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Step 4Hybrid Structures
By combining the high compressive strength of corrugated cardboard and the high tearing strength of another sheet material, like chipboard, new possibilities open up.
For the cardboard cantilever chair, the six continuous pieces on the outsides were laser-cut from 1/4" chipboard. They sandwich a two-inch thick layer of corrugated cardboard. The inside pieces are not continuous; each consists of four striaght pieces interlocked and glued together. I have used many glues in these chairs, but plain old white glue or wood glue work the best, are the cheapest, and the easiest to clean up.
The corrugated cardboard supports the weight of the sitter, while the chipboard pieces act as gussets to prevent the back from tearing away as the sitter leans back. The cross-sections of the pieces also get thicker towards the center so as to put more support where there is more weight. Aforementioned printing tubes hold the pieces together without any glue, just friction. A few coats of polyurethane will extend the life span of the chair and give it a nice smooth finish.
Despite the fact that this chair is "paper", it achieves a version of the classic modern form, the cantilever. Cardboard is strong and versatile, as long as you work within the known confines of the material and find creative ways to deal with its limitations.
The lounger-type chair is a hybrid of masonite and cardboard, with the same organizing principles as above. Machine bolts both hold the layers together and penetrate the webbing to keep it from tearing out.
So, some ideas for all the cardboard out there: Look for boxes from certain stores and play with the graphics on the outside. Use tubes to make a conventional four-leged chair. Mix and match plywood, masonite, chipboard, tubes, and corrugated. Use corrugated plastic and rig a light inside so it glows.
Just watch out for papercuts and be careful with that boxcutter . . .
For the cardboard cantilever chair, the six continuous pieces on the outsides were laser-cut from 1/4" chipboard. They sandwich a two-inch thick layer of corrugated cardboard. The inside pieces are not continuous; each consists of four striaght pieces interlocked and glued together. I have used many glues in these chairs, but plain old white glue or wood glue work the best, are the cheapest, and the easiest to clean up.
The corrugated cardboard supports the weight of the sitter, while the chipboard pieces act as gussets to prevent the back from tearing away as the sitter leans back. The cross-sections of the pieces also get thicker towards the center so as to put more support where there is more weight. Aforementioned printing tubes hold the pieces together without any glue, just friction. A few coats of polyurethane will extend the life span of the chair and give it a nice smooth finish.
Despite the fact that this chair is "paper", it achieves a version of the classic modern form, the cantilever. Cardboard is strong and versatile, as long as you work within the known confines of the material and find creative ways to deal with its limitations.
The lounger-type chair is a hybrid of masonite and cardboard, with the same organizing principles as above. Machine bolts both hold the layers together and penetrate the webbing to keep it from tearing out.
So, some ideas for all the cardboard out there: Look for boxes from certain stores and play with the graphics on the outside. Use tubes to make a conventional four-leged chair. Mix and match plywood, masonite, chipboard, tubes, and corrugated. Use corrugated plastic and rig a light inside so it glows.
Just watch out for papercuts and be careful with that boxcutter . . .
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Jul 17, 2008. 6:22 PMlupinesoul
says:
Looks lightweight... Perfect for going on a little rampage when you have company over! xD
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Jul 17, 2008. 1:47 PMGrey_Wolfe
says:
Eh, cardboard papercuts, makes me glad I'm not a stocker anymore.
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