Taming the Party Drawer

Taming the Party Drawer

Every time I opened my overstuffed "Party Drawer," it felt like playing a game of Tetris, but without the fun. So, I decided it was time to bring some order to this chaos with a custom drawer insert. This project became even more exciting as it marked my first venture into using Fusion 360 for the design. Let me take you through this fun-filled woodworking adventure!

The Inspiration

"The Party Drawer" had become a black hole of party supplies – straws, napkins, balloons, and other party essentials were all jumbled together. I needed a solution that was both functional and fabulous, and what better way to achieve that than with a custom cherry wood insert?

Designing with Fusion 360

Diving into Fusion 360 for the first time was like stepping into a digital playground. Here’s how I brought my dream organizer to life:

  1. Sketching the Layout: I started by measuring the drawer and sketching a layout that would cater to all my party needs – compartments for straws, napkins, candles, cutlery, and more.
  2. Creating the 3D Model: With Fusion 360, I transformed my sketches into a 3D model. It was a fun challenge to define dimensions, create individual components, and assemble them virtually.
  3. Refining the Design: I fine-tuned the design to ensure every item had a home. Adjusting compartment sizes and smoothing out transitions became a game of perfection.

 

Selecting and Milling the Wood

Cherry wood was my material of choice, and it brought both beauty and durability to the project.

With my design ready, it was time to get hands-on. I bought a .75-inch thick piece of cherry and began the milling adventure using a variety of tools:

  1. Cutting to Size: Fusion 360 made this step straightforward by providing precise measurements for each piece. It even allowed me to build a parts list, which I could take into the shop. Using my Festool Compound Miter Saw, I cut the .75-inch thick board into rough sections according to the parts list.
     
  2. Planing and Jointing: Once they were rough cut, I planed and joined the boards to ensure perfect angles.
  3. Ripping the Boards: I used my Grizzly Band Saw to rip each rough-cut section into three approximately .2-inch thick pieces, providing the perfect material for my insert.
  4. Drum Sanding: I used the Grizzly drum sander to perform the initial sanding of each processed board, once they were cut on the CNC.

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Cutting with the Shapeoko CNC

This is where Fusion 360 really came into play. I used my Shapeoko CNC to cut out the pieces with precision.

  1. Generating G-code: Fusion 360 allowed me to create the g-code necessary for cutting.
  2. Feeding into Carbide Motion: I fed the g-code into Carbide Motion, which controlled the Shapeoko CNC for cutting out each board insert.
  3. Cutting Dovetail Joints: The outer box of the insert used dovetail joinery, precisely cut by the CNC, ensuring a snug fit.
  4. Creating Puzzle Pieces: The inner compartments were designed to fit together like puzzle pieces, sliding into grooves routed by the CNC, no glue required.
 

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Assembling the Insert

The real fun began as I brought all the pieces together:

  1. Final Sanding: I sanded each piece using the Festool Orbital Sander with the Festool HEPA Bluetooth Dust Extractor. This kept dust to a minimum, making the sanding process clean and efficient. 
  2. Finishing:  I finished each piece individually with Odie's Oil before assembly. This non-toxic finish not only protected the wood but also left an amazing smell that transports me back to the workshop every time I open the drawer.
     
  3. Dry Fit: A dry fit ensured all pieces came together like a perfect puzzle.
  4. Gluing the Dovetail Joints: I glued and clamped the dovetail joints of the outer box, ensuring a strong bond.
  5. Sliding in the Inner Pieces: The inner compartments slid seamlessly into their grooves, completing the assembly without the need for additional glue.

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The Finished Product

Placing the insert into "The Party Drawer" was a moment of triumph. Each party supply now had a dedicated spot, making party planning a breeze.

Conclusion

This project was not only a practical solution but also a delightful journey from chaos to order. "The Party Drawer" is now ready for action, and I can’t wait to tackle my next project!

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