If you're a maker, they you probably have acquired a vast assortments of parts, screws, widgets and assorted random bits. And if you're like me, then they've all disappeared into cabinets and drawers, never to be found when you really need them.
I decided to organize all my parts into bins that allow me to easily see in a glance what parts I have. At first I was going to build standard shelving, but then I came upon a solution that's inexpensive, easy, flexible and fast. And it looks pretty cool, too!
I decided to organize all my parts into bins that allow me to easily see in a glance what parts I have. At first I was going to build standard shelving, but then I came upon a solution that's inexpensive, easy, flexible and fast. And it looks pretty cool, too!
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Signing UpStep 1: The storage bins...
The key to this project is the bins. I picked up these made by Akro-Mils at a local Grainger store. They're also available on the web for $0.90 each, in cases of 24. This is the model that is 5.5" deep by 4" wide by 3" tall. Blue, yellow and green.
The key feature for the bins is the hook along the back, that is designed to fit into their shelving systems.
These bins also have a 3" by 1" slot in the front for a label.
Other brands & models may work well, but I can vouch for these.
The key feature for the bins is the hook along the back, that is designed to fit into their shelving systems.
These bins also have a 3" by 1" slot in the front for a label.
Other brands & models may work well, but I can vouch for these.
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I'm using J-channel from the drywall section of home depot, it is about $2 for 10ft.
"How? What? You could have waited!"
"You'd only get in the way," I say.
I've been doing it solo for 15 years...
It's almost easier when you're trying to balance the length of wood/flash/bracket/whatnot and the level and the pencil and the drill as opposed to just the pencil.
ha!
http://www.akro-mils.com/industrial/coupon_display.asp?id=59
I got a few bin lids for some (different sized) bins, and they work well enough. They're clear, high-impact plastic so you can see into the bins, but they should keep pretty much all the dist out. Of course, they do prevent you from overfilling the bins, but that shouldn't be a huge issue.
And a dust collection system is always a good idea, not just for keeping your parts clean but for your overall respiratory health as well.
As a 'beader' jewelry making, I have a lot of boxes but they are not accessible and not so visible!
I keep the beads in boxes that are transparent and divided, and also little transparent plastic bags, and every type of beads in a larger plastic bags, so every time I need beads I spend a lot of time looking for them. It is tiring makes the planning cumbersome and takes out all the fun of the creativity that I love very much!
I am in a very large community of beaders in my country and all over the world, we are all connected more or less together. I am sure all of them will be glad to have a solution for this problem!
One trick for storing stuff is to use either hooks, or put 6" nails in but with a bend to stop stuff falling off in a quake.
I suppose if I filled a few bins in a row with slugs of lead there could be a stress failure, but I'll avoid that use case. :) As it is I've had bins filled with screws on there for years and it hasn't been a problem.
http://www.akro-mils.com/industrial/coupon_display.asp?id=59
They come in a very wide range of sizes and colors. Other brands will probably work just as well but I can vouch for these.
I get them at a B2B distributor called Grainger ( http://www.grainger.com ), which has pretty good prices and availability on a wide assortment of industrial products that can be really hard to find. They're all over the world, so there's probably one nearish you.
Complete tangent here: You need a business license to shop at Grainger and most other B2B stores, so get yourself a business license. A business license is something EVERYINE should have, even if you don't own a business. It gets you all sorts of perks and benefits once you start looking for them, and they're only about $40/ear in most states. If you don't have a business, then you just have to file a "No business activity" tax return every year.