Elizabeth Johns Final Project: Mixed Techniques

  

Process

For our final project in the Introduction to Making course, we were instructed to make any project we wanted so long as it used two or more of the machines and techniques that we learned this semester.
Going into this final project, I knew I wanted to make a small desk clock using a small premade clock mechanism I had received from Josh earlier in the semester. While this clock was intended to solely be used with 3D printing, I wanted to make my clock using the 3D printer along with the CNC machine and Epilog Fusion Edge laser cutter. 
    After creating my rough sketches and design plans for the project (as seen in my proposal post), I started by creating a model in Fusion 360 with a topography of René-Levasseur Island in Canada as a base for the clock. I chose this location because it had a very circular shape, which would make it easier to add numbers around the center of the design. From there, I cleaned up the shape and added a compartment for the clock mechanism to sit, before using a Bambu printer to 3D print a test run of my design.

  


Result

Through this first attempt, I was able to learn what aspects of my design needed to be changed. Specifically, the topography of the landscape on the face of the clock made it impossible for the screw to fit. Without this screw, the face of the clock would be unable to connect securely to the clock mechanism. I was also able to figure out which orientation of the clock I liked best and was then able to add numbers to the clock. Once these changes were made, I used a 3D printer to print the updated version of the clock.


  


With the final version of my design ready, I prepared to cut out the face of the clock on the CNC machine. Because my design needed cutting on both sides, Ryan helped me with the programming and setting up of the CNC machine so that the cuts on both sides would be oriented in the same position as the model. 


  



Fortunately, the design came out perfectly on the first try. I am pleased with the results and very thankful for Ryan’s help throughout this process. From there, I used the Epilog Fusion Edge laser cutter with the help of Josh to etch in the numbers onto the clock face. 

  

Finally, I used wood stain and a sharpie to deepen the color of the wood and make the etched in numbers more visible. Here are some pictures of the finished design!

Reflection

Now having gone through the process of making this project, there are some minor things I wish I had done differently to create this project. First, I wish I had chosen a different type of wood for the clock face. I feel like the wood I chose would have been good for woodworking, but not the CNC because it can chip really easily, which is difficult to fix on such a precise project. Second, I wish that I had etched the numbers into the face after I had stained the clock face. I think this would have made it easier to see the numbers without having to color them in.

Aside from that, I am now the proud owner of a completely functional desk clock and I am proud of how this project turned out. This final project was truly a test to show how much I’ve learned in this class because it challenged me to utilize multiple techniques, design processes, and machines that I had learned all throughout the semester. I can confidently say that I’ve learned a lot in this class and I am excited to use what I’ve learned in the future to make more personal projects in the makerspace.

  

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