My understanding of how materials can be shaped has definitely changed since doing materials and processes and working on my projects. When I first thought of Shaping techniques I instantly thought of sawing, filing and a few other shaping by wasting techniques and didn't think of other methods which do not involve subtracting material such as heat treating and bending. I also didn't think of the various machines that can be used to shape materials particularly CNC machines which I have also made use of.
During the first two sessions of the materials & process module we looked at shaping techniques using metal, which gave me a good start with shaping techniques. I was pretty familiar with using files & saws to shape wood and plastic from the ball bearing, so had a little bit of an idea of tools for shaping, however an introduction to the using machinery to shape materials was pretty new to me.
During the session i was introduced to hand based shaping techniques (saws and files) and a machine which I have been both intrigued and nervous about using......the 'Centre lathe'. After the session explaining how to use the centre lathe and its capabilities I was still a little confused so as a course of action I have decided to do the 'plumb bob' mini task to get me more acquainted. I have found with my learning that I understand much better by doing and personal investigation than simply just listening to how something works, after completing the plumb bob exercise I will HOPEFULLY gain a better understanding of the controls, tools bits and how to work the machine correctly. After today's introduction to shaping metals i thought my pre conceptions of using metal in DT and how my understanding has changed. Although it might sound strange/silly, I didn't think metal could be cut with a hand saw as it is the material is too hard. I had it in my head that all metals had to be cut by heavy duty machinery!? Although I know this isn't the case now, as I cut aluminium bars in the workshop today and feel much more enlightened. This silly misunderstanding also made me think and be more understanding of students misconceptions about DT tools and machinery and how they can happen. Another session in the workshop, i had to restart my ball bearing game as i over wound the vice and cracked my plastic pumkin shape (twice actually) .....
It occurred to me that the two part mould is a shaping technique! re-doing this part of the process also made me time my plastic in the oven as i left my plastic in the oven for too long and it went bubbly and then for not long enough and the shape didn't form very well. Another positive note from ruining my first two pumpkins is it gave me another chance to cut out and shape my game lid and base. I was much more confident using the Bandsaw, although had to use the wood Bandsaw as there was a lesson in the other workshop, i noticed what a difference the wider toothed blade made when cutting the plastic and in future will wait and use the other Bandsaw with a much finer blade as i would not want to crack my plastic. When shaping my plastic pieces, I changed the blade in the Fret saw which allowed me to cut in any direction which made things a lot easier. As I was nervous about getting my fingers too close to the fretsaw blade I drew round my top piece onto my base and carefully cut down my plastic using a coping saw and then finished off using various files to round off my game and make it look more pumpkin like! Ive found that sometimes just one tool or machine will do the whole job and some times it is necessary swtich between various toold and machines just to do one job. This can be not only to make the task more successful but also make it safer! I am aware of the common methods of shaping techniques such as the Bandsaw, Hand saws, Guillotine, Sand paper and various files. So not totally ignorant in this area but still a lot to learn over the course.
However during the session on finishing techniques when Files were discussed, i realised i had been using a file incorrectly on my wooden mould the previous day and now know that this is NOT good and CLOGGS them up. Im glad that file types were explained as i didn't know about choosing an appropriate grade of file such as the Bastard file (course & removes a lot of material), For example when choosing my file previously in the workshop i judged it on shape (flat, round, triangular) alone and although this is indeed important next time i will make a more appropriate choice all round. After my first ever session in the workshop i had severe muscle aches and was quite exhausted after using some finishing techniques, which would indicated that i was doing more work than the tools themselves. After the session on finishing techniques I now have a better understand of how to hold certain tools and make effective use of them and get them to do the all work as they are supposed to. what i want to achieve next?
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