This week, we were tasked with creating a box using the OEDK’s laser cutters. I was particularly excited to use the laser cutter on my own for the first time, as well as learn how to etch with the laser cutter. I started on makeabox.io, a tool for easily designing laser cut boxes that can fit very well. I designed a box with outer dimensions of 4.5″ x 4.5″ x 4.5″, and I found the McMurtry college crest as well as the MOB (Marching Owl Band) logo to add to my box.

Upon first cutting the box out and attempting to assemble, I realized that I had still underestimated the kerf (cut thickness) at about 0.006″, because the box did not fit together whatsoever. After increasing the expected kerf in makeabox.io to about 0.008″, I completed the cut again. This time, the box fit together much better (though not perfectly). I chose to start learning how to engrave on my wood pieces. I started on my first failed cut, and I messed around a bit with the speed of the tool head as well as the power setting. It was extremely cool to see the laser cutter working more like a printer than a cutting tool, and soon enough, I had engraved the McMurtry crest into the wood! I adjusted the settings slightly, and then began the engraving on my actual box.

I was very happy with how the engraving turned out, and I felt proud to complete my box. I assembled it and gave it a good pat of approval.

Cost analysis

Wood: About $15 for one sheet of wood.

Labor: 1.5 hours, $10/hr: $15

Overall, the cost to produce this box was about $30.

 

-Kenton Roberts