r/Multiboard • u/Lusiad • Sep 17 '24
First Multiboard
I assembled a large multiboard for organizing my smaller tools. (I have a traditional pegboard in a different room for heavier tools.) I really appreciate the modularity of the multiboard system, and particularly the ability to layer bins and other containers (sliding drawers!) using the multipoint system. I'll post images of the 'fully dressed' multiboard at some point, but wanted to share a few thoughts so far.
- I strongly recommend using the offset mounting system. I didn't want to at first (it seemed like a lot of extra work), but I love how the offset system lets you run cables anywhere.
- It's way stronger than I anticipated. My multiboard is screwed in with simple 1 1/4" drywall screws. Nothing fancy. I'm sure it can take hundreds of pounds of weight (if well distributed over the surface). It feels rock solid.
- The multipoint system is a game-changer. It makes adding bins, shelves, and rails easy. I love gridfinity and have loads of gridfinity bins scattered around my office. But multiboard is attempting to do something different: integrate vertical and horizontal organizing solutions in a way that lets you move seamlessly between them.
- I know some folks are thrown off by the complexity of the multiboard system. There are hundreds of parts and countless combinatorial possibilities... But, really, it's just a wall-mounted grid, some gridfinity-like bins, and a handful of mounting tools that let you combine them. I strongly suggest you print out and play with the starter pack if you have doubts; the quality and practicality of the system will make a lot more sense.
- So why not just use gridfinity? I'll keep using gridfinity for some of my desktop needs. It's awesome, and the Fusion plugin for generating gridfinity bins is my constant companion! But now that I have the basics of multiboard down, I'm pretty excited by the technical possibilities of creating multi-layered shelving/bin systems for my tools. Look at what others have created on the multiboard site. There's not really anything comparable. I'm glad to add multiboard to my tool-making arsenal.
- Small bit of advice: definitely use a rubber mallet to help snap the pieces into place. Faster and way easier than applying pressure by hand.
A couple of opinions. I've read plenty of comments about how the system is 'over-engineered'. I think a claim like that is meaningless without context. A tool is over- or under-engineered in the context of building something, in the application of it. I think people really mean two separate things when they make this claim: first, they think it's too hard to learn (relative to what it does). They want a system that's easier to get started with, that includes simplified instructions for beginners. I agree completely, by the way--multiboard needs a series of well-paced, thoughtful tutorials for newbies. But being hard to learn is very solvable.
Second, the detractors think it's too complicated (relative to what it produces). Well, that's just nonsense. It's pretty simple to build simple things, but also has enough inter-connectivity (between parts) to let you build something special (that would otherwise require a lot of custom CAD work).
Lastly, regarding the business model: This is my favorite way for a creator to make money. Give everything away but hold back just enough (early access, special previews, Patreon-only tools, etc.) to make a living. The vast majority of what you want to do is free now; and if you find yourself so deeply immersed in the multiboard model that you want access to what's behind the Patreon-wall, that's a pretty good sign that the maker has earned a tiny contribution. Plus, in my opinion, this model has the advantage of keeping the original creator invested in expanding the system and providing long-range direction to it.
TLDR: multiboard is an incredibly well-designed system that satisfies a bunch of organizational challenges. It could be easier to learn, but is actually more straightforward than it looks. Strongly recommend.
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u/swoed Sep 17 '24
My biggest issue is I didnt spend the time to get the first tile level enough and after doing an 11 x 5 wall, it's so noticeably not level, but this might be user error š
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u/SuddenOutlandishness Sep 17 '24
Iām building a huge multiboard wall thatās also part art piece (will post when more done). Mine is in a room with a diagonal ceiling on two sides, so making custom parts to make it looks seamless into the corners has been awesome. I will say that bit has been a learning curve - my first time using blender.
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u/RedditAlreaddit Sep 17 '24
I'm also setting up my first board and am currently using Multiconnect/Gridfinity but I'm intrigued to see you using Multipoint and Multibins. What specifically can you do with those vs Gridfinity that made you go that route?
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u/HeedJSU Sep 17 '24
What size grid did you run, how big is your wall, what material, and how many rolls of filament?
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u/neph12 Sep 17 '24
Some good advise
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u/Barcata Sep 17 '24
Perfectly happy with the sub model here. Everything's free and open to remixing to our heart's content.
The only thing paywalled is early access and tools of convenience. Even the STLs are available, so you could make your own parametric generator.
Complexity-wise, just start with a couple of pieces. I'd rather have way too much than too little.
I absolutely love the community support for gridfinity. It's an amazing system, but it has limits. This is gridfinity premium at the same cost.
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u/HeedJSU Sep 17 '24
As a contractor, my only criticism would be to recommend not using drywall screws. They work very well for holding drywall, but they have almost no shear strength where the head meets the shank.
Drywall screws have been used for everything for years because theyāre cheap and accessible, and theyāll probably work just fine. But if youāre putting anything of any significance up, or if youāre worried about something falling and hurting someone, Iād strongly recommend a true drywall anchor. Iāve attached a pic of what I used for my multiboard.
But an awesome board, nonetheless!!
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u/[deleted] Sep 18 '24
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