Metal Calendar and Stand

DIY: Metal Calendar and Stand

Follow this guide to create a custom metal calendar and its very own wooden stand!

Create an easy, yet unique, sentimental gift for loved ones as you're able to choose your own picture, fonts, wood type, and more!

1. The Metal Calendar

Step 1: Ensure that you have completed the safety quiz for the manufacturing lab and that you have a computer with Adobe Illustrator.

Step 2: Download this file.

Step 3: You can open up the file and everything is already laid out. The line bordering the calendar will not be seen in the final product - it is simply to make your lives easier later since it can be used as a point of reference.

Step 4: Replace the image with any image of your choosing. Your photo should be about 6.5” x 3”. Don’t put anything too close to the top or side edges as some will be cut off.

Step 5: Go to File ---> Print ---> Printer: Sawgrass Print Manager ---> Print

Step 6: Select these settings:

Substrate: Metal
Mirror: Selected
8.5” x 11” Paper
“Preserve Layout from Designer”

1A. The Metal Calendar (Continued)

Step 6: Turn on the heat press to let it preheat. Set the temperature to 185°C. Set the timer to 70 seconds.

Step 7: Use high-temperature tape to tape the photo onto the metal sheet. Put the tape on the back side of the metal.

Step 7: Once the heat press reaches 185°C, put on your heat-resistant gloves and place the metal sheet with the paper onto the bed. Put a Teflon sheet over the materials and press down. Once the 70 seconds are over, the pressure will automatically release, and the top will lift up.

Step 8: Make sure you have your heat-resistant gloves on and remove the product.

2. The Wooden Stand

Step 1: Find a scrap piece of wood.

Step 2: Cut it down to the right size. RECOMMENDED: Final wood block dimensions around 5”x2”x.75”.

Step 3: Change out the guard on the table saw to put a slot into the wood block.

Step 4: Raise the blade .25” above the table.

Step 5: Adjust the fence so that the blade cuts about halfway through the wood block.

Step 6: Press the wood block firmly against the fence and run the saw.

Step 7: Place the metal calendar into the slotted stand and your project is complete!

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