Laser-Cut Cajón
- Demonstration of Understanding: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of design and construction in relation to acoustics by successfully designing and constructing a Cajón.
- Technical Skills: Students will display excellent technical skills when working with Adobe Illustrator and the laser cutter to create their Cajón.
- Creativity and Craftsmanship: Students will exhibit creativity and craftsmanship in the design of the front of the Cajón.
- Reflection and Improvement: Upon completion of the Cajón, students will evaluate the quality of their design and construction, outlining how their creation could be improved for optimal acoustics and aesthetics.
Welcome to the exciting world of musical instrument creation! In this project, you will embark on a journey to create your very own tabletop Cajón, a box-shaped percussion instrument. You will be using the Makercase website to design the box, Adobe Illustrator for modifications, and finally, a laser cutter for the final touches. Let's dive into the steps!
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HOW TO WATCH A TUTORIAL
Click the Watch on YouTube button next to a tutorial.
Drag the YouTube video into a new window and click the View Full Screen icon on the bottom right.
3-finger swipe to the left to see your other browser window and click on the OnShape tab.
3-finger swipe to the right to go back to the YouTube video tutorial.
Press play and whenever you think there are one or two items you need to do in OnShape, press pause and 3-finger swipe so that you can remember the steps in order.
1. Designing the Box
Start off by using the MakerCase website to design the basic structure of your Cajón - in this project you will make a simple box. This tutorial will describe how to set up your design on the MakerCase site. Make sure to measure and adjust the dimensions accurately, the maximum dimensions for your tabletop Cajón are 240mm x 120mm x 60mm.
Exporting the Design: Once your design is complete, export the SVG file. This file will be used in the next steps to further modify and refine your Cajón design.
2. Creating Sound Holes
Import the SVG file into Adobe Illustrator. This software will allow you to make precise changes and additions to your design.
The next step involves modifying the front and back faces on the SVG file to create sound holes. Remember, the size and placement of these sound holes will have an impact on the acoustics of your Cajón. This tutorial will show how to go about creating the sound holes.
3. Designing Cajón Front
This is where you can let your creativity shine! Design the front of your Cajón in Illustrator, including an etched design on transparent acrylic. This will give your instrument a personalized touch! This tutorial will show you how to use Adobe Illustrator to create a custom front.
4. Export for Laser Cutting
Go to the folder on your where you saved your box.svg and top.svg. Fill out the Design Job Request form and add both of those files to the form. Wait patiently.
4. Assemble the Cajón
Lastly, assemble all the pieces, gluing and clamping parts as needed. Make sure to screw the snare and front to the Cajón securely. And voila, your Cajón is ready to play!
B4: Planning Drawings
Develop accurate and detailed planning drawings/diagrams and outline the requirements for the creation of the chosen solution.
Instructions:
Now that you have finalized your measurements, you may begin your final planning drawing.
Screenshot your MakerCase export with the sound holes you have added in Step 2.
Screenshot your Cajon Front piece with your image traced drawing. Please make sure the lines are correctly sized to .001 for red (#FF0000) and that all your engravings are 100% black (#000000).
Fill in the Design Job Request form to submit your top piece to be cut. This can be on 3mm acrylic with any opaque (see-through) color
Exemplar & Rubric:
Feedback Checkpoint
You have now completed Criterion B: Developing Ideas, make sure you are on the right track to create a successful product or solution.
Instructions:
Review the comments and marks on Toddle.
Ask the teacher for clarification if needed. Improve and resubmit your work if required.
Your mark for Criterion B is available on Toddle.
C2: Demonstrate Technical Skills
Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
C3: Product
Follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately
D3: Improvements
Explain how the solution could be improved
Instructions:
Present your final design by documenting the following:
A video walkthrough of you playing your Laser-Cut Cajón
Image of your final product or solution that is cropped and framed well, with good lighting.
Outline any improvements you could have made.
Exemplar & Rubric:
Feedback Checkpoint
You have now completed Criterion C & D: Creating the Product & Evaluating, make sure you are on the right track to create a successful product or solution.
Instructions:
Review the comments and marks on Toddle.
Ask the teacher for clarification if needed. Improve and resubmit your work if required.
Your marks for Criterion C & D are available on Toddle.