# Building stunt trap AND trap holder! WIP! Update 9-13-09 **URL:** \ **Category:** Ghost Traps\ **Created:** [August 15, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571 "2009-08-15T20:07:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/1 "2009-08-15T20:07:26Z")
Hey fellas! It is very possible that I give MDF a chance and try to build a stunt trap. I do have some questions that raised as I was checking Sean’s plans. I want to go and build a stunt trap. Do I still need to build the cartridge? Or do I basically make a “rectangular box” (outer shell) and add/build the exterior details (like battery compartment, handles, etc)? I’m trying to see how to go around this by looking at the plans (just making the shell), but I’m a bit lost. Checking Sean’s plans, the very first page ([http://www.gbfans.com/images/equipment/plans/sean-trap-plan\_1.jpg](http://www.gbfans.com/images/equipment/plans/sean-trap-plan_1.jpg)) … how do you make/join/glue those angled corners? Thanks for your input. I am really lost here and never built anything out of wood or MDF, ---
**Author:** ![Not404Error](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ecb155/32.png) [@Not404Error](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Not404Error)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/2 "2009-08-15T21:40:33Z")
For the battery compartment, here’s how I made mine (keep in mind that I used cardboard and was able to easily bevel the edges with a boxcutter): ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 10:44pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/3 "2009-08-15T22:44:38Z")
Thanks for your help! I believe it’s basically the same, right? Perhaps I could fill the corners with bondo and sand the corner smooth, or do I need to give an angle cut to the MDF? ---
**Author:** ![irricanian](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/irricanian/32/5887_2.png) [@irricanian](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/irricanian)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 12:09am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/4 "2009-08-16T00:09:45Z")
> [@jt001](#): > > Thanks for your help! > > I believe it’s basically the same, right? Perhaps I could fill the corners with bondo and sand the corner smooth, or do I need to give an angle cut to the MDF? It would help to angle the corners. I made a stunt trap from mdf and since the inner cartridge did not need to be removed I took out any material inside that would not be seen from outside OFF to save weight on the cartridge. The less weight hanging from the belt the better, you could even use thinner material( 1/8" as opposed to 1/4") on the cartridge. Note the material removed ![image]([http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters) costume\_047.jpg) Inner cartridge ![image]([http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters) costume\_053.jpg) ![image]([http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters](http://www.gbfans.com/images/pb/TD8828/Ghostbusters) costume\_052-1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Wingfan191](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/71c47a/32.png) [@Wingfan191](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Wingfan191)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 12:30am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/5 "2009-08-16T00:30:14Z")
what does MDF stand for? Sorry for my noobness, but I’m looking to build a trap as well and am looking at all options on the boards. ---
**Author:** ![GhostBusters95](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/90db22/32.png) [@GhostBusters95](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/GhostBusters95)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/6 "2009-08-16T00:39:41Z")
> [@Wingfan191](#): > > what does MDF stand for? Sorry for my noobness, but I’m looking to build a trap as well and am looking at all options on the boards. I was wondering the exact same thing lol : P ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/7 "2009-08-16T01:14:45Z")
Thanks Colin!!! That photo was exactly what I was looking for! Seeing how it looks from the inside gives me a better picture on how to build it. All I need to do is build the raised area where the fake doors will rest on top of the outer shell. I have a mitter box that will be very useful for those angle corners! I was thinking about building the forward power indicator out of styrene. I think that’ll be easier than MDF, at least for that part. I agree, man. All that equipment in the belt will get heavy! I was thinking perhaps building a mock up in Google’s free 3D sketch app. That way I can input/create all the parts and then see what parts I need according to Sean’s plans and what parts I don’t need, specially the ones for the containment cartridge. Wingfan and GB95: MDF stands for medium density fiberboard. Here ya go guys! Here’s a much better explanation. From [diyaudioandvideo.com](http://diyaudioandvideo.com) > [@](#): > > MDF belongs to the hardboard family of products which are made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure. Medium Density Fiberboard typically has densities between 33 and 50 pounds per cubic feet while High Density Fiberboard (HDF) ranges between 50 and 80 pounds per cubic feet. Hardboard was first produced in 1924 by W. H. Mason, founder of Masonite Corp. The term Masonite is therefore often used to denote hardboard products, especially HDF. And here’s a MDF FAQ: [MDF Board Guide](http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/FAQ/MDF/) ---
**Author:** ![Wingfan191](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/71c47a/32.png) [@Wingfan191](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Wingfan191)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/8 "2009-08-16T01:23:42Z")
thanks, I might have to look into this to build my trap out of. Seems easy to cut and lightweight. ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 1:24am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/9 "2009-08-16T01:24:58Z")
You are welcome! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GhostBusters95](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/90db22/32.png) [@GhostBusters95](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/GhostBusters95)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 1:28am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/10 "2009-08-16T01:28:17Z")
thanks, I won’t use it, but maybe in the future now I know what it is now at least. ---
**Author:** ![bradboss12](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/a88e4f/32.png) [@bradboss12](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/bradboss12)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2009, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/11 "2009-08-17T19:45:59Z")
depends on what you want it to do. I made a trap with a cartride but Dave had a better trap for the movie so mine is a smoker trap. A smoker trap doesn’t need a removable cartridge. ---
