Dovetail crates using parametric model

[EricSchimel]

Hey all, I make a fair number of dovetailed crates using the Vectric Dovetail gadget:

http://gadgets.vectric.com/V9/dovetail.html

I make these whenever I ship one of my installations around the country.

While this method has worked for me on many crates I wanted to see if I could make it better. I ended up using OnShape to design fully parametric crates. I've done this before in other programs with not great results. OnShape is really reliable in rebuilding the crate sizes on the fly.

Essentially I can design a custom crate now in just a couple of minutes instead of hours before. And because it's all pre-programmed it comes out correct every time.

Here's a quick video of the process: https://youtu.be/jsJ9xcFYMEM

Thought you'd all enjoy. I always think it's cool to be able to make a dovetail with an endmill!

[Bobtail Farms]

Thank you!

[guitarwes]

That's very cool. There is a Box Creator gadget on the Vectric site also. I may have to try this.

[EricSchimel]

I used to use that gadget a lot. The biggest thing that makes it hard is that you can't move the dovetail toolpath that the gadget creates. Just the other day I did 10 sheets worth of crates and not being able to move the toolpaths makes it hard.