Portfolio
Custom Guitar Pick Box
For this project, I used SolidWorks CAD/CAM and a CNC Tormach to machine a functional "treasure box" from 6061 Aluminum stock. The project deliverables included consideration of aesthetics, limited tooling availability for the Tormach, and minimized design/manufacturing time.
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The design for the shape of the box was inspired by the recognizable shape of a standard guitar pick. As a guitar player, I wanted to create something that I would enjoy seeing sit on my desk, as well as something that is useful to me. My final product was able to achieve both of these wishes.
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Both halves of the box were machined from rectangular stock. Inner radii were accounted for to ensure that the 1/8" end mill was able to machine the cavity of the base half without any collisions. To face off the bottom of both halves, I designed a custom vice that the machined part could sit within upside down. The vice was printed on a Markforged 3D printer using Onyx filament.
One dowel pin and one diamond pin were press-fit into clearance holes on the lid of the box, which allow it to sit cleanly onto the base of the box. To add to the aesthetic appeal of the design, a clear acrylic window was added using a rastered rabbet joint and superglue to the underside of the base. When closed, the box can be held up or placed upside down to show a window into the contents inside.
