Introduction
This project involved cutting a box that was laser cut together. The project appeared simple but required a surprising amount of precision to get the box to fit together.
Step 1: Design
I used MakerCase to generate the SVG of the box. MakerCase asked for a variety of inputs. The box’s size was predetermined by the assignment to be 4″ x 4″ x 4″. I measured the wood of the box to be about 0.19 in thick. I set the tabs to be evenly sized tabs with 5 total tabs per edge. Finally I set a kerf of 0.0015″ which I got from looking at other student’s blog posts. Once the outline of the box was created I added Duncan’s crest and my name and Illustrator, and the box was ready to cut!
Step 2: Laser Cutting
The great part about laser cutting is once you have the file cutting is easy! I cut out my part using the settings listed on the shelf for cutting 1/4″ plywood.
My box fully cut out!
Step 3: Assembly
Assembly was a little difficult but with lots of love (excessive force) the box was put together.
My final box!
Reflection
Overall I enjoyed this project and it made me much more confident with the laser cutter which is a machine I was quite rusty on.
My final cleaned workspace!
Cost Analysis
105 square inches of wood: $0.68 (calculated as cut from 48″ x 96″ piece)
Labor $10 dollars per hour for 2 hours: $20
Machine Time: $5 (overestimate including electricity and maintenance)
Total: $25.68
