How can I efficiently build a boomilever using only wood and glue?

[backdoor]

Hi,
I am a high school student and for a class projecI have to build a boomilever. Except for the atachment base I can only use wood and glue. Any type of glue can be used. Inculding gussets, it must be constructed of wood no longer than 1/4 inch high and 1/4 inch wide in cross-section. If dowels are used, they may not have a diameter greater than 1/4 inch. There is no limit on the length of idividual wood pieces used in the construction.The entire attachment base may not exceed 30cm x 20cm 1/2 inch thick and permanently attached to boomilever. When mounted to the testing wall no part the of the attachment base may extend farther than 1/2 inch from the wall.

I would greatly appreciate help/tips on building this boomilever, this is my first time and i will be graded on efficiency.

 

[FredGarvin]

First, do a quick search. There have been a few threads already on this topic. See where that takes you and then come back with more questions.

 

[ravenprp]

Building a boomilever with only wood and glue can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and materials, it is definitely possible. Here are some tips to help you efficiently build your boomilever:

1. Choose the right type of wood: Since you are limited to using only wood and glue, it is important to choose the right type of wood that is strong and lightweight. Some good options include balsa wood, basswood, and spruce. These woods are commonly used in model building and are known for their strength-to-weight ratio.

2. Use efficient joint techniques: Since you are not allowed to use metal fasteners, it is important to use efficient joint techniques to connect your wooden pieces. Some common joint techniques that can be used with wood and glue include butt joints, lap joints, and scarf joints. These joints provide a strong and stable connection between the wooden pieces.

3. Reinforce with gussets: As per the guidelines, you are allowed to use gussets to reinforce your boomilever. These are triangular pieces of wood that can be glued at the joints to add extra strength and stability to your structure.

4. Use dowels carefully: If you decide to use dowels in your boomilever, make sure they are no more than 1/4 inch in diameter. Also, use them sparingly as they can add extra weight to your structure. Consider using them only at the points where the most stress will be applied.

5. Plan and measure carefully: Since you are limited to specific dimensions, it is important to plan and measure your boomilever carefully. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that your wooden pieces are cut to the correct length and width. This will help you avoid any last-minute adjustments that can affect the efficiency of your structure.

6. Use the attachment base wisely: The attachment base is an important part of your boomilever and it should be used wisely. Make sure it is securely attached to your structure and that no part of it extends more than 1/2 inch from the testing wall. You can also consider using gussets to reinforce the attachment base for added stability.

Overall, the key to building an efficient boomilever with only wood and glue is to carefully plan, measure, and use the right techniques for joining and reinforcing your structure. Good luck with your project!