Make: Technology on Your Time Volume 38

Build a Wireless Ergo Mouse

Written and photographed by Jude Pullen

Adventures in ergonomic foam sculpting and “Sugru skinning.”

Time Required: 5 Hours over a Weekend

Cost: $15–$25

MATERIALS:

» Wireless USB mouse

» Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam, about 2"×4"×4" aka styrofoam or blue foam — not expanded polystyrene (EPS)

» Sugru, 4–5 packs Maker Shed item #MKSU1, makershed.com

» ABS/styrene plastic rod, ~1mm square, about 30" total length such as Plastruct #MS-40

» Glue, PVA

» Water-based filler such as spackle or Polyfilla. Get a fast-dry grade if possible.

» Chemical-based filler such as U-Pol or car body filler. Get “smooth” or extra-fine grade. ...