dice tower instructions

7/25/2019 Dice Tower Instructions

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dice-tower-instructions 1/16

Illustrated Instructions for building a Dice Tower from a shoe box and lid, by

Eddy M. del Rio, BGG Username: edelrio

The requirement was to build one dice tower from only one shoe box and lid. The only tools are a ruler, straight-edge,

scissors, glue, table knife, pen or pencil and an optional stapler. Additionally, I desired to write the instructions such that

almost any typical shoe box would suffice. We begin with a shoe box (yours does not have to be an Antonio Melani box,

but you may need to first get permission from your wife). Use your view magnification as necessary throughout and

read ALL THE DIRECTIONS before starting. Depending on your glue, you may have to apply to both surfaces being glued.

Allow parts to dry before proceeding.

Step 1: dismantle the box portion. Use a table knife to carefully pry open the top edges.





Step 2: Cut the box exactly in half length-wise. Remember the Builder’s Axiom: “Measure Twice; Cut Once!”

Step 3: Mark sections A(Left), A(Right); B(L) and B(R) each leaving an edge about the same dimension as that on the

sides of the box; C(L); and then a 2 ½ inch lower portion of the side edges, labeled D(L) and D(R). See below.Save all

scraps!





Step 4: Label the inside and outside back portion, the different bottom portions, the numbered folds, and mark

with hash-marks the regions to be glued. Note the dimension labeled as“Depth of Box;” This will be used for

construction of the baffles.

Step 5: Glue the Inside Back onto the Outside Back; fold and glue the side top edges. Allow to dry.





Step 6: Note the new dimensions called: Front Length F(l) and Front Width F(w).

Step 7: Disassemble the Lid (except the side edges) and transfer the above dimensions for the front

piece to it as demonstrated below.





Step 8: Cut the Front piece out along an extension of the side length that divides the lid. Label the two

sections to be cut as illustrated.

Step 9: Note the design for the three (3) baffles. D= “Depth of Box”





Step 10: Utilize scraps A(L), A(R) and C(L) to fabricate the baffles.

Step 11: Transfer the Baffles dimensions to the scraps. Use the existing fold in the scrap pieces for the

leading edge of the baffle. Use the blunt rounded edge of a kitchen knife to score the dotted fold lines.





“Scoring” the fold lines

Step 12: Cut the Baffles, and fold as illustrated. You want the bottom edge (½D) to be perfectly

horizontal, and the lowest fold to be 90 degrees.





Step 13: Attach a baffle to the inside back such that its bottom horizontal edge is about 1/3rd down from

the top.

Step 14: Attach a baffle to the front piece such that its bottom edge is about 5/6ths of the way down.





Step 15: Apply glue to the box bottom as indicated and after the sides are folded forward, assemble

following the fold order as indicated.

Step 16: Prepare the bottom baffle by inverting the lowest fold 180 degrees.





Step 17: Attach the bottom baffle to the box bottom by applying glue to both the mounting edges and

the entire bottom surface (½ D).

Step 18: Attach the front piece with glue on the box side top edges. (Relative position)





With Front attached.

Step 19: Remove the “Cut” portions from the Left Lid half.





Step 20: Mark the overlying areas of the right lid top that will need glue.

Step 21: Glue the two lid portions together and use the completed box to test fit the proper width.





Test-fitting the width of the lid with the completed box.

Step 22: Assemble the lid portion by re-gluing the end folds.





Step 23: Reinforce the detached lid fold by scoring two scraps lengthwise, folding to 90 degrees (like an

angle iron) and gluing along the loose fold of the lid. (See next 3 pictures).





That’s it! Below is the tower ready for play,

and closed for storage. You may paint/decorate in whatever scheme suits your fancy!





To be ABSOLUTELY sure that these plans work, your wife (or whoever) needs to have a pair of

Just kidding. Since the only absolute measurement in this plan was the height of the opening where the dice exit the

tower, this plan should be very applicable to most shoe boxes if they are assembled similarly. Good luck and remember

to roll low (or high as the case may be, depending on your game)!

dice tower instructions

Documents