Three-compartment stationery tray
Separate three active stationery groups so the next tool is visible during a paper review. All files are free, including your customized plan.
Separate three active stationery groups so the next tool is visible during a paper review.
Three equal compartments give each stage of a paper review its own return location. They remain equal in width; oversized tools need a different layout.
For A desk user who switches between writing, marking and correcting. Default clear opening: 158 mm × 192 mm × 51 mm.
Adjust dimensions and stock ↓Measure before you start
- Measure the longest tool in each of the three groups including caps.
- Check the widest eraser or correction-tape body as well as the slim pens.
Tools and access
- A saw and guide for straight cuts
- A square, measuring rule and caliper
- Clamps suitable for the dry assembly
- A sanding block for accessible edges
Using this organizer
- Put writing, marking and correcting tools in separate lanes.
- Work from the lane that matches the current review step.
- Return a tool before switching stages so missing pieces remain obvious.
What a useful result needs to do
- All three groups fit without tools bridging a divider.
- The shortest correction tool can be picked up without removing the marker group.
- Divider spacing stays equal after the dry assembly.
If the fit is wrong
- If one group is much wider than the others, reduce that group or choose the two-compartment version.
- If a divider wanders during assembly, reset it with equal spacer blocks before the adhesive cures.
Your parts
| Part | Cut length | Cut width | Thickness | Qty | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 510 mm | 60 mm | 9 mm | 2 | Along length | |
| 192 mm | 60 mm | 9 mm | 2 | Along length | |
| 492 mm | 192 mm | 9 mm | 1 | Unrestricted | |
| 192 mm | 51 mm | 9 mm | 2 | Along length |
Item allowance: stationery tools — 150 × 30 mm, plus 8 mm of handling space per axis.
A feasible cutting layout
Numbered cuts span their parent region. Coordinates use the sheet's top-left origin. Trim all four edges of each sheet you use first. Keep unused sheets whole. This layout does not claim the lowest possible material use.
Compare your stock choices
Try this same inventory with offcuts first and standard sheets first. Each result is a feasible estimate; the solver may miss a better layout.
Sheet S1.1
Cut sequence
| Cut | Parent region | Direction | Coordinate (mm) | First child | Second child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | N1 | horizontal | 65 | N3 | N4 |
| C2 | N3 | vertical | 515 | N5 | N6 |
| C3 | N4 | horizontal | 128 | N7 | N8 |
| C4 | N7 | vertical | 515 | N9 | N10 |
| C5 | N8 | horizontal | 323 | N11 | N12 |
| C6 | N11 | vertical | 497 | N13 | N14 |
| C7 | N6 | vertical | 710 | N15 | N16 |
| C8 | N10 | vertical | 710 | N17 | N18 |
| C9 | N14 | horizontal | 182 | N19 | N20 |
| C10 | N19 | vertical | 692 | N21 | N22 |
| C11 | N22 | vertical | 887 | N23 | N24 |
Sheet S1.2
Cut sequence
| Cut | Parent region | Direction | Coordinate (mm) | First child | Second child |
|---|
Connections and machining
No grooves or notches are required. Cut the rectangular parts, then follow the connection details.
Put it together
1. Measure and mark
Measure the actual sheet thickness (9 mm in this plan). Mark front / back F, left / right L, base P and dividers D. Recalculate if the measured thickness differs. Measure the longest item in each group before cutting.
Parts: F, L, P, D · Start here2. Cut and label the parts
Follow the numbered full-width cuts in the cutting sequence, then subdivide each labeled child region. Keep the part IDs and grain arrows. Use the instructions supplied with your tools; this plan is not tool training.
Parts: F, L, P, D · After measure3. Dry-fit the outer walls
Front and back span 510 mm. Fit the 192 mm side walls between them. Check the outside footprint 510 × 210 mm and square the corners. The inset base is 492 × 192 mm; its underside sits flush with the wall bottoms. Total base clearance is 0 mm per axis (0 mm on each side).
Parts: F, L, P · After cut4. Assemble the base and walls
Prepare and bond the butt-joint contact faces using an adhesive suitable for your sheet. Center the inset base at z = 0 mm. Check squareness before clamping. For a clearance gap, verify the adhesive allows that gap; use zero clearance or revise the fit if it does not.
Parts: F, L, P · After dry-fit5. Position the dividers
Mark each divider from the inside face of the left wall. Place the first divider after 158.00 mm of clear space; repeat at a pitch of 167.00 mm. Glue the bottom edge onto P and both ends against F. Each compartment has 158.00 × 192 mm clear floor space. These are straight glued partitions, with no grooves or hidden fasteners.
Parts: D, F, P · After glue6. Cure, finish and check the fit
Follow the adhesive manufacturer's cure and handling instructions. Smooth edges and apply a finish compatible with your materials. Attach four self-adhesive felt pads under the base corners. Dry-fit all dividers with equal-width spacer blocks before bonding. Use for light desktop items; no load rating is provided.
Parts: F, L, P, D · After divide
Materials and supplies
- Uses 1 standard sheet(s) and 0 existing offcut(s). Check your inventory before buying.
- S1: 1 of 2 used · 900 × 600 × 9 mm plywood (standard sheet). Unused stock stays whole.
- Four self-adhesive felt pads.
- Adhesive suitable for the selected sheet. Prepare according to the adhesive label and actual contact faces; no universal quantity or cure time.
- Compatible finish and abrasive. Choose for the actual material and intended indoor use.
Take the complete plan
Parts, stock, cutting sequence and machining CSVs, connection and assembly diagrams, a printable plan and editable JSON. No sign-up.
For PDF, open the print page and choose Save as PDF in your browser. Use A4 or Letter.
For light desktop storage. Geometry checked; physical assembly and durability untested. Follow your tool, sheet and adhesive instructions. Adhesive quantity and curing time depend on the product you use.
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