Upcycle Progress

Isaiah Straubel
Post 3 - 2025 : Upcycle Progress
6 Comments

My upcycle progress is taking a brief hiatus until Wednesday due to job applications, upcoming midterms, and last minute job interviews.  However, I did do some idea generation.  The first idea was to make any cuts into the back side of the book and maybe leave the first few pages in the front side untouched in order to still read the intro.  Second, based on general book size, this will most likely end up being more of a coffee coaster situation rather than a tray.  I suppose you can make a tray with a larger book, however, the books I found to tear up were more traditional size.  Thirdly, I think I want to design for two handles to fold or pull out from the middle section in order to provide easier carrying.  The front image is currently my photo inspiration for what direction I choose to go next.  My goal is to have my design and manufacturing plan done by this Wednesday and then finish up the build by next Monday.

6 Comments. Leave new

  • Isaiah Straubel
    February 20, 2025 7:42 pm

    Thanks for the comment sean, I am hoping the book can maintain the aesthetic I am looking for.

  • Andrew Chamberlain
    February 9, 2025 8:00 pm

    I love how you’ve explored different design ideas, especially the part about keeping the intro pages readable, it adds a really cool touch! The foldable or pull-out handles sound like a smart way to make the piece more functional. How are you thinking of attaching them to the book? Do you have a specific material or mechanism in mind to keep them sturdy and easy to use?

    Your timeline seems solid, and it’s great that you have a plan despite your busy schedule. Since it’s turning out to be more of a coaster than a tray, have you thought about how to protect the book from moisture? It’d be interesting to hear your ideas for making it more durable!

    • Isaiah Straubel
      February 20, 2025 7:41 pm

      Andrew,

      Thank you for the feedback, I think I am going to attach the handles with screws into the wood pieces.. or glue. I think I might implement a drawer track to keep everything stable.

  • Cooper Kramis
    February 9, 2025 7:50 pm

    Hi Isiaiah, I really like your project and think the coaster size will be perfect! I like how you have a timeline planned out for this next week; this will help you better track in on your goal. Are you going to be doing any cuts through the idea forge? If so, do you plan to create drawings?

    • Isaiah Straubel
      February 20, 2025 7:42 pm

      Thanks for the comment cooper. I am planning on some drafts at the ITLL. I did not create drawings but did do some CAD work for the mechanisms.

  • Sean Ostrander
    February 9, 2025 2:28 pm

    Your project sounds really creative! I like how you’re thinking through the functionality of the book and making adjustments based on its size. The idea of leaving the first few pages readable adds a nice touch, and the foldable handles seem like a smart way to improve usability. Good luck with your design and build—excited to see how it all comes together!

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Isaiah Straubel
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