Elizabeth Johns Proposal: Mixed Techniques

  

Proposal Statement

    For this project, I plan on creating a small desk clock using the CNC machine, 3D printer, and laser cutter. I plan on using a clock component kit I got from Josh to allow the mechanisms of the clock to operate while using the tools in the makerspace to make the clockface and stand.

  


Advice

For this project, I consulted with the ever-amazing Shumyla López. When discussing my project with her, she advised that I use multiple pieces of wood to keep the clock mechanism in place. I was already toying with this idea in my head, especially because I had originally talked about this idea with Ryan for Project 4, and they had recommended a similar solution. The biggest concern that most of my peers and I have shared is that the mechanism of the clock will be too thick for the CNC machine to cut out while also keeping the structural integrity of the piece. This concern is the primary reason I decided to use this project idea for Project 5 rather than Project 4.

Rough Game Plan

    My current plan is to use the CNC machine to create the overall shape of the clockface. I am hoping to incorporate an interesting design on the clockface, either through art or some kind of topography. I want to use the 3D printer to create modified clock hands that will fit the dimensions of the clock as the original hands that came with the clock are too small. Lastly, I plan on using the laser cutter to create a backer that will hold the mechanism in place, as well as a stand to display the clock on a desk.


The following images are the  similar to the kind of clock that I am hoping to make with this project. Particularly, I want something I can make with a CNC machine, but also something small enough to display on a desk.

    

Needs  

   I do not think I need very many materials for this project because I have the clock mechanism and my own 3D printer filament. However, in order to operate the CNC machine and the laser cutter, I think that I will need 3/4" thick wood for the clockface and some 1/8" wood for the lasercut backing. Aside from that, I believe that all I need is time to create the project and problem-solve through any errors that arise.

Comments

  1. Ryan HodgeApril 17, 2026 at 6:30 AM

    Oh fun, a clock project. Seems appropriate for a soon to be accountant. You seem to have dialed in the primary challenge: a clean fit of the mechanism into the mIN body. And Shumyla's stacked modular assembly approach is sound advice. I would plan on CNC cutting the main housing more than once as you dial in the fit and finish. I can't wait to see how it comes out.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introducing Elizabeth Johns

Image
Introduction A photo of me, Elizabeth! Hello! My name is Elizabeth Johns and I am an Accounting major with an English minor at Trinity University. I am from San Antonio, Texas and have lived here for most of my life. Last Spring, I transferred to Trinity University from the University of Texas at San Antonio where I pursued architecture for three semesters before settling on accounting as a major. Currently, I am on track to graduate with my bachelor's degree in Fall 2026.  Interests My main academic interests involve accounting, where I plan on eventually becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and working on the tax side of accounting. Outside of accounting, I like to read and write, which is why I am also pursuing a minor in English. In particular, I really enjoy Shakespeare and I am taking my third Shakespeare class this semester. My favorite plays of his are Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet .  When I am not studying accounting, I have a personal interest in using m...
Read more

Introducing Dr. Wilson Terrell Jr. (Dr. T.)

Image
  Introduction   My name is Dr. Wilson Terrell Jr., and I'm the Associate Provost - started this position in June 2022. In addition, I'm an Associate Professor of Engineering Science in the D. R. Semmes School of Science - started at Trinity in 2003. I graduated with a B.S., M.S., and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Fighting Illini - home of the best deep dish pizza Papa Dels). Interests I have always love "making" since getting my first Lego set. While in high school, my favorite classes were math, physics, and chemistry. My physics teacher encouraged me to attend a summer engineering program at the University of Illinois, which helped me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Here at Trinity, I primarily teach upper division mechanical engineering type courses and labs, and freshmen engineering design. This is the second time I have taught this course, when it was a pilot called ENGR 2191, Special Topics ...
Read more

Introduction: Shumyla Lopez

Image
Introduction: Shumyla Lopez My name is Shumyla Lopez, I am a senior psychology major - I began my journey at Trinity August 2022. This is an image of me getting ready to eat my very first pazookie (which is crazy! The dubai chocolate was good though).  Interests I am from Stevenspoint, Wisconsin, but I more often say that Weslaco, Texas is my home as I lived there most of my life. I moved down there in 2010, so a lot of my childhood memories remain in the valley.  My academic interests has been psychology since I arrived at Trinity. I am hoping to one day attend graduate school and achieve my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I am a research assistant for Dr. Carolyn Becker, where much of my research focus has been related to eating disorders and food insecurity in older women. Some of the ongoing projects that I am co-leading involves a project called Life Hacks. Our current aim is to target subclinical anxiety and depression in college students by teaching cognitive...
Read more