Laser Cutter #005 - LM386 Amplifier Box (Summer 2023)

I discovered https://festi.info/boxes.py this summer when I searched online for .svg files for laser cut boxes. This is a free website, scripted in Python, that generates all types of boxes and other projects and parts. Photos of most boxes are shown on the home page. The Menu button lists the boxes by name instead of photo. Each box page has fields that can be filled in with your required dimensions. They are populated with good working default values that you can use to generate an .svg file, other formats are available in the drop down menu, to cut a sample box. This is helpful if you're a hands on person or want to test the burn thickness value, also known as kerf, which determines how tight the joints fit together. I use most of the default values but change the inner-corners value to corner, loop is for drill type cutters. The Generate button opens a new tab with the SVG drawing that you right click and save. The Download button puts the file directly to your download folder but it takes a minute to finish.

For this electronics project, I chose the Integrated Hinge Box 

 

I used the default settings for most fields except for x, y and h, 40,90 and 15 mm respectively. These are my settings for the size box I needed to fit my board and wires.

The burn makes a bit of a loose joint but there's room for glue and it goes together easily without forcing. Once I got the .svg file into my cutting software, XCS, I added the circles and rectangle at the ends to allow the hookups out. A pair of calipers is a good tool to have to measure the size of your openings. I cut it out on an Xtool M1.

I chose this box because I wanted to see how the hinge worked. I love a working sample.  It was a bit difficult to put together but it was worth the effort. I think the hinges look cool and they are nice and snug so the box doesn't flop open. Did this box need hinges? No, not at all. A simple or electronics box would have been enough with the hookup cut outs. The box could have been smaller if I had trimmed down my wires and board better. 

Making boxes for my electronics project is one of the big reasons I'm so excited by the laser cutter. From reviews I've seen of other cutters recently, I'm grateful my family purchased the Xtool M1. Its software is good and easy to use. I can use SVG files, but not all types which is OK because they can be converted. More electronics boxes to come!

Happy Making!

Michelle