done was put half-circles on each tool so your finger can easily get in to pick them out.

[Jim Becker]

How durable do you think the pink foam will be?

I suspect the pink foam will do quite well for this purpose. Looks like it machines nicely.

The pink foam cuts very nicely; just a little "fluff" but it's a "who cares" situation. It's durable enough and if one, um...slightly undercuts something because of a measuring mistake...it modifies the recess easily, either by smooshing or with a blade.

So, you're not buying any new tools? Where would they go?.

Not much more I'd buy for in this shop. Theoretically, most of these should be up in the garage anyway, but I already have a set up there for working on the tractor. And if I did decide to make changes, a piece of new foam and some time on the computer solves the new tool acquisition issue.

[Alan Lightstone]

So it's your CNC cutting the foam, not a laser. Wouldn't have expected that. Do you need a specific bit for that?

[Jim Becker]

Yes, Alan, CNC, not laser. I don't own a laser. I use a single flute, O-Flute tool for this kind of material. It's designed for plastics and can also be used with non-ferrous metal like brass and aluminum. (albeit you use very different speeds/feeds/depth-of-cut for the metals)

[Rod Sheridan]

Oh, I am so not worthy. Well done, Jim. Very well done.

Haha, my exact thoughts Alan

Jim, very nicely done however you’re making me look like a slacker😎

Regards, Rod

[Jim Becker]

I'm the actual slacker as I'm not spending enough time in the shop...too many distractions. Sheesh...

[George Yetka]

Whats going to happen in the screwdriver drawer. Thats my next drawer to organize.

Pink foam is a good idea. Its cheaper than kaisen, lighter than MDF, and much easier to machine. And if it was lying around even better.

[Jim Becker]

Whats going to happen in the screwdriver drawer. Thats my next drawer to organize.

Pink foam is a good idea. Its cheaper than kaisen, lighter than MDF, and much easier to machine. And if it was lying around even better.

I have my primary screwdrivers on my wall system and do not intend to put them in a drawer. I do have a drawer with some extras, but they are primarily small-small stuff in cases already. I have to do the "imperial" wrench drawer still and will likely stop there for a bit. I have a piece of foam ready for that...it's actually a glue-up of two narrower pieces with polyurethane glue. No point in wasting it!