**Author:** ![Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Cous3)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2009, 11:07pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/12 "2009-08-17T23:07:02Z")
> [@](#): > > what does MDF stand for? **Medium Density Fibreboard** Oh and try not to breath in the dust if you sand it…make sure you wear a mask. Keith ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/13 "2009-08-19T13:41:38Z")
Smokers are absolutely awesome! I still haven’t been to Home Depot to get the MDF, yet ☹ I want to start this very soon. Can’t believe August is almost gone! ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 4:08am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/14 "2009-08-27T04:08:00Z")
Update! I went to Home Depot today and there was not too much MDF too choose from. The employee told me that sometimes 1/4" MDF gets in the bulk they receive, one on top and one at the bottom, but that they don’t usually carry MDF that much. We started looking and happened to find one 1/4" board. It didn’t even had price. He asked how much it goes for. I told him that I’ve heard it goes from 10 to 20 bucks, or something in between, but I really had no idea. So he just said: “Well, how about 2 bucks for it?” He cut the board in 3 pieces so I could load it into my FJ and left Home Depot a happy camper! Tomorrow I’ll start making templates in Illustrator so I can cut them and trace them over the MDF. I have an orbital jigsaw. Would that be OK to cut MDF? I also got some yellow glue, but I’m not sure how to hold the parts together until the glue dries. I don’t have wood clamps. The trap’s battery compartment has angle cuts. Would those be 45 degree cuts? Should I use the orbital for MDF or reciprocal? Argh, so many questions! LOL! Thanks! 🙂 This is the orbital jig saw I have: ---
**Author:** ![Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Cous3)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 10:21am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/15 "2009-08-27T10:21:49Z")
$2…what a result, I think over here we pay something like $10 for a small sheet of 24x48 inches, so you had a real good result. When I cut MDF I use a fine tooth hand saw, and as I get to the finishing edge I start again from that edge, MDF can split at the edge if you’re not careful. Same as drilling, for example the trap doors where the hinges/pins fit into the edge of the doors. Try and use a small pilot drill first, then open it up with a slighly larger drill bit…if possible use clamps on the outside surfaces whilst you drill, this will help it not to split. The only way to really tell is to try cuting a piece with your jigsaw, then try drilling the edges, get to know how the MDF cuts/drills before trying on your actual trap pieces. Glue…Over here we have stuff called “No Nails”, but I’m sure there is something very similar over there, especially at Home Depot which is similar to our B&Q store. It dries pretty quick but allows time for you to position your parts (I’m thinking of the battery compartment). The edges of the battery compartment that you will need to bevel (I used a Dremmel to sand the edges rather than cut them) can then be filled with the glue and left to set…it sets very strong. As with most things it’s trail and error…I hope this helps you out a bit. Keith ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/16 "2009-08-27T13:36:12Z")
That’s exactly the advice I was looking for! One thing, can MDF be sanded just like regular wood? Thank you very much for posting Keith!!! ---
**Author:** ![Not404Error](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/ecb155/32.png) [@Not404Error](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Not404Error)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/17 "2009-08-27T14:23:12Z")
> [@jt001](#): > > That’s exactly the advice I was looking for! One thing, can MDF be sanded just like regular wood? > > Thank you very much for posting Keith!!! Absolutely. It sands relatively easily. When I started building my pack (mostly mdf) I used a jigsaw. I’ve never had it splinter on me. ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 2:32pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/18 "2009-08-27T14:32:04Z")
Awesome! 🙂 Can’t start working on this!!! Do I really need clamps to hold the parts together until the glue dries? If so, is there a “low budget” way to hold them in place? ---
**Author:** ![Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Cous3](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Cous3)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/19 "2009-08-27T15:36:41Z")
Yes…as said above, MDF sands very well, you may need to slightly sand the edges after cutting…but hey I’m really fussy lol. **BUT DO WEAR A MASK AND SAND OUTSIDE, THE DUST IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU!** As I said, just be wary that as you finish your cut it may pull away the lower edge and chip slightly. As for clamps, well you can get plastic clamps like large clothes pegs (if you get what I mean)…like this: They are quite cheap, but are only good for holding thin sheets together, as you can see you are restricted by the opening of the jaws, they do come in different sizes. However a clamp that has a wider opening (I’m thinking to hold the sides of the trap which is 4"+ wide, you may need something like this: When building my Trap battery compartment I cut the base and top, cut my bevelled parts, glued them to the base part, used plenty of glue inside, then glued on the top…think I put a book on it for weight lol…and it set pretty stong: Here you go: Another tip, I have used panel pins (tiny nails) to help hold certain areas such as where the sides of the trap meet the base, I found glue was not enough and it needed extra support…but again, use a very fine pilot drill before tapping home panel pins or the MDF may split. Keith ---
**Author:** ![jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jt001](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/jt001)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571/20 "2009-08-27T17:31:29Z")
Keith, I am eternally grateful for those photos!!! That was the part I was most concerned with: battery compartment. Those photos are GREAT reference! I do have plastic clamps, but I lack the bigger clamp. I gotta check how much those are running for… Once again, thanks a LOT for you help!!! 🙂 [Next page](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/building-stunt-trap-and-trap-holder-wip-update-9-13-09/25571.md?page=2)