APT Tips

NB. The strength lies in the way something is made!

Think before you act – plan the design to take the weight and pressures. Make sure that there will be enough supports. Measure three times – cut once!
For a professional look CUT corrugated card using a ruler or straight machined-edge end of a piece of card as a guide for the knife. Keep the knife straight (90° to card)
TEAR thin card for rolling into rods and TEAR paper for layering. Why? Rough edges glue much better than sharp edges.
PRESS flat layered pieces using a flat board. Make sure all the pieces are level and that the board covers them all. Dry paper between the floor and layered boards and between the layered boards and flat board helps to speed the drying process. A table upside down works well as a flat board.
DRYING. Thorough drying helps prevent the difficulties of the boards bending. Check the work everyday. Air the boards that are being dried every day and put dry paper under and on top of them. Use when totally dry, when they feel stiff and hard, for flat boards, otherwise bend while damp.
"P and P spells STICK" (a favourite saying of Bevill Packer). Paste and Pressure – smooth paste over thinly with pressure. Rub hands over work when layering to make sure there are no air pockets or lifting edges.
Think about the finishing designs or paintwork. This can transform the item.
Wait until APT item is completely dry before adding the coat of varnish (this is not strictly necessary but makes the work look nice and makes it splash proof).

Do you have any more tips?

We will try them out and add the most helpful ones to the website.