Different way of making Sysport drawers

[nclemmons]

Below are two sketchup drawings of a revised method of making drawers for the Systainers.  I made a Sysport similar to what others have done, making the drawers out of framed 3/4 inch material with 1/8 or 1/4 inch bottoms.  Then I realized I could save some material and weight, and effort with an alternative design.

The bottoms can be either 3/4 or 1/2 inch ply.  The fronts and back are 1/4" x 16" x 1 1/2" pieces that are glued and pinned to front and back.  The sides are simply the full extension drawer slides that are screwed to the bottoms.  The Systainer is held in place with two 3/16" dowels that are drilled into the base to match the indentations on the back of the Systainer.  These dowels are highlighted in red in the drawings.  If you have a Domino, you can use two Dominos.  They don't have to be glued in which allows them to be removed for flexible storage.  i chose to make the drawers deeper to store supplies or sandpaper at the back.  Or you make them just deep enough for the Systainer.

This is a much faster way to build the drawers, and seems to be more than adequate for holding the Systainers.

I'm debating building a full set under my MFT while also raising the MFT table a few inches to accomodate maximum Systainer's underneath.  Right now, I'm thinking I have room to put three Systainers side by side that are back-to-back.  Should accomodate plenty of storage.

Hope this is helpful to others.

Neil

 

[Michael Kellough]

Neil, those are really fine illustrations!
How long have you been using SketchUp?
Are you using the pro or free version?

 

[jimwho]

Very neat idea. I think it is sleek and very clean looking. I am in the process of reorganizing my shop and was thinking of something along your lines in terms of height. I wanted something lower at the same height of the MFT so I could use the top as an extension of the MFT as well as using it for holding partially assembled pieces. I don't like the idea of using the space under the MFT as I use my clamps from the bottom often. It is not at the top of the list currently so I will keep reading and gathering ideas.

I would also like to know how long you have been using sketch up and witch version. The drawings are great.

Thanks again

Jim Marsh 

 

[nclemmons]

Thanks for the comments - I've been using Sketchup for about a year - the free version.  I haven't seen reason to upgrade, as the upgrade primarily offers more file export capabilities and everything I do is within Sketchup or a printout from it. 

After drawing a few projects with Sketcup, it finally "clicked" how to use it effectively.  The key is making use of components for rapid reuse.  Plus the design forums on familwoodworking and sawmillcreek have a pretty active group for learning and answering questions.

As for those drawings, the Systainers were pre-drawn and I picked them up from one of the forums and added them to my library. 

I'll post the Systainer components here for others to use when I get home.

Neil

 

[jimwho]

Thanks for the direction to the other sites regarding sketch up. I have only used it once and I was not very good so I need to practise and need a place to learn.