Obedient Wood

Step 1: Obedient Wood

A material study exploring how to make wood malleable and rigid at the same time.

It was part of a bigger study - thinking about topographical visualization of a proposed architectural design (at scale), and being able to create models that not only help visualize an idea, but become pat of the ideation phase in real-time, allowing you to twist / lift / sink / bend / scrumple it in every possible way. In turn, influencing the bigger design.

As a result of making these various tests and hybrid materials, people took them away post-project, to use as bowls, holders, light-shades, art-work in it's own right! I think the brass ones (above) were really cool - but, that'll have to be a different instructable...

Step 2: Gather the Materials

Latex Gloves

Apron - Because it won't come out of your clothes.

Face Mask - The adhesive is pungent.

Impact Adhesive - I used Thixofix; it's thick and heavy duty strength (+non-drip)

Pasting brush - To keep it even, and for fast application

Copper Mesh - Anything with a diamond meshing (3mm gaps max) - Copper because it's is elastic-flexibility

Wood Veneer - Any veneer you can get your hands on (1mm thickness or less is good)

Etching Scissors - To cut mesh, don't use normal scissors!

Step 3: Laser Setting Manipulation

I used a Trotec Speedy300 - meaning it doesn't laser cut metals (this is important)

Have some fun setting-up various laser cut settings. You want to set a scrap piece of veneer into the cutter (resting it on a board), then play with different cuts using whatever Vector software you prefer -- at which point you may want to use a simplified smaller cut pattern (for efficiency - not like what I did - see above). When your cut settings are at a point where they are etching almost all the way though the material, to the point where it feels like it is going to fall apart at any moment - then you are ready.

Take note of these setting, for later...

For those of you familiar with lasers, you might want to try rastering rather than cutting lines.

Step 4: Pattern Design

Depending on what you want to achieve - form wise, you might want to try various pattern designs. Do some test cuts on something cheaper (like card) - and see what shape profiles and flexibility you are achieving.

Mine were mainly uniform geometry variations, but that was due to the nature of the project - they can be any shape. Just remember, if the cuts are too close or too far apart - it may not workout well.

Step 5: Creating the Material

Cut both the Veneer and Meshing oversized. Get your gloves / apron / mask on - and use a well ventilated area (spray both if possible).

Paste a thin layer of the Thixofix to the back of the veneer and to one side of the mesh. Keep it even and apply fairly quickly. Wait until it had dried-off (like maybe 10 mins). Then press them both together firmly.