Well hello there! In the last few weeks, I have been exploring the world of MDF, more specifically, designing for laser cutting and creating DIY construction kits.
In this post, I will share with you that journey and the result!
Before I begin, let me tell you that I have included so many images that I have had to split this post over 3 pages so when you get to the end of this page, just use the handy page number links to skip onto the next page.
So, to the beginning of this design adventure!
Well, I decided some time ago that I wanted to create a platform for my Scan N Cut machine that would offer me several benefits.
Those were:
- A stable and level platform to use my machine on without having to use it on a table.
- A stable and level platform for the mat to run on at the front and back.
- A place to store accessories and mats.
So, I started the design process in Microsoft 3D Builder, a free 3D design tool bundled with Windows 10.
This software isn’t very technical but my goal was to work in three dimensions so that I could understand where parts connected and what dimensions would work.
A wee bit of tinkering later and I had my first draft.
Great to see it in 3D as I can zoom and pan around to check it all out.
Now to start mapping out the pieces in Adobe Illustrator. The reason that I chose to work in Illustrator was that it is the perfect and most professional tool for creating vector drawings which, when it came to last cutting, would be essential.
One thing crossed my mind at this point and this was that I didn’t know what size the MDF sheets would be that would be used to cut the design so I went on the hunt for a laser cutting company that did custom cutting services and found www.lasersmith.co.uk
Not only were they able to help with information on the sheet size but they were able to offer help on design parameters for submitting designs for cutting.
Armed with this information I returned to Illustrator and got plotting. *copious mouse clicking ensues.
Several attempts, and a little bit of swearing later, I again had a first draft of the cutting file.
Because of the size of the project that I was planning I had to spread this across two sheets of MDF.
Lines marked up as appropriate and files exported it was time to send this off to Laser Smith and get it cut!
What seemed like an incredibly speedy turnaround, especially considering the snow, there was a knock at my door and there stood a delivery guy with a large package in hand!
Stop sniggering you, naughty people.
No, it was this!
How piggin’ exciting!
Now, where the heck did I put my special parcel opening scissors? FYI, they are just the bog standard pair that I often think that I have stored in the kitchen drawers but often find somewhere else having used them to open some package or other.
After only a minor hunt as, oddly, I found them in the kitchen drawers (?!) and I was hacking away at the packaging with gay abandon.
The aroma of laser-cut MDF filled the air and I inhaled and exhaled at the joyful scent and the thought of putting together some flat pack. *happy sigh.
Double checking that all of the ‘bits’ were there, I grabbed my tacky glue and set to work.
Step 1. Glue in the support struts and then the middle shelf.
Step 2. Stick the sides and centre panels on. A little trickier as there were various tabs and slots to line up but it went together well.
Step 3. Stick on the front and back panels.
Almost done.
Step 4. Insert the tray tops, no glue this time as these will be removable so that I can access the storage trays, hence the finger holes – designed especially for podgey digits like mine.
Construction complete!
Time to see if it lived up to the three pre-requisites that I had designed it for…
PLEASE VISIT THE NEXT PAGE OF THIS POST BY CLICKING ON THE NUMBERED LINKS BELOW
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
That’s a great idea a place for everything (scanncut bits and bobs) and everything in it’s place I would love to have one maybe two one for the scanncut and one for my cameo 3 you have such great ideas
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant idea! Well done! It might be an idea to decoupage the lids with clocks, watches, cogs etc as this machine saves us so much time, though I would be tempted to zentangle it. Liz X
LikeLiked by 1 person
That….is…..AMAZING…..want one does not even cover just how many of these would sell overnight. Any chance we will be able to order them in the future?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so Sally. Just need to sort it out.
LikeLike
You have such a wonderful creative mind love this idea john by the way I currently store my SnC mats by hanging from back of craftroom have kept them in original plastic bag covering and hang with plastic trouser hanger
Let us know when you have your idea available
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m definitely in the queue!! Mx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want one too 🙂 How about decorating to match the design on the Scanncut?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done John, this is great just what us scan n cutters are looking for.Storage is always a problem for 12×12 mats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent. I would buy one. You’re so clever😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I am very impressed. Laser Smith is about 10 mins from me. Well don’t think it’s a franchise…. Had I known they were cutting something for you I would have popped in to see what was going on!
I love your design and it would be so useful so put me down for one. You really are a clever crafter! 😜 Plz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great design job John, you are such a clever chap xx hazel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant. Love the design, and of course want one…NOW!!!!! Seriously though John, will they be available? Love the storage, especially for mats
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so.
LikeLike
John this is amazing!!! I too would love to purchase a unit like this for my machine… but I live in the US and just the shipping alone would kill me. BUT I am so impressed!!!
I do keep my sNc on it’s own table… however, ‘stuff’ tends to build up around it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant With my limited space I can’t use the 12 x 24 mats so hurry up and get it sorted!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant John, would be interested as soon as you launch it for real.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea. You’re onto a winner. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a brilliant idea. I think you have come up with a winner. I would definitely buy one if you decide to sell them.
LikeLike
Brilliant John – you have another interested party if you manage to build in using the 12×24 mat :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I would definitely be interested in buying one from.you, if you do decide to manufacture. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m impressed. You never cease to amaze me, in fact I would go as far as very impressed. What overall size is it, or have I floated past measurements without taking it in? xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
710mm x 400mm
LikeLike
Thank you. I would definitely be interested in buying one from.you, if you do decide to manufacture. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great thinking John, looks amazing. Can you use this also on a stool?
I just wrote in the free svg file post that I wanted to use the file to make a stencil of it, perhaps you can do also and use it for decoration of this great workstation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s impressive John! Perhaps you could look at designing one for a Big Shot at some point in the future? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant idea John will there be an MDF section soon on your shop site please???
LikeLike
Not sure where things will be yet. Just getting the designs sorted first. :)
LikeLike
Oh and PS how about two extra platform boxes that are loose and could be added when cutting/scanning 24 length mats? or would these not be needed?
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was designed for using with 12×12 mats. Will look into alternatives once this one is proper sorted :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well im loving your design very well thought out
LikeLiked by 1 person
John are you going to sell these please? Because this is EXACTLY what I have been looking for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope to. This was a prototype.
LikeLike
Do a queue for pre orders!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or sell the design pattern?
LikeLike