Let's Play Mahjong!

Integrating both Filipino and Chinese cultures in one game, Let's Play Mahjong! is a Filipino take on the known classic, Mahjong. It aims to bridge both cultures together and also serve as a unifying force for the players.

18mm Plywood

3mm Acrylic Sheets (any color, as long as only one is used)

Double Sided Tape (or any other glue)

Scissors

Sandpaper

Laser Cutter

CNC Cutter

Using applications such as Inkscape (for the laser cutting of the acrylic) and VCarve (for the CNC cutting of the plywood) will help us determine the amount of material we need to use and see the designs for the actual tiles.

The dimensions for the tiles are of Size 7 tiles (36 mm x 26 mm x 18 mm), and the designs of the tiles itself are adapted from various Filipino icons. Since there are four sets of 36 tiles, three of these sets have to be sequential (1 to 9), while the last set can be of any various icons of your choosing.

With the designs of the files done through Inkscape, begin with the acrylic cutting. Prepare your 3mm acrylic of any color (but ensure that the same color is used for all tiles). After the cutting, in total, there must be 144 individual pieces of acrylic serving as the 144 tiles.

With the VCarve files done, you may now also begin the CNC cutting of the wood. As there are 144 acrylic tiles, ensure that you will have the appropriate amount of plywood as well. After rounds of CNC cutting, separate the tiles from their tabs.

To ensure that players are not harmed during the playing of the game, it is vital the plywood are sanded and polished.

With the acrylic and plywood sanded, it is now time to attach both together. Using the double sided tape, attach the acrylic with the plywood and ensure they are attached together properly.

With the tiles finished, design a container for them for easier transport in the future. Afterward, make use of the laser cutter once again and attach them to each other.

Enjoy your new homemade mahjong set!