The FabYearBook 2010 is a collection of projects, stories and photos from the global FabLab community. Follow these steps to laser cut and print the first edition of the FabYearBook!

Note: If you don't have a laser cutter or would simply like to have a PDF version of the FabYearBook, click here.

Step 1: Materials

Laser cutter
Laser printer
Hole puncher
30 x 60 x .3 cm plywood (you can also use cardboard)
Paper
Wire, rope or yarn for "Connecting the Dots"
1" Key rings or flexible rope for book binding
Scissors or pliers

Step 2: Download Files

Download the FabYearBook PDF [FabYearBook_DIY.pdf] and Illustrator file (containing the front and back cover) [FabYearBook2010_LaserFiles [Converted].ai].

Note: This [FabYearBook_DIY.pdf] PDF only has the inside pages of the book -- without the front and back cover. If you are looking for the complete (non-DIY) PDF with front and back cover, click here.

Step 3: Print the PDF

Send the FabYearBook PDF to your printer. The file is in A4 format. After printing, punch holes in the paper.

Note: The book cover will be laser cut with two holes 1cm from the paper's edge and 8cm apart (from the center point of the hole)

Step 4: Laser Cutting

Place your 3mm plywood (or cardboard) into the laser cutter. The illustrator file should be prepared for cutting and engraving, however, double check the file. All of the black hairlines are for cutting, while the red fill is for engraving.

We used the following settings on our Epilog Mini 35 Laser Cutter.

Raster Setting

Speed: 40%
Power: 100%

Vector Setting

Speed: 8%
Power: 100%
Freq: 500hz

Each laser cutter is different, so this may take a bit of experimentation.

Step 5: Connect the Dots

Remember when you used to do this as a kid? Well, we brought it back to spell out 2010. You can do this step with some wire, yarn or string.

We used wire. Starting from the display side of the cover, weave the wire through each number twice (in order to get the effect of the numbers connecting.) After completing each digit of 2010, connect the two ends of the wire (on the underside of the cover) by twisting two wire ends together with pliers.

Step 6: Bind the Book

This can be done in a variety of ways. Take what you have lying around, such as a loose wire, your friends shoelaces, or key rings (which is what we recommend). You can buy one of these at your local hardware store and the 1inch size works great.

Loop these through the wood and be careful not to scratch the wood while you are looping it through.

Step 7: FabYearBook 2010

And the FabYearBook 2010 is ready for paroozing! Browse the FabYearBook, get inspired and share the book with your friends. Most importantly, visit a FabLab near you and go ahead, make (almost) anything!