ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some ways to make fabricated objects stronger or more rigid for prop builder's underlying structure. It discusses ways to create more organic and curvy shapes through fabrication, using formers and stringers. The chapter examines skeletal frames for creating extremely organic shapes that may only require a thin skin of material for a surface. A load is a weight which will be supported by a prop. A prop should be built to withstand any type of load that will potentially be applied to it. Prop builders can build stronger props if they take advantage of compression strength wherever possible. Compression in the direction of the length of a beam is the least likely way for a material to fail. A gusset plate is a sheet of material used to strengthen and/or join two or more beams together. It is kind of like a very short stiffener or wale used for a single joint.
