Skip to content
Small Shop Plans
Project library / Everyday

Device desk cubby

Park a device where its plug remains visible and accessible, using the open front if its manufacturer permits charging in that position. All files are free, including your customized plan.

Open desktop cubby

Park a device where its plug remains visible and accessible, using the open front if its manufacturer permits charging in that position.

Open horizontal shelves keep a small device accessible from the front. There are no drilled cable holes, concealed power fittings or ventilation claims.

For Someone who wants a clear place for small personal devices beside the desk. Default clear opening: 336 mm × 228 mm × 132 mm.

Adjust dimensions and stock ↓
Measure before you start
  • Measure the device with its case and any connected plug in the intended orientation.
  • Check the manufacturer's charging and ventilation instructions, then measure the clear cable route back out through the front.
Tools and access
  • A saw and guide for straight cuts
  • A square, measuring rule and caliper
  • Clamps that span the outer width and a level reference surface
  • A sanding block for accessible shelf edges
Using this organizer
  1. Place the device flat with its connector facing the open front.
  2. Keep power adapters outside the cubby and route the lead out the front without a tight bend.
  3. Disconnect at the plug before taking the device away; use the shelf only for storage if the required charging clearance is unavailable.
What a useful result needs to do
  • The device and plug fit without the lead being pinched by a shelf edge.
  • The plug can be reached without pulling on the cable.
  • Any required charging clearances remain open and the device can be removed directly from the front.
If the fit is wrong
  • If the cable bends sharply, turn the device so the connector faces the opening or move charging to the open desk.
  • If the device's instructions require conditions this cubby cannot provide, store it disconnected and charge elsewhere.
Ready to make. All 6 parts fit the listed stock.
Device desk cubby — thumbnail assemblyDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Open cubby · Assembled view360 × 240 × 300 mm · thickness 12 mm

Your parts

PartCut lengthCut widthThicknessQtyGrain
360 mm240 mm12 mm1Along length
360 mm240 mm12 mm1Along length
240 mm276 mm12 mm2Along length
336 mm276 mm12 mm1Along length
336 mm228 mm12 mm1Along length
Device desk cubby — dimensionsDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Overall dimensions and clear openingsTop view · T / H lifted awayP1360 mm240Front view · shelf openings360 mm300Clear width 336 · depth 228 mmClear height 132 · plywood 12 mmRead each opening and part from the plan before cutting.

Item allowance: A small device lies flat with its connector facing the open front — 230 × 160 mm, plus 20 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

Feasible cutting layout S1.1S1.1 · 1200 × 600 × 12 mmC1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8C9P1360 × 240T1360 × 240B1336 × 276H1336 × 228L1240 × 276L2240 × 276Hatched bands: 3 mm kerf · trim 5 mm on every edgeGrain arrows · small-part locations: @ x,y mm from sheet top-left
Cut sequence
CutParent regionDirectionCoordinate (mm)First childSecond child
C1N1horizontal245N2N3
C2N2vertical365N4N5
C3N5vertical728N6N7
C4N3horizontal524N8N9
C5N8vertical341N10N11
C6N7horizontal233N12N13
C7N12vertical1067N14N15
C8N11vertical584N16N17
C9N17vertical827N18N19

Connections and machining

Open cubby · 6 pieces · 12 mm plywood. Horizontal shelves span between the side walls. The back closes the rear, while each shelf opening remains accessible from the front.
Device desk cubby — connectionsDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Open cubby · connection detailsFront opening · shelves span between the side walls360 mm300Bond shelf ends to both sides and rear edges to the back. Setequal openings with spacer blocks before attaching the top.Joint reference spans · length × width (mm)P + L · 240 × 12P + B · 336 × 12B + L · 276 × 12H + L · 228 × 12H + B · 336 × 12T + L · 240 × 12T + B · 336 × 12
Device desk cubby — machiningDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Rectangular blanks · no grooves or notchesOpen cubby · 6 pieces · 12 mm plywood. Horizontal shelves spanbetween the side walls. The back closes the rear, while eachshelf opening remains accessible from the front.Follow the cutting map, then use the connection details forassembly.

No grooves or notches are required. Cut the rectangular parts, then follow the connection details.

Put it together

Device desk cubby — exploded assemblyDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Open cubby · Exploded assemblyP1T1L1L2B1H1360 × 240 × 300 mm · thickness 12 mmHorizontal shelves span between the side walls. The back closesthe rear, while each shelf opening remains accessible from thefront.Part labels match the cutting list. Use numerical dimensions.

  1. 1. Measure and mark

    Measure 12 mm main plywood. Mark every part and its grain direction; recalculate before cutting if either thickness changes. Measure the device case and plug together, and reserve the complete front cable route.

    Parts: P, T, L, B, H · Start here

  2. 2. Cut and label the blanks

    Follow the rectangular cutting map and label every instance. Machine the separate notches or grooves only after the blanks are cut. Follow the tool manufacturer’s setup and workholding instructions.

    Parts: P, T, L, B, H · After measure

  3. 3. Dry-fit the front-open case

    Check outside dimensions 360 × 240 × 300 mm and equal clear shelf heights of 132 mm. The back sits between the sides; the front stays open.

    Parts: P, T, L, B, H · After cut

  4. 4. Bond the bottom, sides and back

    Square the bottom, sides and back, then bond their contact edges. Leave the top off so every shelf joint remains accessible.

    Parts: P, L, B · After dry-fit

  5. 5. Fit the horizontal shelves

    Use paired spacer blocks to set each 132 mm clear opening. Bond shelf side and rear edges, and check their front edges are flush.

    Parts: H, L, B · After case

  6. 6. Close the top

    Bond the top onto the sides and back. Recheck squareness and each clear opening before the adhesive sets.

    Parts: T, L, B · After shelves

  7. 7. Cure, finish and check the fit

    Follow the adhesive cure instructions. Smooth edges, test the intended objects and apply a compatible finish without filling the clearances. Fit four felt pads. Use only for light desktop items; no load rating is provided. Keep adapters outside and cables at the open front. This is a storage cubby with no electrical or thermal rating.

    Parts: P, T, L, B, H · After top

Materials and supplies

  • Uses 1 standard sheet(s) and 0 existing offcut(s). Check your inventory before buying.
  • S1: 1 of 1 used · 1200 × 600 × 12 mm plywood (standard sheet).
  • Four self-adhesive felt pads.
  • Adhesive suitable for the selected plywood. Use the actual bond faces and the adhesive label; keep sliding and removable joints free of glue.
  • Compatible finish and abrasive. Keep joint clearances open after finishing.

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.

More for everyday

Open desktop tray — thumbnail assemblyDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Open tray · Assembled view400 × 250 × 100 mm · thickness 12 mm
Open tray

Open desktop tray

5 parts·12 mm plywood

Collect the things that otherwise remain scattered, then return the whole desk to use.

Clear opening 376 mm × 226 mm × 88 mm
Desk cable tray — thumbnail assemblyDimensions are in millimeters. Read the stated measurements; this drawing is not a full-size cutting template.Fixed dividers · Assembled view300 × 180 × 55 mm · thickness 9 mm
Fixed divider

Desk cable tray

6 parts·9 mm plywood

Separate data cables from charging cables and take one coiled lead without tangling the other group.

Clear opening 136.5 mm × 162 mm × 46 mm