Cardboard Planters

thingiverse

This customizer creates a laser cut template that gets folded into a seedling planter made from corrugated cardboard. Measure your cardboard thickness and enter that measurement into the file so the design adjusts correctly for the material you're using. Because it outputs a DXF file, using this program offline is necessary. If there's enough demand, I might create a printable version too. You can adjust the height and width of the planter to suit your needs. The program automatically scales your drawing to 90% of your printer bed size based on the dimensions you give it. Make sure to measure the tabs accurately since they're set to match the thickness of your cardboard. For a good fit, try setting the tab angle between 35-70 degrees. Future updates might include: * Different tab types or locking methods * A printable mode for users who don't have access to laser cutters * Tweaks to the default file settings * Input validation to prevent errors caused by bad input data * Educational instructions for teaching this project in a classroom setting Once your planter is printed, follow these steps: 1. Remove the cutout from the die cutter. 2. Score four lines on the cardboard's outer side around the middle "square." If using corrugated cardboard, make sure to cut through both the top paper and the corrugations but leave the bottom paper intact. 3. Fold up the sides with the cutouts. 4. Fold up the sides with the tabs and press them into the cutouts. 5. Fill the planter with dirt. 6. Plant seeds or seedlings in the soil. 7. When it's time to transplant, stick the whole plant directly into the ground. As long as you keep the cardboard moist, it will biodegrade naturally.