DIYLife
DIYLife
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Gravity-Fed Pod Tower

Gravity-Fed Pod Tower.xcs
Gravity-Fed Pod Tower
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser processing
Machine & module
xTool D1 Pro
20W
Compatibles · 3
Material used
1/2"(12mm) Black Walnut Plywood
1/4"(6mm) Transparent Acrylic
2
70

Information

      The Inspiration:
My goal for this round was to take the daily friction out of the "morning rush." Most coffee pod storage is either hidden in a messy drawer or takes up too much horizontal counter space. I wanted to design a solution that felt like a professional barista’s tool—vertical, sleek, and high-contrast—while honoring the organic beauty of the coffee plant itself.

Functional Innovation:
•	Gravity-Fed Efficiency: The internal channel is precision-measured for smooth pod delivery. By pulling from the bottom, the inventory naturally rotates, ensuring you never have "stale" pods at the back of a drawer.
•	Visual Inventory: The integrated clear acrylic window is a functional necessity, allowing the user to see exactly when it’s time to restock without opening a lid.
•	Minimalist Footprint: By moving to a vertical storage model, I’ve cleared nearly 20 square inches of counter space, perfect for compact "home cafe" setups.

Design Philosophy:
As part of my "DIY Life" brand, I believe storage shouldn't just hide clutter; it should celebrate the ritual. This tower turns your daily caffeine supply into a piece of botanical art.

    

Instruction

1

Step1

The Design Blueprint

To build this tower, you need 6 main pieces. Assuming standard Nespresso-style pods (approx. 37mm wide), use these dimensions:

1. Front Panel (The Face)

  • Outer Size: 80mm x 300mm.
  • The Window Cutout: Create a centered rectangle (or pill shape) that is 40mm x 240mm. Position it 20mm from the top.
  • The Dispenser Slot: At the very bottom, cut a semi-circle or rectangular notch (approx. 45mm wide x 40mm high) so you can reach in and pull a pod out.

2. Side Panels (x2)

  • Size: 60mm x 300mm.
  • The Engraving: This is where we place out coffee-leaf vine.

3. Back Panel

  • Size: 80mm x 300mm. (Plain solid piece).

4. Top & Bottom Caps (x2)

  • Size: 80mm x 60mm.
2

Step2

The Internal "Gravity" Rails

To keep the pods from twisting sideways, you must narrow the inside of the tower.

  • Draw two thin strips: 15mm (W) x 280mm (H).
  • Glue these to the inside of the Side Panels during assembly. This makes the internal width 50mm, which is the "sweet spot" for standard pods.
3

Step3

Cutting and Engraving:

  1. There are six main parts to cut, apart from the glide rails.
  2. Sides panes have engraving ehich you can change for your prefered image
  3. Use the recommended setting of your specific laser machine
  4. If you are using blue Diode machine, skip the Acrylic cutting part and using plastic film instead. 
4

Step4

Assembly Instructions

  1. Peel: Remove the protective film from the acrylic/wood.
  2. Dry Fit: Fit the Back, Sides, and Bottom together to ensure they align.
  3. Glue: Use acrylic cement (for acrylic) or wood glue (for walnut). Glue the Side Panels to the Back Panel first.
  4. The Window: Slide your clear acrylic piece (cut to 46mm x 246mm) behind the front face.
  5. Seal: Glue the Front Face onto the sides. Attach the Top Cap last.
Comments

Remixes

xTool Supplies Used in This Project

xTool D1 Pro
xTool D1 Pro
1/2"(12mm) Black Walnut Plywood
1/2"(12mm) Black Walnut Plywood
1/4"(6mm) Transparent Acrylic
1/4"(6mm) Transparent Acrylic

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