Tuesday, August 20, 2013
The last time, we assembled the 3 stationary panels for the main body of this model. Today we're going to tackle the front side, which is 2 pieces -- a fixed side (the side with the sign on it) and the hinged side (the side with the door handle and the lock_.
Before we cut and assemble the door, you'll need the side for the left-hand side. To help you, here are two versions of that sign which you can download and use:
Both are based on a rendering by a user called "steelghost" at DeviantArt.com. The bottom version is black and white and suitable for printing in a laser printer; the top version has more character and can give you an interesting detail if you have a color inkjet printer or a full-color printer. You should print the version you want and laminate it with either packing tape or self-sealing laminating paper, then cut it to size to apply it to the left-side back panel wafer.
What you should have left over from last time is one back panel wafer and one front panel wafer. Just cut them both in half left-to right so you are left with something like this:
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| CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE |
The window assemblies are just like the uncut panels. However, there are three important differences in these panels:
1. PAINT! Once you have the window slats installed and the glue is dry, PAINT THESE BEFORE MOVING FORWARD. Do not install the window panes before you paint; do not install the "FREE PUBLIC" sign before you paint. Prime and paint these pieces to save yourself a really hard time as you proceed.
2. SIGN! After the paint is dry, INSTALL THE "FREE PUBLIC" sign, and install the holes for the handle and lock BEFORE you assemble the wafer layers. (enlarge the diagram above to note the location).
3. DETAIL! Consider this diagram:
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| CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE |
This is the back-side view of the panels. Notice the "Magnetic Strips" on the diagram. this assembly is what keeps your door closed when you pull it closed on the final model. you need to measure and cut 2 x 200mm strips of magnetic tape. Take one of those strips and cut it in half lengthswise so you get 2 x 200mm strips which are half as wide as the original strip. They should be approximately 5mm wide.
Before you continue, flatten the magnetic strips, which will tend to curl because they have been sold to you in a roll. Just let them sit under a heavy book overnight. Then: take the wide strip determine which half-strip is most attracted to it. That half-strip should be installed on the fixed-side inside edge.
Nerd note: I know, I know -- both halves should be equally attracted to the wide strip, just on opposite sides. They're magnets, not coy singles looking for a date. But practically, you'll find one of the half strips will better attracted than the other if you test them. You should simply obey your test results.
Also from your test results: given the attractive qualities of the half-strip to the wide strip, mark the strips so you know which end will point up and which end will point down. If you invert one of the strips, the magnets will repel, not attract.
Install the half-strip on the left-hand side using the adhesive and some Tesa tape; on the right-hand side, install the other half-strip as a spacer, and then install the full-width strip on top of that. Make sure the overlap is even on both sides.
After that, assemble the layers as we did last time so that you get two clean halves. Screw the machine screw representing the lock into place (a drop of glue never hurt anyone), and glue the staple gun staple in place as the door handle.
You;re ready now for the next step: the main body assembly.
