On January 19, 2023, Elliot and Erin were walking in the shadows of Oshman city. To fight crime, they decided to make a BATBOX.
BATBOX PREPARATION
They found materials hidden in the streets:
- 9 x 14.5” long pieces of 1×4 bat lumber
- 6 x 12” long pieces of 1×4 rat lumber
- 4 x 10” long pieces of 2×2 fat lumber
Using long planks of wood, they measured each dimension then added a 0.25” to account for the kerf of the blade and any unlikely errors. After cutting and sanding, the materials were fully prepared.
BATBOX ASSEMBLY
BAT handles were perfect for aesthetic and practical purposes. Using the batman logo as an outline, four finger grooves were drilled into the planks. This would serve as an ergonomic solution for handles.
Next, they had to drill the frames of the box. Using the corner clamp, they lined up the planks, measured and marked screw placements, and drilled them. To create clean holes, they first hammered a point, drilled a pilot hole using a small drill bit, countersink using a bigger drill bit, and then drilled the screws in. The process was repeated for three frames. Bottom planks were then added to one of the frames.
For aesthetics, the box was routed using a simple fillet.
Yet, the box was too rough. Oshman city would be in pain. The box must be sanded and made smooth for the people. Via starting from 150 grit and then gradually moving up to 220 grit sandpaper, the city was safe.
Finally, they put in the four support beams. To ensure the spacing was consistent between the frames, they put planks and foam sheets between each layer.
BATBOX POST-PROCESSING
First, they masked the wood with a mysterious matte black.
Then, to mark the BATBOX with the Bat symbol, they cut vinyl stickers to use as outlines while spray painting.
They then applied the stickers above the handles and pressed down the edges tightly. They sprayed around the sticker using a Bat yellow spray paint. After drying, the sticker was removed.
Finally, they had one more step: protect BATBOX with matte clear polyurethane spray.
Then, it was finished. Oshman City would survive one more day.
BATBOX COST
- 1×4 Wood: 17.2 feet x $3/8 feet = $6.45
- 2×2 Wood: 3.42 feet x $3/8 feet = $1.28
- Wood Screws: 1/4 box x $10/box = $2.50
- Wood Stain: $7.47/can = $7.47
- Spray Paint: $6.48/can = $6.48
- Clear Polyurethane: $14.79/can = $14.79
- Labor: 8 hours x $15 = $120
TOTAL: $158.97
Not a bad price for justice.
