The Cloud: Information Storing Wall Art

Partially inspired by this comic: http://xkcd.com/908/, it's a storage device in the form of art, to store your information storage device. It's designed to be mounted on a wall, with a USB cord dangling down invitingly.

You need:
Laser cutter
1/4" plywood
Mass storage device
USB extension cable
Wood glue
Clamps

I made it at TechShop!

Step 1: Design cover and box

Designed to fit a portable hard drive.
I've attached my .ps file.

Step 2: Cut it out!

I used an Epilog 120W Engraver at speed 17, power 70, and frequency 500.

Step 3: Assemble

Use wood glue to attach the front plate to the panel with holes in it.
Use wood glue again to add the sides and bottom, then the back.
DO NOT glue the top on; leaving this open allows you to insert and remove storage devices at will!

Step 4: Insert media

The hole in the bottom is sized to allow a USB cable to pass through.

Step 5: Put The Cloud on your wall- see what people do!

If you make this and have any interesting reactions, please comment!

It would be really fun to have something autoplay from inside the box...

Comments

[Yerboogieman]

That comic is one of my favourites from xkcd.

[mickeypop]

I have seen projects with laser cut cases similar to yours on the web.

What software did you layout the interlocking edges with?

I have seem many such box designs but no info on how to layout
the cutting design or the available software.

[SelkeyMoonbeam]

I actually just did it by hand in Inkscape after thinking it out... the kerf from the laser cutter was just right to make them fit together without any designed-in tolerances. I believe there is also a version of 123D make which will do this for you (though as far as I am aware, it is not yet released to the public).
Referenced here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Cut-Tea-Light-Candle-Holders/step1/3D-Modeling/

[mickeypop]

Thanks for the REF link. I made contact and am experimenting with the beta.

It offers a way to automate finger joints. What a time saver.

[thietkenha]

Great design

nội thất
thiet ke noi that

[electfire]

Love it!
I have always disliked the "Cloud" in favor of more physical (and local) storage.

[jameso]

What kind of results have you had so far?

[Terranan]

Awesome project!

I want to make one with a retractable cord, now!

And maby pixel art clouds. :P

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Brilliant idea and awesome design :)