Community Showcase - Invictus and the Modi Boxi Builds
In this Modi Boxi Community Showcase, Co-founder Trapper Markelz talks with Modi Boxi Community Builder Invictus—a devoted father, Eagle Scout, board game enthusiast, and lifelong tinkerer—to delve into his journey with 3D printing and how it intertwines with his many passions.
Trapper: Ok! Let's start at the beginning—tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with 3D printing.
Invictus: I'm a Father of 3, an Eagle Scout, a lover of board games, and a kid at heart. I got into 3d printing to help in another interest, hobby-grade foam dart blasters (yes, like Nerf - specifically HvZ)
Trapper: That’s a great mix of interests! How did you first hear about Modi Boxi, and what made you jump into the community?
Invictus: I believe I saw an ad on Facebook. I kickstarted another game storage solution years back that has served me well, but they are no longer around, and I’ve outgrown that system, so I was looking for something that could grow and evolve with my collection as it did.
Trapper: Haha, it's good to know our Facebook ads work (sometimes!) What inspires your builds? You've completed several complicated projects. You are a real Modi Boxi Ace now. What is your process for bringing builds to life?
Invictus: My first Boxi was pretty much straight out of the suggested builds: a Large Tackle Boxi style for Disney Villainous. I had to use a bit of trial and error since I was limited to the CompBoxi due to my build volume and had to tweak a file or two at the end to support how I wanted to secure the lids. I’ve since taken what worked well in that one and also made Boxis for Marvel and Star Wars Villainous."
Trapper: That sounds like quite the journey—each project building on the last. Are there other builds or projects you’re working on with Modi Boxi?
Invictus: My newest Boxi is for King of Tokyo / New York / Monster Island. I was excited to try the new possibilities of the Boxi XL since the King of New York and Monster Island boards are too big to fit in the large Boxi. The biggest hurdle with this build was when I discovered that even with the composite Boxi system, my build volume wasn’t big enough for the lid parts. After struggling to find a good spot to do a dovetail cut, I ended up getting creative with the closure by using a 1-level Boxi upside down that tucks under the main box when open.
Once I finish the closures and a few other touches, I plan on doing a similar Boxi for our Jim Henson’s Labyrinth board game. I'm excited to utilize the powerful options Modi Boxi has for the miniatures in that game.
Trapper: Well, you definitely have some fantastic projects! Do you have any advice for someone working with Modi Boxi? Any tips or tricks you've learned?
Invictus: Think outside the Boxi! If something doesn’t quite fit together the way you envisioned, look at alternate uses of other pieces or tweak the dimensions of a part (like the speed arms) in your slicer.
Trapper: And lastly, where can folks check out more of your work or get involved with your projects?
Invictus: I’d love for you to check out the podcast we do for Nerf--Detroit Dart talk. Available on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. https://on.soundcloud.com/6qexyfhSjtiWft3r9"
Trapper: Thanks for sharing your journey, Invictus! Your advice and projects are sure to inspire anyone looking to push the boundaries with Modi Boxi. We can’t wait to see what you build next!