Dodecahedron

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Everybody,
Just an example of my work.
Does any other member make similar?

[jfederer]

Mine is a similar idea of intersecting planes and angles, but very different in content and purpose. I used Tailmaker's MazeMaker software for the mazes and Vectric for the 45 degree cuts.

(Edit) The point of the mazes is to get the trapped ball in each of them to a specific position to trigger a magnetic latch. Once all are in position, the top pops out.

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Joe,
The maze is fascinating.... The only trouble is time...
Will immediately look into Tailmaker's MazeMaker
Soapy

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Joe,
$59..… sounds good to me!
Soapy

[Tailmaker]

I made a Rhombic Tricontahedron (I did not invent that funny name...) a while ago from Birch and Walnut. It opens as a box.
Back then I used a special homemade software to create the miter tool paths but nowadays I would probably use the Aspire/Vcarve molding tool path option.
Outside:

Inside:

Cutting the platelets on a custom vacuum pod:

Machining the spherical inside (also on a fitted vacuum pod):

[Tailmaker]

Here is another one: A buckyball chair made from redwood (child size):

[jfederer]

Wow! To both of you! I don't have nearly the patience to figure out all those exotic angles, never mind how to machine them. The chair does bring back memories though, of a time in my University years when I had a fascination with R. Buckminster Fuller's work, and built several complex geodesic structures out of bamboo sticks and hot glue... looking back I realize how much I've forgotten.

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Folks another photograph of an attempt (unsuccessful) to convert a dodecahedron into a sphere

[4DThinker]

You need a true section of a sphere that stretches out to each corner of the pentagram, leaving slight undercut arcs between corners that lean out the angle between each piece of your dodecahedron. You won't be able to make a true sphere section that touches at the entire perimeter of any polygon except a circle. I have no idea what the diameter of the sphere would be, or the angle between sections, but my example below should show you approximately the model you are looking for. I didn't use any modeling tools, but rather some drafting and the moulding toolpath. To make the undercut arcs between corners you'll need to cut them from the bottom side. The moulding toolpath will also come in handy for that.

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Another attempt again not quite successful.... this model I did quite some time ago
It looks pleasant enough but not what I really want to make. I want to encase the Dodecahedron in a transparent Sphere
Soapy

[4DThinker]

Once you get it figured out you should carve it in acrylic and bond the edges together around your Dodecahedron. Then flame polish the CNC-cut outer surface.

[TReischl]

Hmmm, maybe we are all thinking about this the wrong way?

IF your machine has enough Z travel. . . . . .

How about just making the item with flat sides and then put it in a pair of fixtures, the first would hold the "rough" blank made from flat pieces. The second would hold the spherical shape you cut in the first fixture. I notice you have vacuum equipment so that should be doable.

Just a thought. . . . .

[Soapyjoe]

All that is needed to build a Dodecahedron..... plus a little post machining and some very careful assembly

Hi,

Further to comments.... Obviously I would make the sphere in wood first to get the size and shape correct then proceed with the Perspex... your comments are noted....

Yes I do have plenty of spare Z travel …. my machine is of German manufacture and is actually called a "High Z Machine"

The photograph shows all that is needed for a Dodecahedron
60 of the little trapeziums and 12 of the Pentagon inserts
Assemble the Pentagons, then using the Aspire chamfer gadget cut to the correct angle... assemble into a Dodecahedron ….
Bit of inlay work on the inserts …. Job done!

[Soapyjoe]

If one increases the magnification of the picture one can see the series of ridges produced by the tool when using the Chamfer Gadget.
These "Steps" greatly assist assembly by keeping the parts parallel and increasing the glue contact area.

Soapy

[Soapyjoe]

Hi Everybody,
For the next two weeks I will be away from my computer
Escaping the rain and floods in this area
When I return I will demonstrate my inlay technique … the 12 religious symbols displayed on the Dodecahedron.
I do not claim any great merit for my inlays but I like them myself

Has anyone seen the marble inlays that decorate the Taj Mahal?
That's what I call craftmanship!
Soapy