LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Pete- it looks like things slot together? Resizing would change the slots?

True- you would have to account for that.
but you have to account for the size of the mateiral anyway.

Is resizing the slots above my pay grade? If I use 3mm ply? How does one "account" for the resizing? If this is too difficult to explain, I understand. I don't expect someone to teach me CAD. But, if it's easy, let's try!

RP

I was just thinking about this project today because of something I saw at the local mall (I know, who goes there... but I had to get my phone worked on at the Apple Store!). One of the food kiosk/stalls in the middle of the walkway had a slightly less intricate Eiffel Tower design where each major level of the tower had small little ledge/shelf arms added as part of the design. These arm pieces worked in conjection to hold up a square piece of acrylic that had a smaller square cut of of the center. This open internal square allowed the resulting acrylic frame piece to fit down over the tower, and then when in place it acted, it as a shelf where chocolates and pasteries were placed. It made for a very nice display. Sorry if my description is hard to follow but I couldn't take a picture since my phone was getting its battery replaced.

Robert Edington wrote: Thu Mar 05, 2020 Is resizing the slots above my pay grade? If I use 3mm ply? How does one "account" for the resizing? If this is too difficult to explain, I understand. I don't expect someone to teach me CAD. But, if it's easy, let's try!

RP

Robert. I can't recall exactly but I'm fairly sure the original files are for 3mm material (a couple of the slots were very slightly wrong and needed some adjustment). The total size of the thing when assembled is about 24". Maybe cut the base from the original files and see how the fit is?

Robert Edington wrote: Thu Mar 05, 2020 Is resizing the slots above my pay grade? If I use 3mm ply? How does one "account" for the resizing? If this is too difficult to explain, I understand. I don't expect someone to teach me CAD. But, if it's easy, let's try!

RP

I did a quick layout which may help- let me know if it is unclear please. I did it in the FAQ section as I think it is a common problem- I do it a lot and still miss things occasionally.

viewtopic.php?f=104&t=4613

If it helps at all, the slots of one of the upper panels are 2.997 mm wide which means that if you have a minimal kerf and the wood is pretty close to 3 mm thick, you'll be okay. My ply is usually 3.0 to 3.2 mm and my kerf is 0.115 to 0.150, giving me a 0.230 to 0.300 mm bit of leeway. I'd clip out a few slots and a few tabs on scrap to see how much sanding would have to be done.

I was able to download and cut the Eiffel tower from the Thunderlaser plan website. It came out great. I used 3mm ply. 15mms and 40% power for my chinese 50 (40) watt laser. My mA meter was steady at 9 mA. It didn't go together real easy, but just a tiny bit of sanding and I got it together.
Thanks everyone for your help.
RP

I was hoping I would be able to get back by the mall to snap a picture of the display design but I haven't been able to so. Here are some similar designs for inspiration.

One of the better designs:
https://store.artifacturestudios.com/pr ... cake-tower

A much simpler design:
https://www.restaurantware.com/tablewar ... count-box/