The Holding Platform of Video Game Cases (Cardboard)

First of all, HELLO! and I hope you enjoy :D criticism is welcome, please give me your feedback.

As with any project make sure the use of the proper protective equipment is used at all times. This project doesn't require much - if my methods are followed. I strongly recommend a pair of heavy gloves (with grip helps), safety glasses, and a ventilation mask or mask that prevents dust from leaking through.

The best way to describe this is: If you have some sturdy elbow shaped cardboard/pressboard, you can make this neat little platform. I had the extra cardboard from a sofa bed I purchased and a plethora of game cases.

List of supplies:
•elbow shaped cardboard that is fairly durable (not easy to bend, but not as hard as wood)
•some metal files that range from very coarse to fine. I recommend at least one round coarse file
•a square or an object with a flag edge (I will explain how to use both)
•work gloves
•safety glasses
•protective mask
•tape measure
•pencil (because you may need to erase)

This method works well with just about anycase, such as a dvd case. As you can see I have most of the popular formats avaliable. The true factor depends upon the base of the case. For example, a PS3, PS4, Xbox360, Dvd, and most PC cases share a similar size of 5/8ths of an inch. A bit of a warning, if you are making this for an Xbox One or for most Bluray cases they tend to be a 16th of an inch smaller. you will have to play with that if you want either one of those to fit properly

Step 1: The First Bit

As you can see I tried several methods on a scrap piece. I used a hack saw, to no avail. The saw was just too uncontrollable. The use of the files, although very time consuming worked very well. There are more productive things to use though - if you have a dremell, use it.

First, you must get your measurements. My piece of Cardboard is (27 7/32 in.) and the cases I desired to use are (5/8 in.) so some very bad math later that equals out to be 19 slots to be cut and 19 spaces in between each slot (plus the edges)

Using your tape measure (or if you're lucky like me your finger tip is 5/8 in.) measure out 5/8 in. intervals along the top of the elbow.

Step 2: The Direction of the Cut

This is where you have some freedom. The angles in which you want the case to face is totally up to you. Most of them work, just make sure you draw them on with pencil before you cut. Once you find an angle that satisfies your taste, mark that same angle along the side following each dot the you made along the top. you can use either a stationary square like I did or use an object, such as the wood block, to mark the angles as you go.

Step 3: Your First Cut

Highly recommended: when cutting straight up and down, try to not cut at an angle. be as straight up and down as possible. First to cut, With the round coarse file, cut horizontal to the table until you break through the cardboard. At this point, still using the round file, cut vertical to clear out in between the lines you made and to about 5/8 in. away from the base of the cardboard. Now the platform should look like picture 3 in the step. use a flat coarse file to even out the sides and make the lines as straight as possible. Then clean the round edges with a fine round file.

You do this repeatedly down the length of the platform in 5/8 in. increments.

Step 4: You're There! (Almost)

At this point you have made the platform completely functional! I worked on the cosmetic aspects of the presentation side. I used a 2000 size sandpaper to make the edges smooth.

The color of the base is also variable. The base would look good blacked out with some spray paint. Or of course any color that would complement wherever you place the platform! xD

Now you have made a functional game/movie case platform. I hope everything turned out well for you!