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.
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.