Luke Schiesser Project 1: Building with Hand Tools

 Process

I began by sketching some ideas for a tool tote in my notebook. I initially envisioned including small feet on the corners to lift the base off the ground, but eventually scrapped that idea because of concerns of instability when placed on uneven surfaces.

I then designed my tool tote in Fusion, which was quite a learning experience. I included some curves to break up the boxy design and reduce the weight. I also included two notches in the center dividers to slot in a ruler and lowered the walls of the central compartment to help get large tools out from under the handle.


Though I had submitted my design for a grade, I felt that I could improve on it further, gaining more interior space by moving the handle supports to the edges of the design wather than on the dividers in the middle. This would allow me to laser-cut modular dividers later on, which would take up much less room than the thick 3/4 inch dividers I had initially planned.






I rounded the edges of my supports more to reduce the weight, and heavily sanded them down. I also used the belt sander to make the handle more circular, rotating it like a rotisserie chicken to get an even curve.


After fabricating the design, I wanted to re-introduce the lowered sides from my initial design to help move things in and out. This was risky, but I knew it would bug me if I didn't try.



Result


I'm very pleased with how my box turned out, though in the process of removing the sides to lower the sides a piece of the veneer broke off. I reattached it with wood glue and sanded it flat, but it still left a visible mark.

Reflection

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with my box, and I'm planning on laser-cutting some dividers and modular compartments to improve the utility. I also really enjoyed working alongside my classmates, offering advice and commiserating setbacks.

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