CNC Project: Drawer Organizers

Build video for drawer organizers that fit into my CNC enclosure. I build two complimentary drawer organizers, each 12 inches wide by 20 inches tall. Two drawer organizers side by side are 24 inches wide.
Drawer Organizer Plans and CNC Files:
www.etsy.com/l...
Build Plans for my CNC Enclosure:
www.etsy.com/l...
Build Plans for my CNC Waste board:
www.etsy.com/l...
Items used in this build:
1. Whiteside ¾” Bowl & Tray Bit (1372): amzn.to/3ILMlWJ
2. Whiteside ¼” Spiral Down-Cut Bit (RD2102): amzn.to/3IE5Qk9

[@iwannaratrod]

Having worked in aerospace for a decade, these organizers make me happy. :D Great job.

[@fedorzavyalik4317]

Some tips for that: paint the bottom surface with different color. This give you visual control of missing items in the drawers.

[@MaritimeHub6]

great feature. works a treat. thanks

[@swampcastle8142]

Where is my ....? Oh there it is. I need more of that in my life. Excellent work.

[@sigung01]

See, you hit the nail right on the head when you mentioned putting on some music that people will complain about. Truth is one person's music is another person's torture, so why not just forego the music completely. My favorite videos are ones where the man speaking is kept at a minimum and there is no music. I absolutely LOVE the idea. Fine job.

[@seabeepirate]

Nice job! I was just thinking that laying everything out on a grid like a crafting cutting mat and snapping an overhead picture might speed along the design process. I’ve been thinking about making my own organizers lately because my tools quickly outgrew the organizational capacity of the uncluttered flat surfaces surrounding my machine.

[@davidjunk6117]

The bowl bit idea is a clever one. Thanks for sharing it!

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

It really makes it a lot easier to get bits out of their trays, especially the 1/8” bits. I’m glad you liked it!

[@nicolashuffman4312]

Those are some good looking drawer organizers! I did one in polypropylene that came out pretty well, if anyone out there would prefer plastic.

[@roygault3325]

Very nice. I am in the process of doing the same thing. It sure helps when things are organized.

[@Golfexpertbelieveme]

Good to have ya back! You should design a CNC vacuum board. I am wanting to do that and there are no real good videos out there.

[@lightspeedguru]

Very cool! I wonder what it would have looked like if you'd painted the top of the MDF first? I bet a two-toned design would look really good.

[@samspade4634]

Yep. I liked the video as I watched in mute. When I was younger we had a saying "If the music is too loud - you are too old" Somewhere in the last 40 years, I got old.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

I laughed so hard when I read this comment. Thank you; made my evening :)

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

Ya know, I appreciate your humor. The music is great when it's appropriate. Just wait until you get the comments where people complain about your tools. You'll never get their respect until you're able to punch this stuff into existence with your fists. I'm moving for the last time (so I tell myself) later this year. I'm going to build a CNC machine and post videos just to piss off broke whiners. Cool project.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Thanks! Film editing is hard. It’s been a learning curve, that’s for sure. I highly recommend getting a CNC - it’s probably my favorite tool in my shop.

[@matthewdunstone4431]

Very satisfying little project.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Thanks! I love it and get a little jolt of satisfaction every time I open the drawer.

[@Navigator777777]

"Let's put on some background music you guys can complain about in the comments." ROTF. Subscribed.

[@JPToto]

Well done. And I've heard WAY worse time lapse music. This reminds me I need to dig into using Fusion360 for CNC toolpathing. Easel isn't "cutting" it anymore. (I'll show myself out)

[@TwoCherriesIns]

I like to finish CNC cut MDF with a wipe-on polyurethane; it soaks in and makes a very durable surface. Nice project; I have been procrastinating on doing the same thing; I might go with kaizen foam.

[@AlainPilon]

I find that lindseed oil gives a better finish and easier to apply.

[@TwoCherriesIns]

@@AlainPilon also a good option

[@ndpesicgroup]

Great work !!! So clean....

[@xyzspec82]

Very well done

[@jasonwhatley3211]

What an awesome project! The results are sick! Great job! Love the channel!

[@bw1532]

The drawer looks amazing and the music was fine. I have to ask though, don't you feel like that drawer is very very under-full? I mean its a huge drawer and while everything is very organized that whole drawer could be about 1" deep and still fit most of that stuff.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

The drawer is definitely “under full” lol. I hadn’t got that far when I designed the enclosure to make a 1” drawer. I could always make another small MDF piece that could slide back and forth over existing drawer organizers, but I don’t have anything else to put in that drawer.

[@kurupicai]

Great Job!! Where did you get tha cnc? Did you build it yourself? I´m planning to get a DIY one. Looking for advice.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

It’s a Shapeoko Pro XXL from Carbide 3D. I highly recommend it.

