1. Design Integration (The "Reference" Phase)
Original Reference: Students must use the "Standard Tote" design as the foundation (angled or straight ends, 5/8" solid stock for the body, and 1/4" solid stock for the bottom).
Design Modifications: Students must modify the overall length, width, and height from the class sample. Additionally, students must choose one functional or aesthetic change:
Add a center partition (fixed or removable).
Change the handle style (e.g., a dowel handle vs. a cutout hand-hole).
Add a specific decorative element (e.g., custom end-profile shapes or branding).
Material Constraints: All designs must fit within the standard shop supply sizes. Side and end stock is typically 5/8" thickness; bottoms are 1/4".
2. Technical Drawing Requirements
Every student must produce a complete drawing set, including:
Multi-View (Orthographic): A standard 3-view drawing (Front, Top, Right Side). Note: If using angled ends, the Right Side view must clearly show the slope.
Isometric View: A 3D pictorial view showing the tote in its fully assembled state.
Exploded View: A 3D view showing all parts (Sides, Ends, Bottom, Handle/Dowels) pulled apart but aligned along their axis of assembly. Each part must be labeled (e.g., Part A: Side).
Section View: A "cut-through" view showing how the bottom panel is housed (e.g., the dado or groove depth) and how the handle is joined to the ends.
3. Dimensioning Standards
Accuracy: Dimensions must be provided to the nearest 1/16"
Clarity: Use proper extension and dimension lines. Avoid "double-dimensioning" the same feature in different views.
Cut List vs. Assembly: Include overall dimensions for the finished unit and specific "net" dimensions for each individual part before assembly.
4. Documentation & Portfolio
Bill of Materials (BOM): A table listing:
Part Letter/ID
Quantity
Part Name (e.g., "Sloped End," "Long Side," "Dowel Handle")
Final Dimensions (Length x Width x Thickness)
5. Quality Benchmarks (Grading Criteria)
Alignment: Orthographic views must align perfectly (Top view directly above Front, Right Side to the right of Front).
Handle Ergonomics: The handle height and hand-clearance must be clearly dimensioned to ensure it is actually functional for a human hand.
Readability: The "Shop Mate Test"—if a peer cannot build this exact tray using only your drawings without asking you a single question, the documentation is considered incomplete.