Introduction: Ninja Vs. Zombie Shadow Cast
A few weeks ago I saw a laser cut zombie shadow cast in the Makers Market and thought to myself that it was okay, but it was missing a certain something. What could it be? Was it source files perhaps? Well... yes, but... no... that wasn't quite it. There was just something about it not sitting right.
This existential absence gnawed at my brrrrraiiinnnnsssss and left me cold. That is, until it finally hit me like a shuriken. The original shadow cast was missing totally awesome ninjas. I corrected this problem and then wailed on my guitar.
If you happen to have access to a laser cutter, a friend with access to a laser cutter or internet access and a credit card (ahem... ponoko.com), then you can make your own today!
Attachments
Step 1: Go Get Stuff
You will need:
The attached source file
6" x 20" sheet of 1/4" plywood
A laser cutter
Wood Glue
Clamps
Wood stain
A paintbrush
Attachments
Step 2: Cut It Out
Load the source file and cut out the pieces with your laser cutter.
I happened to be using an awesome 75W Epilog laser cutter with the following settings:
Power: 80
Speed: 7
Frequency: 1,000
Step 3: Glue and Clamp
Apply an even layer of glue on the back side of the U-shaped piece with the hole in it.
Evenly sandwich that piece together with the solid U-Shaped piece and clamp them until dry (roughly 30 minutes).
Remove the clamps and apply glue evenly along the short flat edge of the new composite U-shaped piece (this is the edge opposite the curve). Clamp this at a right angle with the "Ninja vs Zombie" cutout.
Step 4: Stain
Apply a coat or two of stain and let dry. Although they claim the stain dries within 24 hours, it was a few days before the stain stopped being tacky. If you are concerned about protecting the wood from ware, you can apply a coat of urethane.
Step 5: Light It Up
Turn off the lights, place a candle in the holder and light it up.
22 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Its in front of a candle, so still fire/heat.
13 years ago on Introduction
I'm a ninja(:
13 years ago on Introduction
Zombies can't catch ninjas if they are on fire.
13 years ago on Step 5
I cant afford a lazer cutter, could i use cardboard, a printed stencil of ninja vs zombies, and a razor?
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
Cardboard might catch on fire. Perhaps you could use some sort of thin plastic that is more heat resistant.
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
oh and btw, Nice design there ^_^
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
Well flammabilty shouldnt be an issue, i was gonna use a battery flashlight.
13 years ago on Introduction
This is so cool! I can't wait to try to make one (probably by hand with a dremel) later this summer!
13 years ago on Introduction
Next: Zombies vs Unicorns!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It's the same silhouette, so where did they both steal it from...?
L
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
At a guess, I'd say Ben Johnson's Free Vector Zombies.
Second hit on a Google Image Search for "zombie silhouette". :-)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I should say so, thanks.
L
13 years ago on Introduction
Very nice. A touch of paint and it's make a lovely nightlight for a child's bedroom.
L
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Ooh, I like this idea. I'm stealing it from Randy when he's not looking!
13 years ago on Introduction
Nice work, I used one of the zombies to make a decal for a PC case mod a few years ago.
13 years ago on Introduction
I saw this on Facebook and knew it was you! Cool!
13 years ago on Introduction
Hey, I bet I could cut this out on my scroll saw, too! And yes, everything is better with ninjas.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Except pirates. Pirates are deader.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, pirates don't really stand a chance against ninjas.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
You should tell the mythbusters that see if they'll try it