[SML] Wiggle wood for a cannon?

[Ford Sellers]

I think Greg's on the right track here...
I'd suggest using a regular cylinder (maybe sonotube) for the interior, and dress it up on the outside to look tapered.  You will avoid a lot of frustration, and be able to use something solid for your actor to slide across (no splinters).

If you're dressing up the rest of the cannon to look tapered, you could even use the wide end of the garbage can at the opening (big enough to load your actor), and cut out the "bottom/side" for them to escape through.  I'd try to make the exit opening start in-line with the wheel hub, and go back from there.

Then again, what do I know... I'm just a sparky.

-Ford


From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> On Behalf Of Greg Bierly via Stagecraft
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:56 PM
To: Joe <jdunfee12 at yahoo.com>; Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Greg Bierly <gbierly at dejazzd.com>
Subject: Re: [SML] Wiggle wood for a cannon?

I have had a few experiences with wiggle-wood.  I think trying to get a conical shape will be just  frustrating.  You would be better off making the cylindrical interior and creating the conical shape with a scenic exterior layer. (i.e. foam, paper mache, etc).  You probably are better off tapering 5/4 boards lengthwise and mitering all of the edges but that sounds like a lot of math and glue up.

Greg


On Feb 24, 2025, at 1:15 PM, Joe via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net<mailto:stagecraft at theatrical.net>> wrote:

So, it looks like I will need to construct it from scratch.  I have never made anything using wiggle-wood (i.e. bendable ply) that had a conical shape.  Though, perhaps I could cut wedge-shaped pieces and form it that way. However, I know that getting the edges of the ply to lay flat can
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