Notebook desk cubby
Pull a flat notebook stack from the front of a desk cubby without lifting a taller neighboring stack. All files are free, including your customized plan.
Pull a flat notebook stack from the front of a desk cubby without lifting a taller neighboring stack.
Two horizontal openings give flat notebooks separate access paths and avoid relying on soft covers to stand upright.
For Someone switching between a current notebook stack and reference notebooks. Default clear opening: 336 mm × 238 mm × 142 mm.
Adjust dimensions and stock ↓Measure before you start
- Measure the widest closed cover with bookmarks contained.
- Measure the normal stack height and the hand space needed above it to pull it forward.
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
- Keep the active stack in one opening and reference notebooks in the other.
- Pull the selected stack forward onto the desk rather than tugging a single soft cover.
- Return the stack flat and leave the opening below the shelf clear.
What a useful result needs to do
- Both notebook stacks enter from the front without bending their covers.
- A hand can grip the back of a stack or its edges without hitting the shelf above.
- The cubby sits flat on a level desk with only light contents.
If the fit is wrong
- If the hand space is too tight, reduce stack height or increase the planned opening.
- If the unit rocks, empty it and check squareness and the desk surface before use.
Your parts
| Part | Cut length | Cut width | Thickness | Qty | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 mm | 250 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 360 mm | 250 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 250 mm | 296 mm | 12 mm | 2 | Along length | |
| 336 mm | 296 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length | |
| 336 mm | 238 mm | 12 mm | 1 | Along length |
Item allowance: A short stack of closed notebooks lies flat in each horizontal opening — 300 × 210 mm, plus 10 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 | 255 | N2 | N3 |
| C2 | N2 | vertical | 365 | N4 | N5 |
| C3 | N5 | vertical | 728 | N6 | N7 |
| C4 | N3 | horizontal | 554 | N8 | N9 |
| C5 | N8 | vertical | 341 | N10 | N11 |
| C6 | N7 | horizontal | 243 | N12 | N13 |
| C7 | N12 | vertical | 1067 | N14 | N15 |
| C8 | N11 | vertical | 594 | N16 | N17 |
| C9 | N17 | vertical | 847 | 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 closed cover, usual stack and hand access together before choosing the shelf height.
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 × 250 × 320 mm and equal clear shelf heights of 142 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 142 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. Use on a level desktop with small light notebook stacks. Do not hang, stack or climb on 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.