[@mikedtubey]

Great Work!

[@SJSSawdust]

Great looking drawer!

[@DrMrSmooth]

Nice video mate . Keep going :)

[@jiri3925]

Super. Like.

[@Tilburger72]

Amazing idea and creation!

[@ilyashulika3538]

It looks amazing )))

[@TheMcMerlin]

In the end of the video you show the contents of the drawer. I'am interested in the clamps you have in the drawer. Could you please tell me what brand they are and where did you purchased them?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Those clamps were purchased from Carbide3D; the makers of the Shapeoko.

[@JaytheBae98]

@Engineering Workshop . Hey , I see you have space for more tools I'm guessing for expansion but I wanted to ask you what was your thought process when it comes to futureproofing. I don own a CNC but I've noticed I when building something for organisation I forget to factor In things that I may get in the future. How do you combat/plan for the future? Loved the video

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

James, thanks for reaching out. For the drawer organizers specifically, I figured out my minimum requirements, then tried to make every symmetrical. This required more capacity than I had use for, which is always a good thing. For the enclosure itself, I followed the same logic; plan for my minimum, then let aesthetics drive a symmetrical solution with extra capacity. This is how I got extra drawers on the right side, which aren’t being used but are sure nice to have.

[@JaytheBae98]

@@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw oh very interested , it's usually the case of functionality over aesthetics but your method seems to let each other benefit the other . Thanks for you help , it's been plaguing me for a while now . Best of luck in the future :)

[@peterfreedom]

Hi! I see that you use a second wasteboard over the T Track wasteboard. Is there a special reason? What would be the benefits? Thanks.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

I just got tired of cutting into the OEM waste board because there is no easy way to flatten it - the CNC can’t reach the edges. Also, I never want to hit the aluminum t-track underneath. With another waste board on top, I can flatten it occasionally, use an angled corner stop, and have extra protection against hitting the CNC underneath.

[@ravenmooore]

hello ! I was hoping if you can tell me where to get the dust shoe from? I need one for the dewalt version

[@Todd-W]

great work, thanks for sharing

[@b3owu1f]

How long did it take to design the cutouts? Also.. did you do it in one pass.. or have to do it a few times to get it right? Always wonder how CNC designs make it in one try.. seems like you would have to do many attempts until you got it right.. then could repeat the cuts.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

I designed each drawer organizer in about 2 hours, including the computer aided machining (CAM / tool paths). As a rule of thumb, in hardwoods, I make contour/slot cuts at a 50% depth of my cutting bit diameter; for soft woods and MDF, I’ll use 100% depth of my cutting but diameter. For the 3/4” bowl bit, I used 50%, even though I was cutting MDF, due to the torque required to make a cut with such a large cutting diameter. My spindle (Makita router) isn’t as strong as an actual spindle. Therefore, I used two depth passes to cut the bit holder slots. I have enough experience at this point that I was able to get this project on the first try. I’ve definitely had to make a few attempts on other CNC projects though!

[@MrGoodCatSCP]

Очень классно! Настоящее мужское успокаивающее видео :)

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

спасибо! очень добрые слова.

[@FranciscoJavier32423]

Great video, I will also build a cnc, I have a question, at the minute 1:20 you mentioned a tool "bit 0" How can I find it?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

A “bit zero” sets the Cartesian zero (x, y, and z axis) for the CNC all at once. It’s an easy tool to use and very fast. You can usually find one on your CNC manufacture’s website. I got mine from Carbide3D.

[@GnosisMan50]

Great! I need 100 of each lol..

[@Erosgenuino]

Enhorabuena, gran trabajo.

[@mannyfilmsinc]

I say... that's awesome!!

[@JaimetheNomad]

So much better, well done! But not gonna lie, the black hex key in the middle of all the silver ones bothered me since they don’t all match 😂

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

😂

[@3dflix679]

Nice

[@grumpywoodchucker]

Very nice!!!

[@Michal.mgc24]

Hello, which vacuum did You use?

[@sunnydays1238]

Are you please able to do a quick video on your spoilboard setup?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Hey! Yes, I have plans to do a quick video on that. All the footage has been shot, I just need to edit it. I figured the drawer organizers would be more interesting, so I prioritized that video. Subscribe to the channel, it should be the next video coming out!

[@daleemmons36]

Looks great - I would maybe paint it though to avoid worry about the MDF holding moisture against metal tools.

[@pumpjackmcgee4267]

I need to convince my boss that we need some of this in the shop. I probably waste 20-30 minutes each job just looking for stuff.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

This has been a huge time saver for me - they also makes me feel better every time I use them, which has value as well. I highly recommend organization like this, especially in a professional setting where more than one person needs to memorize where tools and equipment are.

