Fly Trap

Step 4 Cutting and forming the funnel

To form the funnel, you will need to determine the size you wish to use. Take your compass or large circle, and map the size of the "pie cut" you will need to form the funnel. Obviously the funnel has to be able to cover the mouth of the jar completely. You will need, at most, a half circle of screen. A semi-circle will produce a short squat funnel. The larger the diameter of that circle, the longer and thinner you can make the funnel.

Roll the screen around to shape the funnel and place it in the jar to see how large you would like it to be. The longer the funnel, the harder it is for the files to get out of, however it will be harder for them to get into as well. In contrast, a shorter funnel will channel the files in more quickly, however the decreased surface of the outside will allow them to more easily find their way back out.

Even the straight edges, trim to an overlay 1 cm (1/2 inch) of the screen, and taking the needle and thread lubricated with beeswax (Beeswax sticks the thread together and stiffens it, making it easier to work with.), stitch a knot at the edge to secure it. Then stitch it closed toward the tip of the funnel. When you get close to the tip of the cone, trim the tip to allow a 6 mm (1/4 inch) hole. Continue the stitching to the end, double the stitch back toward the edge of the cone about 2 cm (1 inch) and knot it there using a double half hitch.

Take the plastic cement and dissolve some with the thinner. It should be very thin, useless for gluing plastic models together. Paint your knots with this, allowing it to soak into the knot and set aside to cure. This will keep the knots from unraveling.