Project Update: Glass Writing Boards – March 29

Here are updates on my project since my big update last time (link). The important update is that I was able to finish my first prototype before spring break!

Goals:

• Create product to include in presentation to facilities/ResLife
• Test manufacturing methods
• Gain clarity on future design changes, specifically focusing on the framing.
  • Wood, extruded metal, combination?

Tools used:

• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Router
• Carpenter’s plane
• Drill press
• Hand drill and circular saw

First, I prepared the lumber with a table saw – 4 sections had to be cut from the 8′ 2×4.

The four side pieces were then given angled cuts (45^o) with the miter saw.

A ¼” router bit was used to put a slot through the sides.

After touching up the pieces with a carpenter’s plane, the front looked much better.

Completing the frame requires the attachment of the keyhole plates.

The last step in making a working prototype was to put two snaptoggles into a spare piece of wood which represents the wall. After this, the frame was able to hang on!

Completed Prototype:

Lessons Learned:

• Smooth the lumber with the planing tool BEFORE the other manufacturing steps. This will create a higher quality frame with better uniformity/symmetry.
• Future woodworking, especially for the location of holes, needs to be more accurate.

Meeting with Facilities/Housing&Dining: I was unable to attend the brief meeting that finally happening with facilities and ResLife staff before break, but a huge shout out to Sami for being able to! Here are the results:

• First meeting to talk about the idea – there will be later meetings to go over redefined design(s)
• Any attachment to walls must be under 4 inches
• Look at IBC (international building code) for required standards
  • http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/toc/2015/I-Codes/2015%20IBC%20HTML/index.html
• Definitely use safety glass!
• Wall attachment method should match the prototype (snaptoggle plus keyhole plate), but add screw on the bottom for securement so it can’t be lifted off
• No fabric in the design
• Metal frame would be better than wood frame
• Give both options (metal and wood) to fire marshal
• Need to get board locations selected sooner rather than later for approval
• 3’ x 5’ is a better size for the wall (need to look at weight)
• Before the glassboards can move forward, EHP/facilities/residence-life are going to put together a process for submitting/approving proposals.

Because of this, my project will likely become that of an advanced prototype for the end of the class.

20th Century Design Movements:

These are the specific design movements of the 20th century that are influencing my design:

• International Style – especially for the metal frame design that is next to focus on
• Arts & Crafts – use your hands to make something special and that stands out as homemade!
• Constructivism