[@johnross3752]

Nice!

[@excessnet]

very cool and clean, I'm looking into doing something similar! Quick question: Was is that dust shoes? Is it 4" hose ?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Thanks! The dust shoe is the Carbide 3D Sweepy 2.0; it comes standard with the Shapeoko Pro. It’s a 2.5” dust hose.

[@excessnet]

@@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw that's what I thought, thanks a lot!

[@jaykepley5238]

Impressive!

[@LeeDock1]

Did you have random behavior while milling?? Did you solder your cable connections?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

If you mean, do I do other things while the CNC is running? Yes, all the time lol. I have a remote monitoring system (audio and video) and a remote e-stop. I usually set up the iPad near where I’m at in the house and try to continue working on the computer, or hang out with the family. Sometimes, if I don’t have anything else to do, or don’t fully trust the G-code, I’ll just watch it run; kind of mesmerizing. I also analyze the tool paths as it watch it. I didn’t solder any of the wiring connections in my enclosure, every connection is made with heat shrink and crimp connectors, so I can easily take stuff apart if need be.

[@LeeDock1]

@@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw Thanks for the reply. I have the Shapeoko Pro XL I bought June 2021. I have had several occasions where the system just went nuts and dove into the wood. I did a pull test of the connectors and several of the crimped connectors came out. They were not fully seated. I reseated them and then zip tied the connectors together but still have had some issues with not initializing or not finding the bit setter. I have had some success wiggling the connectors and re-initializing. Just curious if an advanced user has run into this issue and found a solution. I am working with Shapeoko support from time to time but haven't been able to connect 1 on 1 with them yet. Mostly due to my schedule.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

I had something similar happen, but have found the cause. My collets were getting dirty from fine dust from milling wood, and they weren’t able to grip my bits as tightly as they should. If I were to take an aggressive cut, placing a high literal load on the bit, the bit would slip out of the collet. Sometimes just an 1/8” or so, but other times it would be 1/2” or more. This acted like it was diving into the wood, but the router a height was constant. I now clean my collets with mineral spirits after each use / bit change, to ensure the highest possible coefficient of friction when a bit is installed. I did have a wiring problem with my shapeoko when I first put it together - I mention it in my CNC enclosure build video. I took very detailed photos of everything, made the most in-depth PowerPoint I could, describing everything that was happening, complete with photos, diagrams, labels, etc. and sent it to Carbide 3D. One of their techs was able to look at that PowerPoint and tell me exactly what the problem was. In my case, a cable had been constructed incorrectly, switching the positive and negative loops, causing a stepper motor to run backwards. Maybe a similar tactic could help you make some forward progress with customer support. I hope you get it resolved soon; nothing is more frustrating than an expensive machine that you want to enjoy, not functioning properly.

[@emaddarawsheh7420]

Impressive....how to get the software order for this project..??......I will recieve my CNC tomorrow

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Fusion360 is available from Autodesk with a subscription.

[@danielbarker5101]

I had my doubts on what the mdf would look like in the end but I really like it. Also, the music was great, instant subscribe here and cant wait to see what is next.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Thanks so much! The MDF ended up looking pretty good. I wasn’t sure either - I thought about using a nice hardwood, but figured I’d make a prototype first (MDF). I ended liking the MDF so I stopped. I also reminded myself that it’s just a shop project lol. Thanks for the subscription! I’m glad you liked the music. Video editing is hard; it’s been a learning curve :)

[@acerjuglans383]

One day, you're going to need to take those trays out of the drawer, and you're going to have a very difficult time prying them up with that double stick tape on.

[@carycleland9506]

I’d be interested in a video on how you program the tool paths.

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

I thought about that, but I honestly think to cover it well, the video would be 45 minutes long, and only a handful of people would watch it. I’ll try to include tips & tricks in my future videos that will cover it piecemeal, making the content easier to digest.

[@carycleland9506]

@@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw what program do you use?

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

I think your background music ought to be Mozart.

[@andrzejmichalczuk7662]

What machine exactly you using ?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

Shapeoko Pro XXL

[@andrzejmichalczuk7662]

@@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw thanks

[@vasyapupken]

4:58 what is that metal side clamps above hex keys ?

[@EngineeringWorkshop_hvw]

They are “tiger claw clamps” from Carbide 3D, the makers of Shapeoko. They lock into the hybrid table (slot in the bottom) and can mechanically apply horizontal pressure to a workpiece.

[@apleatherworking9952]

Ok so like yes

[@markushykus]

I also want CNC😭

[@zmeevd]

слишком высокий ящик для хранения, не правильное использованные место

[@dcbichos8005]

Show

[@MkmeOrg]

Very nice!