Miniature paint cubby
Read the paint codes from the front, take the session palette out, and return the closed bottles in color order. All files are free, including your customized plan.
Read the paint codes from the front, take the session palette out, and return the closed bottles in color order.
Two open shelves make a small set of bottle labels visible without reaching down into a deep lane. These are level shelves, not stepped display rows.
For A miniature painter preparing colors for a short painting session. Default clear opening: 336 mm × 188 mm × 132 mm.
Adjust dimensions and stock ↓Measure before you start
- Measure the tallest capped bottle in the set, including dropper tops.
- Arrange one visible row and check the combined row width with gaps for a finger grip.
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
- Face paint codes forward and assign each shelf a color group.
- Take the selected bottles to the painting surface before opening them.
- Close and wipe bottles, then return them to their places so missing colors stand out.
What a useful result needs to do
- The tallest dropper cap clears the opening during removal.
- Paint codes are readable without lifting the front row.
- A middle bottle can be taken without knocking its neighbors together.
If the fit is wrong
- If a second row hides labels, reduce the displayed set instead of packing the shelf more deeply.
- If tall bottles do not clear, increase the opening height in the planner before cutting.
Your parts
| Part | Cut length | Cut width | Thickness | Qty | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 mm | 200 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 360 mm | 200 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 200 mm | 276 mm | 12 mm | 2 | Along length | |
| 336 mm | 276 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 336 mm | 188 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length |
Item allowance: Closed small paint bottles stand upright in one visible row per shelf — 40 × 40 mm, plus 12 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 | 205 | N2 | N3 |
| C2 | N2 | vertical | 365 | N4 | N5 |
| C3 | N5 | vertical | 728 | N6 | N7 |
| C4 | N3 | horizontal | 484 | N8 | N9 |
| C5 | N8 | vertical | 341 | N10 | N11 |
| C6 | N7 | horizontal | 193 | N12 | N13 |
| C7 | N12 | vertical | 1067 | N14 | N15 |
| C8 | N11 | vertical | 544 | N16 | N17 |
| C9 | N17 | vertical | 747 | N18 | N19 |
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 12 mm main plywood. Mark every part and its grain direction; recalculate before cutting if either thickness changes. Measure the tallest capped paint bottle and mock up one visible row with finger gaps.
Parts: P, T, L, B, H · Start here2. 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 measure3. Dry-fit the front-open case
Check outside dimensions 360 × 200 × 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 cut4. 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-fit5. 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 case6. 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 shelves7. 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. Return only closed clean bottles and keep mixing or rinsing outside the cubby.
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.
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