Which Cardboard Works Well With Makedo?
Designed for cardboard construction
Makedo tools and connectors are specifically designed to be used with standard corrugated cardboard, a readily available three-layer packaging material consisting of an outer and inner layer of sturdy kraft paper with a fluted layer in between.
Types of cardboard
Cardboard is everywhere
The Makedo tools and Scru connectors can work well on these kinds of cardboard too!
Mailing box / Grocery box:
Standard double-walled corrugated cardboard - this is the ideal Makedo zone. Easy to cut, easy to punch holes and connect, easy to create robust structural forms.
Moving box:
Double-walled corrugated cardboard
is ideal for Makedo tools and connectors. Thicker boxes may be challenging to cut into but will work well with the Safe-Saw Scru connector. Great for large builds.
Card / Tissue / Cereal box:
Easy to cut with the Safe-Saw, may be challenging to punch a hole, otherwise easy to connect. Not very structural unless intentionally folded for strength.
Shoe box:
Easy to cut with the Safe-Saw, easy to punch a hole, easy to connect. Thinner walled shoe boxes are less structural and can easily lose their shape.
Instrument / bicycle / appliance box:
Thicker boxes may be challenging to cut for younger makers. All thicknesses of corrugated card will work well with the Scru and Scru+ connector. Excellent for large spaces and to use as structural surfaces between smaller boxes, all connected by Makedo Scrus.
Glossy printed, shiny or coated cardboard:
Can be tougher to punch holes for connecting. Will work well with Scru connectors.
More than just cardboard!
Special mentions: Join more things to cardboard boxes using Makedo. We recommend experimenting within the parameters of your particular resource and environmental priorities. Options may include:
Reclaimed CD/DVDs:
Great for wheels, eyes,
scales, control panels and other feature details.
Corrugated plastic sheeting:
Depending on where you are, this may be called Cartonplast, Polyflute, Coroplast, FlutePlast, IntePro, Proplex, Correx, Twinplast, Corriflute or Corflute. Can be used in place of cardboard. May need a sharp blade to cut neatly. It is very easy to punch holes and connect with the Makedo Scru. Looks amazing when fresh but the flat surfaces can get scratched and dented easily.
Bubble Wrap:
Easy to punch holes and connect with the Scru. Makes a great contrast (tactile and visual) against the cardboard surface.
Foam:
Medium density (E.g. furniture cushion foam, acoustic insulation sheeting). Messy to cut with the Makedo Safe-saw, better to use a sharp blade. Easy to punch holes and connect with the Makedo Scru. Attaches well to cardboard using the Scru or Scru+.
Fabrics:
Will require other tools to cut and punch holes. Consider 3D printed attachments to enable connecting with the Makedo Scru.
Beverage cups, containers and lids:
May require other cutting tools to shape precisely. Can be punched by Makedo tools and connected with the Makedo Scru. Great for adding personality to creature creations and for details on larger constructions.
How to use the Makedo tools
Whether you're new to Makedo or a long-time maker, click the button below for the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your creative cardboard adventures with Makedo.