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Construction advises
for paper models of polyhedra.
- Print the models normal or heavy paper. 80 to 120 gram/m2.
- Cut the outer lines with a sharp hobby knife.
- Use for scoring the other lines a dull knife, the back of the hobby knife or use a knife with very little pressure.
- In most cases fold all lines backwards (mountain folding).
- The best order of construction is to glue the faces without tabs last.
- Spread a thin layer of glue on the tabs. A wooden toothpick can be very useful for spreading the glue
- When closing the polyhedron it can be helpful to use the toothpick or a needle to give pressure from inside the polyhedron.
- For the most complex models it's advisable to make a copy on larger paper (A3)
- If you like to make a drawing on the polyhedron or color it. You can better cut and fold it before. After folding it unfolds it and folds it again when finished with your drawing.
VRML models
- To examine the virtual polyhedra you need a VRML-viewer. For example Cortona VRML Client.
PDF files
- The PDF versions are of high quality. Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF files (free). Prints of the PDF version have sharper lines so you can cut more accurately.
- Downloading the PDF version can take some time. It may seems nothing happens. Acrobat Reader starts up and the PDF file is downloaded.
- To save the PDF-files on your computer use the right mouse button and select 'Save target as'.
Polyhedra made out of a number of parts:
1. Start with part A and glue part B on the tab(s) of part A with the letter B.
2. Glue part C on the parts A and B on the tab(s) with the letter C.
3. Glue part D on the parts A, B and C on the tab(s) with the letter D.
Etc. etc. etc.
- On some models numbers instead of letters are used.
Examples with pictures:
- instructions for the Compound of Four Cubes (numbers)
- instructions for the Compound of Five
Octahedra (letters)
- instructions for the Great Dodecahedron
(differs from the other two examples)
Pictures:
Glue, hobby knife, needle, toothpick and ruler
Hobby knife
Cutting the outer lines
Scoring the other lines with the back of the hobby knife
Folding all lines
The folded model
And now glue..
The completed model
Instructions for the Compound of Four Cubes: |
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| 1a. Cut the parts 1b. Write the numbers of the parts on the back of the parts |
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2. Score the inner lines |
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5. Glue part 2 on the tab of part 1 with the number 2. |
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| 6. Go on with the parts 1 and 2. Glue part 3 on the tab with the number 3 |
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large picture |
| 7. Go on with the parts 1, 2 and 3. Glue part 4 on the tabs with the numbers 4. |
large picture |
| 8. Go on with the parts 1, 2, 3 and 4. Glue part 5 on the tabs with the numbers 5. |
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| 9. Go on with the parts 1, 2, 3, 4 en 5. Glue part 6 on the tabs with the number 6 |
| Etc. Etc. Etc. |
