In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized is more than a luxury, although now it’s a necessity. Amidst the surge of digital documentation, traditional paper forms still hold their ground in our workspaces, oftentimes leading to clutter that can stifle productivity and creativity. This Modern 3-Tier Paper Organization Tray project isn’t just a solution to the paper problem; it’s a stylish upgrade to any desk or office. Made from the warmth of walnut hardwood and the practicality of plywood, this DIY tray offers an elegant yet functional way to keep your paperwork neatly organized and accessible.
DIY Modern 3-Tier Paper Organization Tray Project
Materials List
- Walnut Hardwood: Measuring 55″x8″x¾″ (LxWxT)
- ¼″ Plywood: A sheet sized 13″x31″
- ½″ Plywood: A sheet sized 12″x20″
- Epoxy with Slow Hardener: Optional, can be found at specialty or online stores
- Sheathing Tape: Optional, for those choosing to work with epoxy
- Pigments: Optional, to add color to your epoxy if you choose to use it
Tools Required
Ensure you have the following tools at hand:
- White Marker
- Jointer Push Block
- Microjig Gripper: Offers enhanced safety during milling
- Bandy Clamps
Step by Step Guide
Milling “Blanks”
Begin by preparing your wood, siphoning them down to what will form the “blanks” or sides of your paper tray. Following these steps:
- Crosscutting: Size down your lumber into manageable pieces.
- Flattening and Squaring: Use a jointer to flatten one face and square one edge.
- Final Thickness: Bring all pieces to a uniform thickness of ¾″.
- Rip to Width: Slice all pieces down to their final width of approximately 1-⅛″.
Route Groove for Tray Bottom
Utilize a router table to notch a groove into each blank to host the tray bottom. Set the groove ¼″ from the edge on the longer side and ¼″ deep, using a ¼″ router bit.
Cut Miter Joints for Tray Sides
- Arrange the 12 pieces to outline the sides of the three trays.
- Mark the direction for each miter cut.
- With a 45-degree set blade, cut miters on each end of the pieces, flipping them for symmetry.
Paper Tray Glue-up
- Use painters’ tape to apply pressure along the glue joints.
- Position the pieces according to the tray shape and apply glue on the miters.
- Fold and use tape to hold the construct at a 90-degree angle until the glue sets.
Cut Bevels
After the glue has dried, cut bevels on each side of the trays to add a modern aesthetic. Pay careful attention not to intersect the grooves holding the tray bottom.
Sand and Apply Finish
- Sand down the trays beginning with 80-grit sandpaper and work up to 220-grit.
- Apply an oil finish with wax sealer for a smooth, protective coating.
Milling Lumber for Tray Enclosure
Cut and prepare the wood for the tray enclosure, utilizing any preferred imperfections for aesthetic or filling them with epoxy for a smooth finish.
Prep for and Conduct Epoxy Pour (Optional)
- Prepare your pieces with cracks or imperfections for epoxy application.
- Pour the mixed epoxy into the prepared area and let it set.
Cutting the Miter on the Enclosure
Determine the lean for your enclosure and cut the sides accordingly, at the determined angle to provide stability and style.
Cutting the Runners
Cut triangular slots into the enclosure sides to create runners that will support the trays and allow them to slide in and out effortlessly.
Dado for Bottom and Back Panel
Notch out spaces to fit the bottom and back panel of the enclosure, completing the external structure of your organizer.
Crafting this sophisticated 3-tier paper tray not only elevates your workspace aesthetics but also empowers your productivity through organization. Dive into this project with the understanding that you are creating a bespoke piece that marries functionality with form, designed to cater to your specific organizational needs.
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