Print PDF
Favorite
Email
I like to make stuff from cardboard. from cutting down a big box to a smaller one for shipping, to making props, storage solutions etc.
The hard part with corrugated cardboard is in bending it nicely. someone else has shown how to cut the inside ply and corrugations to make a neat bend, but I have a problem with that method. #1 it's weak, and #2 Have you ever seen a commercially made box made that way?
I used to try holding a yardstick down on it and bending up that way, but it was very unpredictable and often I got poor results. At some point I took a straight board and cut a bevel on one edge to crease the bend. it worked sorta. since the pressure was spread over a large area, I had to really lean on it hard. the sharp square end made it hard too extend the crease if a long fold was needed.
Recently, I had an epiphany! If a made the creaser curved like a pizza knife, it would apply the pressure to a small area at a time and it would require a lot less force to do the job. Also, if I needed a long fold, the curve would let me ease out of and back into the work for a smoother transition.
The hard part with corrugated cardboard is in bending it nicely. someone else has shown how to cut the inside ply and corrugations to make a neat bend, but I have a problem with that method. #1 it's weak, and #2 Have you ever seen a commercially made box made that way?
I used to try holding a yardstick down on it and bending up that way, but it was very unpredictable and often I got poor results. At some point I took a straight board and cut a bevel on one edge to crease the bend. it worked sorta. since the pressure was spread over a large area, I had to really lean on it hard. the sharp square end made it hard too extend the crease if a long fold was needed.
Recently, I had an epiphany! If a made the creaser curved like a pizza knife, it would apply the pressure to a small area at a time and it would require a lot less force to do the job. Also, if I needed a long fold, the curve would let me ease out of and back into the work for a smoother transition.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Lay it out
I used a scrap of MDF 1x6 trim board. Mostly because it's what I had and it's easy to work. also it's stable and wont cup or twist.any wood would work if it is flat. solid wood is stronger and hardwood probably would last longer.
I cut a piece about 18" long and about 4 1/2" wide.
To mark the curve, I put a small nail about 2" down from one edge, one on each end of my piece.
I then used a thin strip of wood about 1/4" thick and 3/4"wide as a spline and layed it against the two nails then bowed it to the curve I wanted and marked it with a pencil.
I cut a piece about 18" long and about 4 1/2" wide.
To mark the curve, I put a small nail about 2" down from one edge, one on each end of my piece.
I then used a thin strip of wood about 1/4" thick and 3/4"wide as a spline and layed it against the two nails then bowed it to the curve I wanted and marked it with a pencil.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
Another method that could work well would be a small wheel with rounded edges attached to a handle.
I used to work for a very large packaging company in Europe, making sample packaging from 8' x 4' triple fluted sheets, and a simple coin worked wonders when the usual tools went a wandering!
This looks a great tool for creasing a lot of cardboard though, and looks like it won't leave slight marks on the cardboard that an old coin often does.
I nearly didn't post one because I thought that, while the idea was innovative, the process was too simple.
That one got featured too. :)