MDF Drawer Organizers

[ben1000]

I'm looking into finally organizing the drawers in my rolling tool chest. I like the idea of tool foam but most all of it seems overpriced for what it is. As an alternative I'm considering doing the same thing using MDF and a router; cheaper, sturdier, and the MDF won't hold onto the tool like the foam could (for me this is an advantage of MDF).

Has anyone tried something like this? Any tips? The toughest part will be free-handing the router around the traced tool edges. The first tray will probably be pretty rough but should be OK by the time I do the last one; might even be able to burn tool sizes/labels with a woodburner (never have tried w/ MDF)

 

[redman43]

I've considered the same thing with MDF. I'm worried about moisture sticking around in the drawers, although I have no idea if that worry is founded or not.

 

[gatchel]

Post 47 in this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47412&highlight=Drawer+organizer&page=3

The whole thread is here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47412&highlight=Drawer+organizer

 

[redman43]

gatchel,
other than the void in the center of that tray, did you do anything with the MDF specifically for ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc? Or did you just do it for the sockets?

 

[ben1000]

Slow, dusty work but 3 are done. I wouldn't have thought of moisture but I'll probably varnish these to prevent any problems, as an added benefit that'll keep the MDF from soaking up grease from tools.

 

[Scout Driver]

That looks great ben1000!

Scott

 

[PAToyota]

Post 47 in this thread:

This will take you right to it: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=648875&postcount=47

 

[redman43]

ben1000, that looks great. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

 

[DanCo]

Great idea, but MDF is just paper when you think about it. Try using some plexi-glass, it takes paint well, if you paint from the underside. You've already got the high speed router set up. Just a thought.

 

[Ray-CA]

Take a look around this site: http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/QuickTricks/Organizer/organizer.html

Lots of neat tricks and stuff

Ray

 

[PAToyota]

I know that one of the things about using the foam is that it compresses so that you can wedge your fingers in alongside something to pull it out.

Most of the tools you have stick out above the MDF, so grabbing hold of them shouldn't be a problem. But for the items like the extensions that lay down in the recess - do you find it difficult to get them out at times?

I suppose that it would be possible for things like that to just cut out fingergrips to the sides of the object to grab hold of them...

 

[PAToyota]

Thinking some more and the other advantage of the foam is that it "grips" the tools so that they don't rattle around. Probably not a big deal with a stationary toolbox. Have to play around with this some to see what I think.