Athens Georgia Wire Map
This is decoration is a road map of Athens, Georgia. The main Roads are laser cut into the wood. There are 3/4" nails hammered into each intersection. The wire represents the roads.
Supplies
3/4" Nails
10/16" Thick Wood Board of Choice (Can Be Thicker)
Metal Wire
Hammer
2 small screws
Drill
Laser Cutter
Jigsaw
Band saw
Sand Paper
CAD/Sketch Design
Use a reference photo of a map of Athens. Use it to Cad Lines over each of the main roads as well as to cut the shape of Athens out.
Measure Wood and Cut
Measure out Rectangle approximately the size you would like the decoration. Use a jigsaw to cut out the rectangle.
Laser Cut Design Into Wood
Upload an file that includes the sketch lines into the program you run your laser cutter on. (optional: In the program put "Athens" in one of the spaces).
Cut Out Shape
First use a Jigsaw to cut most of the access off.
Then use a band saw to get more exact lines closer to the shape
Finally Sand down the edges, make sure the edges are smooth.
Hammer Nails
Hammer in 3/4" Nails at each intersection where roads meet, but make sure not to hammer through the board.
Connect Intersections With Wire
Connect each intersection with wire over the road lines. Each wire represents a main road. Start by twisting one end to a nail, then pull the wire coil to the next nail, twist then cut. PLIERS ARE RECOMMENDED.
Install Hanger
Drill two Screws in the back of the decoration. Make sure not to drill through the board. Connect the two screws by wire.
FINISHED PRODUCT
At this stage the product is finished. (Optional: Stain the wood before hammering nails in)