Wood Workshop!

(26 - 30/01/09) During this week I made the three 3D frames that I had designed last week. I thought that instead of just buying the frames that I might as well make the use of the facilities that are available for students to use at University-including the wood workshop and the guidance and advice that I could recive from the tutors within this workshop. I was really excited to start and to learn new techniques and skills that I could then use again while completing my course.

All the frames were made in the same way, the only difference within the frames was the size of them, the diference being 5.6. Each frame consistsof three frames. I numbered the frames 1-3 and also A-C, so there were nine frames altogether-three that make up frame 1, three that make up frame 2 and three that made up frame 3. Frame C of each of the fames fits into that fames frame B, this was do so that later on when I placed the glass within frame B that Frame C would then keep it in place. Frame A for each of the frames, slightly larger than frame B and c was to be glued on to fame B for each of the frames. Below shows the stages that were invloved when making the frames:

1. Measure the wood to size, mark which side is the roughest and number the frame so this will save confusion when assembling the frames later on.
2. Cut the wood to size using the band saw.
3. Cut the 45 degree angle and 315 degree angle on each side of the strips of wood.
4. Sand all of the wood using sand paper to makesure it is all smooth.
5. Assemble frame A, B and C for each of the frames together using glue. A way to make sure that each side of the frame were as close to one another as they could be when they were glued was to lay them flat, attach them together by using masking tape on the side that wasn't being glued. Squeeze the PVA into to the gaps and the lift them up from the table and then use masking tape secure the end to pieces of that frame together.
6. Once dry glue frame A onto frame B of each of the three frames, makesure that frame A is placed evenly onto frame B as it is slightly larger.
7. Cut a piece of chipboard so that it fits into frame C for all of the three frames.
8. Cut a piece of glass the same size as the chipboard for each of the frames.
9. Finally assemble the frame by placing the piece of glass within frame B (frame A already glued to frame B), then place frame C into frame B followed by the piece of chipboard. Do this for all of the three frames!!

I learnt many new techniques and skills while making all of these frames that I can use again while completing the Interactive Arts degree. I was able to make the use of the workshop and facilities available and guidance from the tutors. I really enjoyed working in the wood workshop and I now know what's available to me for future projects...I can't wait to make another outcome made from wood.