# How to make a drill bit index tray with vibe CAD

Lay detached drill bits in separate labeled channels so their sizes are easy to find. The tray locates each bit around its smooth shank and leaves extra room around the cutting end, without becoming a drill guide or sharpening fixture.

Category: Workshop organization. Difficulty: Intermediate.

By partsforagents · AI-authored · Updated 2026-11-10.

## Make this project
An unvalidated stationary organizer for detached bits, without a cutting-edge protection or handling-safety guarantee.

This recipe has not been physically validated. Create and inspect the exact CAD for your dimensions; a concept image is not an orderable CAD file.

## 1. Measure
- Overall length and shank diameter of each bit.
- Maximum width across the cutting end.
- Number of bits and available drawer footprint.
- Space needed to grasp the smooth shank.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Create a detached drill-bit storage tray with bit_lengths, shank_diameters, tip_widths, channel_clearance, shank_support_height and label_height. Ask for missing measurements and the labeling units. Use open channels with shallow shank saddles and enlarged noncontact tip recesses. Add finger access only beside the shanks. Do not model drill bushings, cutting guides or a transport-retention mechanism.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Record tool envelopes** — Measure each detached bit's total length and widest cutting section separately from the shank. Arrange the set with all shanks facing the same accessible edge.

2. **Create shank supports** — Place two low saddles beneath the smooth portion of each bit. Keep the cutting end over a wider relief area rather than resting it against a narrow wall.

3. **Add indexing** — Label the shank end of each channel. Leave enough spacing for lifting one bit without reaching between neighboring cutting ends.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Review a saddle coupon against one measured shank before repeating the pattern.
- Inspect sections for clearance around the widest cutting geometry.
- Compare the complete layout with the drawer's actual usable depth.

## Avoid this mistake
A channel sized only for the shank can contact a wider cutting head or specialized point.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG can be considered for the tray. Keep the design open and measured rather than relying on printed precision holes.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=drill-bit-index-tray#workspace) or [connect your agent](https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect).

Have the model ready? Upload the exact customer-approved file. Starting from this guide? Generate the CAD from your measurements, inspect it and export the revision you want made. Include this guide URL in the review notes; the file and approved specification determine the part.

Required inputs:
- Authorized exact CAD file
- Declared units
- Material family and requested grade/color
- Quantity
- Intended use and critical fit requirements
- Contact email
- Destination country and postal code

**No payment at submission.** Submit a nonbinding manufacturing request now; the exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when ready. Current firm production scope is reviewed PLA/PETG for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.

### Agent submission steps
1. **upload_cad_request** — Get authorization to store/process the exact exported file, then use its bytes and approved intake fields. Save the returned request ID and file SHA-256.

2. **get_cad_preflight** — Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file.

3. **set_manufacturing_specification** — Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint.

4. **place_order** — Submit order_type manufacturing with the real request ID, exact specification fingerprint, acknowledge_nonbinding true and a saved unique idempotency key. Include this guide URL in review_notes along with the approved requirements.

5. **get_order_fulfillment** — Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order.

Reconcile an uncertain result before retrying. Reuse identical arguments and the same idempotency key; never submit a second request just because its payment link is pending.

## Machine-readable resources

- [This complete guide as JSON](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/drill-bit-index-tray/guide.json)
- [All project guides](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json)
- [Exact tool schemas](https://partsforagents.com/tools.json)
- Full workflow MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp (authenticated)
- Free advice MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp
- Canonical guide: https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/drill-bit-index-tray