This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a practical and stylish solution to workspace clutter, combining clean design with clever modular features.
Made from maple with contrasting wenge veneer accents, the tray not only keeps things tidy but also elevates the look of any desk. With thoughtful joinery and smart use of templates, Billy walks through how woodworking can solve everyday problems.
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Solving the Problem of Clutter
Like many woodworkers, Billy found himself buried under piles of tools and small items that made his workspace hard to use. Rather than buying a ready-made storage solution, he decided to build something custom.
The tray he designed allows for flexible organization by including different compartments that can hold everything from pens to business cards. The idea was to create something attractive and useful—something that could change as his needs changed.
Choosing Maple and Wenge for the Build
For the main material, Billy chose maple because of its clean, pale tone and smooth surface. Maple is durable and easy to work with, making it ideal for detailed projects like trays.
To add visual interest, he incorporated wenge veneer into the design. The deep brown color of wenge contrasts beautifully with the bright maple, giving the tray a refined, high-end appearance without making it overly complex to build.
Sketching and Mocking Up the Layout
Instead of jumping straight into cutting, Billy started by sketching his design digitally. He wanted five main compartments in the tray, each with a distinct function.
He printed out the layout full-size, giving himself the option to either cut directly from the paper or use it to make a reusable MDF template. He chose the latter for accuracy and repeatability.
Cutting the Tray Base and Template
Using the table saw, Billy prepared both a thick maple base and a thinner top panel. These pieces would later be laminated together after the cutouts were made.
Once the MDF template was complete, he traced the shapes onto the maple and used a scroll saw to cut them out. The rounded corners in each section required careful attention to detail, but the results were clean and uniform.
Adding Veneer for Contrast
With the cutouts complete, Billy turned his attention to the decorative wenge veneer. This material would line the inside of each tray section, adding depth and contrast to the overall design.
He cut the veneer slightly oversized, then trimmed it down to fit the rounded interior shapes. A quality veneer glue was used to bond the wenge to the maple surface, and Billy made sure to apply even pressure throughout the glue-up.
Clamping for a Solid Bond
To clamp the veneer evenly, Billy made custom clamping blocks that fit perfectly into each compartment. These blocks ensured that the veneer adhered flatly and without gaps.
He used Unibond One veneer glue for a strong, reliable bond. Once the glue set, the combination of materials created a polished look that was both subtle and striking.
Designing Custom Insert Pucks
To make the tray modular, Billy created several small pucks—round inserts made from maple with a wenge base. These could be placed in any of the compartments and used to hold various items.
Each puck was sized for easy swapping and could be customized depending on what Billy wanted to store. Some were designed for pens, others for cards or even candles. This made the tray more than just a fixed organizer—it became a flexible tool that could evolve over time.
Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
After all the parts were dry and trimmed, Billy glued the top and bottom panels together, carefully aligning the edges. He then sanded everything smooth, paying extra attention to the transitions between veneer and maple.
The tray received a simple finish that brought out the natural contrast between the wood species. The finished piece had a clean, modern look while staying highly functional for daily use.
A Project That Solves and Inspires
Billy’s goal wasn’t just to build something pretty—it was to solve a real problem in his workspace. This customizable tray hits the mark on both fronts, providing better organization and offering a visually appealing presence on the desk.
It also serves as a great gift idea or product to sell. With some adjustments, the same design could be adapted to fit kitchen drawers, entryway storage, or even jewelry.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.