Have you ever tried to sort out and identify jeweler’s saw blades sizes it’s almost impossible. Without a way to keep blades sorted, they will inevitably get mixed together and it becomes a mess to sort. This problem occurred while cleaning out the work area.
This DIY organizer, provides 24 tubes to keep the different sizes separated.
This project uses one (1) 1/2” x 4” x 36” pine board which I found in my scrap pile.
This system of sorting can also be used to sort spices in the kitchen.

Supplies

1/2” x 4” x 36” square edge pine board.
24 Test tubes plastic with cork stoppers.
20 x 150 mm 35ml

3/16”, 1/4”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4” drill bits
Drill press
Square
Tape measure
Circle template
Pencil
Safety glasses/goggles
Orbital sander and sanding discs
Glue - CA Medium “Instaglue”
wood glue
Howard’s Feed and Wax:
Wood polish and conditioner

Step 1: LAYOUT and ROUGH-CUT

1. Using the drawing, layout the pieces
to be cut from the 1/2 x 4 x 36.
2. Layout “A and B” : 3-1/2” x 11-1/4”
Top and Bottom
3. Layout “C and D” : 3-1/2” x 4” Sides
4. Layout “E” : 1” x 3-1/2” (2 pieces)
Handles
5. Layout “F” : 1-3/4” x 3” (2 pieces)
Back supports for hanging
6. Cut the 8 pieces; “A, B, C, D, E, and
F” to size on print.

Step 2: LAYOUT “A and B” and DRILL HOLES

1. Layout the location of twenty four
(24), 3/4” diameter holes on “A”.
2. Place part “A” on top of part “B” and
tape the together.
3. When drilling through “A”, allow the
drill bit to drill half way through “B”.
This allows the drill tip to create a
divvet into part “B”. (For the bottom
of the test tube to sit into.)See photo
4. SAFETY FIRST: put on goggles 🥽
5. Start drilling the holes. I recommend
starting with a pilot hole, (3/16”) and
then increasing the size of the drill bit
used. I used a 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”,
and finally 3/4” drill bit.
6. If you have a Fourestner bit. The
holes may be easier to drill.
7. Remove the tape and separate A from B. Sand the edges of the holes and
divets.

Step 3: FINAL ASSEMBLY OF STAND

1. Mark attachment location of sides “D
and C” to “A and B according to
drawing.
2. I chose to use CA WOOD GLUE in lieu
of screws. It’s up to you. If fasteners
are to be used, I recommend;
#6-#8 x 1-1/4” brass cabinet screws.
3. Clamp the 4 sections together to set
overnight. (If glued)
4. Next, using CA WOOD GLUE, attach
two side handles, “E” and two rear
hanging blocks “F” as shown on
drawing and pictures.
5. Allow to dry overnight.
⚠️NOTE: CA WOOD GLUE is a super
glue for wood.
Follow manufacturer’s
Warnings and directions. ⚠️
6. CA GLUE dries within minutes so be
sure of your contact location.
7. Stand is now complete.

Step 4: FINISHING DETAILS

1. Finish sanding all areas. Use 220grit
sanding disc or paper. Round off
edges of holes.
2. I used oil/wax to seal the wood. You
can also stain or paint the stand.
I personally would not paint this
project as the paint reduces the
diameter of the holes.
3. Label the test tubes and use them as
needed.
4. Load up the tubes with your
sawblades. See photo.
Make sure you place the cork on tightly.

Step 5: FINAL THOUGHTS

This test tube storage unit has many uses to name a few:
Jeweler saw blades
Spices
Miniature nuts, bolts, and screws
Miniature drill bits
Quips
Grow seedlings
Dried floral arrangements
Paint palet
Candy
and many more.

There are various sizes of tubes available.

This particular application (storing saw-blades) solved the problem. 👍