Since Father’s day is right around the corner, I thought I would make a beer caddy for my dad who loves IPA. This is also my first attempt at making a tabbed box, and I used the inkscape plugin to create the base box and then imported into Illustrator to make the rest of the modifications. I ordered a pack of wall mounted bottle openers from Amazon, as I knew that this probably wouldn’t be my last caddy. I engraved “Dr. Mikkelson’s Genuine IPA Emergency Elixir” on the sides with a old picture of my dad from the 70’s. I used Owyn’s Hickory for the outsides, and some Owyn’s Mahogany for the dividers. The pieces are really tight, except for the handle, which I messed up on the slot for the width, so there is a little play. I did not use masking, as I wanted that burned patina look, and I’m happy with the results.
These files are available on Etsy. The original free version on this was removed due to multiple people violating forum rules and selling these in their shops. Sorry.
No proofgrade. 1/4" Hickory from Owyn’s. I’ve stopped buying anything except for draftboard from because of warping. The Owyn’s boards I’ve received so far have been really nice.
Zipped file worked perfectly. Thank you! Very generous of you to share your design. Sincerely appreciated. Really does make a great ‘take it to a party and leave it for the host’ gift.
For this wood and this design I like the decision to go unmasked. The stars on the dividers are a nice touch.
Have you tried the bottle opener? Before seeing your post I’ve seen bottle openers on non-laser made beverage caddies constructed from thicker material. I’ve been wondering how 1) 1/4" wood would stand up to the pressure and 2) how well 1/4" fasteners would stand up to the pressure.
I have not tried the opener yet, but the top screw is mounted to the handle and the bottom screw going through the 1/4" hickory into some backing material for additional strength. I plan on getting a bolt with lock nut to replace the bottom screw, but the current mounting solution seems solid. I’ll open a test beverage tonight and see how it works.
