Which cardboard works well with Makedo?
Makedo tools and connectors are specifically designed to be used with standard corrugated cardboard, a readily available three-layer packaging material consisting of an outer and inner layer of sturdy kraft paper with a fluted layer in between:
The Makedo tools and Scru connectors can work well on all other kinds of cardboard too!
Here is a brief list of cardboard examples that you may come across. This list is sorted from smallest source item to largest...
- Matchbox: Smaller shapes are difficult to cut with the Safe-Saw, it is designed for larger scale construction! It may be hard for younger makers to punch a hole, easy to connect.
- Card / Tissue / Cereal box: Easy to cut with the Safe-Saw, may be hard for younger makers to punch a hole, otherwise easy to connect. Not very structural unless intentionally folded for strength.
- Shoe box: Easy to cut with the Safe-Saw, easy to punch a hole, easy to connect. Thinner walled shoe boxes are less structural and may deform or lose their shape easily.
- Mailing box / Grocery box: Standard double-walled corrugated cardboard - this is the ideal Makedo zone. Easy to cut, easy to punch holes and connect, easy to create robust structural forms.
- Moving box: Double-walled corrugated cardboard is ideal for Makedo tools and connectors. Thicker boxes can be challenging for younger makers to cut into, but will work well with the Scru connector. Fantastic for large builds.
- Instrument / bicycle / appliance box: Thicker boxes can be challenging for younger makers to cut. All thicknesses of corrugated card will work well with the Scru and Scru+ connector. Excellent for large spaces and to use as structural surfaces between smaller boxes, all connected by Makedo Scrus.
Special mentions:
- Glossy printed, shiny or coated cardboard: Can be tougher to punch holes for connecting. Will work well with Scru connectors.
- Additional materials: Join other things to cardboard boxes using Makedo! We recommend experimenting within the parameters of your particular resource and environmental priorities. Options may include:
- Reclaimed CD/DVDs: Great for wheels, eyes, scales, control panels and other feature details.
- Corrugated plastic sheeting (depending on where you are, this may be called Cartonplast, Polyflute, Coroplast, FlutePlast, IntePro, Proplex, Correx, Twinplast, Corriflute or Corflute): Can be used in place of cardboard. May need a sharp blade to cut neatly. Is very easy to punch holes and connect with the Makedo Scru. Looks amazing when fresh, the flat surfaces can get scratched and dented easily.
- Bubble Wrap: Easy to punch holes and connect with the Scru. Makes a great contrast (tactile and visual) against the cardboard surface.
- Foam: Medium density (ie furniture cushion foam, acoustic insulation sheeting) Messy to cut with the Makedo Safe-saw, better to use a sharp blade so long as you are careful. Easy to punch holes and connect with the Makedo Scru. Attaches well to cardboard using the Scru or Scru+.
- Fabrics: Will require other tools to cut and punch holes. Consider 3D printed attachments to enable connecting with the Makedo Scru.
- Beverage cups, containers and lids: May require other cutting tools to shape precisely. Can be punched by Makedo tools and connected with the Makedo Scru. Great for adding personality to creature creations and for details on larger constructions.