MODEL MAKING SESSION 4- During this session it was time to begin constructing our model, using all the experimental pieces which we had produced in the previous three workshops (Wood, Metal & Plastic). After learning about all the different joints we needed to decide how we wanted to use these so we could ensure the best outcome.
To start off with I wanted to cut out the spheres which we created using the Vac Former, this meant I needed to cut off the excess plastic around the edges using the Ban saw, the reason for cutting off the excess plastic is so that it becomes easier to sand down into a neat sphere. The Up-right sander doesn’t create a smooth finish to the edges meaning I then had to file it down by hand.
Because we wanted to have some curves as well as straight angles I decided to round off one of our pieces of wood, this was done using the same process as the plastic sphere however I had to use a different Ban saw which is made for wood only. I then sanded this down to create a smooth edge allowing for a more professional outcome.
BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION
To begin constructing our model it was rather confusing as we needed to start arranging our pieces in different ways to achieve the best outcome, this took a while as each experimental piece had different angles, this meant it was hard to find a way for the pieces to fit together, allowing for it to also stand up.
We decided to just work with our wood piece as the main structure for the model as this ensured support and is also strong enough to hold the other sections, as our wood section had holes in it we wanted to create the effect of a window, to do this we took two of the Acrylic pieces and lined them up on the back, because these are slightly translucent it helped achieve this effect.
To attach the plastic to the wood we decided to use a rivet as this would only be seen on the back, unfortunately when we did the first rivet it snapped our plastic, this was because it was too close to edge and the pressure created too much strain. This then lead up to moving the rivet further in the middle as this it allowed for more pressure.
Once we had managed to attach the two Acrylic pieces to the wood we needed to add a piece of hard wood onto the edge of the Ply, this would then allow us to add an extra piece of wood if we decided to and also gave us more of a surface to work with, this was a simple joint as we used the Tongue & Groove joint, meaning we only had to apply wood glue in the groove and then clamp the two together and wait until it was completely dry.
Because we couldn’t work on the model whilst it was drying we decided to think about how we could begin incorporating metal, we came up with a few ideas however these can only be done in the next session.
Peta-Louise Krog 