For the second homework, I chose to make a hollow box so you could store and display projects inside and on top of the box. I also added a lip around the top of the box so it could store small things without the risk of anything falling off.

I started by using makercase to create a 4in x 4in x 4in box.

I used Makercase to get a dxf file which I could edit to make the box I wanted. I estimated the kerf of the laser at 0.015in from previous experience which worked out very well to create snug joints. Estimating the kerf of the laser was risky because if it did not work I would have already used a lot of material, but I chose a kerf that would be on the larger size because it is better to have the kerf be slightly too big than too small.

I used Fusion 360 to adapt the dxf by cutting out the middle section of all of the side pieces and extending the top and bottom. Because I extended the top and bottom, I had to also extend the finger joints by adding one more at the top and bottom. I also used Fusion 360 to quickly check and make sure I did everything correctly by using the sketch to make a 3d model.

Besides an issue with the autofocus which made me come back the next day to laser cut the box, the actual laser cutting part was uneventful. However once I was done, the box fit together well.

One thing I would change if I did it again was to make sure to tape the wood to reduce the amount of burning on the wood, but overall I think it turned out very well.

Here is a picture of the laser cutter after I was done using it