Prototyping with MDF and Wood
This week, I'm working on two more book models- one using MDF and the other cherry.
Since the MDF is only 1/4" thick (and cut completely through with the laser), I glued a piece of binder's board to the back cover.
In general, I found the MDF pretty easy to work with. I did, however, end up revising my Inkscape design by lowering the cut-out for the Photon and widening the channel for the battery wires.
 |
| Reggie Pouliot: Carpenter Extraordinaire |
When I first imagined making an internet-connected book, I imagined it with wooden covers. Unfortunately, I lack carpentry skills.
I first got in touch with Reggie Pouliot, a master carpenter, after buying one of his beautiful hand-made cutting boards at a craft store.
When I told him about my project (and explained how much I disliked the smell of MDF), he told me that he could use one of the MDF pieces I'd cut with the laser cutter as a template for a hand router! The best thing about this was that by using a router, he could use a thicker piece of wood (3/8") and still make the 1/4" indentations for my electrical components!
 |
| The covers turned out beautifully! |
Surprisingly, I learned that neither copper tape nor conductive fabric tape adhere to wood very well. In hindsight, I should have tested this out long before I did!
This prompted me to try using Nori paste to glue paper to the wood before constructing the circuit.
