How to Create a Supported Shelf with Triangle Fold

Determine window and shelf location: Using an assembled medium-sized box, have students decide where a good window display would be.

Follow the template: Use the Makedo Fold-Roller to mark cuts and folds to create a supported shelf with a triangular fold integrated into a cardboard box. 

Use the Safe-Saw to cut the top and sides only.

Bend down at Fold 1.

Bend down at Fold 2.

Bend in at Fold 3 (note, this fold is in the opposite direction from folds 1 and 2).

Hold in position and connect flap C with a Scru using a Scru-Driver or Mini-Tool.

• Flutes: The shelf works best with flutes running vertically (perpendicular to where students bend the cardboard). If the flutes are inline with the bend, stability will be lost when pressure or weight is added to the shelf. This could be a very good way for students to test stability by building a shelf with flutes running vertically and another with flutes running horizontally.

• Angles: A strong shelf can be made using a right isosceles triangle as the support. This means two sides are equal in length, with a longer side joining them. Imagine the shape you get if you take a square and draw a line from corner to corner.

To calculate the length of the longer side "B", we use the equation A x √2.

• A simpler way to see this is:
  A x 1.41 = B

• For example, if A = 10cm, our equation would be:
  10 x 1.41 = 14.1cm

Note: Make sure Flap C is a minimum of 4cm. This will allow enough space to connect the support with a Scru.

If there is limited space to connect the folded flap, students can conceal it by folding it up and under rather than down. Then, use a Scru from the inside out to connect the shelf to the structure.