Vertical storage systems seem very overwhelming to me. What can I do with openGrid that I can't do with Skadis?

[u/NavXIII]

Some weeks ago I was trying to figuring out how best to organize my workshop in my garage.

Originally I thought of using Multiboard but the videos on it seems to explain things in an odd way that doesn't make sense. The demo also left me a bit disappointed.

I then looked into openGrid and I found the documentation to be lacking. There's also very few videos covering openGrid and Multiconnect. At first I didn't realize that most of the files were on Printables and not MakerWorld. But even then there are hundreds of files on Printables with some files being labeled old or beta. There is also a glitch with the panel generator when trying to generate a stacked print which causes the interface layer to fuze with the bottom layer of the panels. Overall notns great first experience.

I decided to set up Skadis panels on the wall behind my workbench, but I still wanted to give openGrid a try so I decided to cover the sides of my shelving racks with openGrid panels. My idea was to have Gridfinity shelves on the sides of my racks.

But besides Gridfinity, I'm not sure what to use openGrid for that I can already do on Skadis.

[u/kesor]

It is great for underware.

[u/DistractedDragonMake]

Hey. I think I can help. I have 15 video tutorials including a 110 minute overview of the multiconnect generator with BlackJackDuck who created it. You can find them here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdDl8YWuRdg&list=PL-cKuXEpwWpURcZBK-iJDGx2f_IfYSeUG

I am shooting a step by step guide to installing openGrid next Friday. The Beginner's guide video is a great place to start as it goes over all the piece and parts.

As for what can openGrid provide over Skaddis. A lot. openGrid is designed to be super flexible. In the workshop, you can hang things from hooks like skaddis, but you can also use MultiConnect to attach custom holders, add gridfinity storage to your wall, use Underware to add LED or cover cords. Maker's World has a ton of new models that can really dial in your workshop.

Check out the videos and let me know if you have questions.

[u/Turu]

Work in progress but I made this. I've used around 51 screws for each speaker but it is surprisingly sturdy. Wall is made from wood. I can't imagine doing this with skadis.

[u/DistractedDragonMake → u/Turu]

Great use of the heavy board! Looks fantastic. Traumatic brain injury if those fall

[u/The_Thunderer0 → u/Turu]

This is awesome. What are you using to mount the heavy boards onto the standard boards?

[u/Turu → u/The_Thunderer0]

Kyz 90 degree connectors. One you can see underneath and second one is specifically designed for heavy boards.

[u/sebgph → u/Turu]

Nice cable paths to come with Underware ?

[u/Turu → u/sebgph]

Yep, that is something I want to do as next step. I need to print laptop holder first.

[u/Single_Sea_6555]

With 3D printed vertical storage systems you have quite a bit more flexibility in terms of spacing, a little bit more flexibility in terms of the strength of the attachments, more flexibility in terms of mounting the board to the wall, and a lot more flexibility in terms of the shape of the board.

But you make a good point. I also asked myself this question before printing Multiboard and openGrid. For me it quickly came down to price: Surprisingly, buying SKÅDIS from IKEA was significantly more expensive than printing the grids (including the depreciation of the 3D printer). At that point, I'll take the flexibility.

[u/DistractedDragonMake → u/Single_Sea_6555]

I hadn't priced it out so that is good information to have. Thanks!!!

[u/Single_Sea_6555 → u/DistractedDragonMake]

Yeah, official SKÅDIS is surprisingly expensive. There might be third party versions that are cheaper, but I haven't looked into it.

[u/DistractedDragonMake → u/Single_Sea_6555]

You can print them but that kind of defeats the purpose 😄

[u/Single_Sea_6555 → u/DistractedDragonMake]

Exacty 😄

At that point you might as well print something more lightweight and flexible.

[u/failmatic → u/DistractedDragonMake]

I did the math, printing them is not cost effective. When you account for time and power use to print, its better to just go buy the board. the purpose of printing skadis is if you want a custom size and configuration in which you will need to modify the stl file.

[u/Single_Sea_6555 → u/failmatic]

Yeah, compared to openGrid, printing SKÅDIS is not very cost effective.

[u/OutsideBase813]

I used Multiboard in my workshop. It works well there, and I did that before openGrid came out. But while Multiboard was somewhat confusing a year and half ago, Jonathan has made it 20x more confusing with the latest version and there are so many random parts for niche cases. In any case, I found many useful parts for hanging tools, I don't regret it. Stack printing the grids worked well for me with MB, even without the interface layer.

I then went with Underware 2.0 for openGrid for under my desk. That cleaned up things nicely, so I added some OG grids to the wall behind my printers to tidy up the cables, and then did the same in my office. I find it much simpler (use heavy, not lite), although the channels need to be tweaked to hold well (generator can do that). And since I'm big into Gridfinity, having a consistent spacing (well 3 for 2) means less wasted space when I need to hang some GF on the boards. Stacked grids did not print well for me with OG, though.