Liberty Mata Project 1: Building with hand tools

 Process

To start off the design process, I followed the provided tutorial instructions to create a basic tool tote in Fusion 360. Then, I modified the original tote design to include a round bar handle, softer edges around the top of the main tote compartment, and heart-shaped cutouts below the handlebar. Once I had my design finalized, I drew the appropriate measurements onto my wood plank and created outlines coinciding with the boards needed to construct the assets of my tote. I proceeded to use the chop saw to cut down my plank into more manageable sections and used the bandsaw to cut out my outlined pieces. I sanded all of the edges of my pieces and used a trim router to soften the top edges of the main tote compartment. I also used a drill press to create holes in two of my pieces to fit my handlebar and, on those same pieces, I used a jigsaw to cut out the heart-shaped designs. Next, I mock-constructed my tote and marked some ideas for where to add screws. I drilled small entry holes into the places I felt best suited for screws before actually using an impact driver to insert screws into these holes. Then, after screwing all of my wood pieces into their proper place according to my design, I sanded down the edges of the bottom as a final touch. 



All smiles here!

Result

 Although hand tools aren't something I have much background experience in, I think my finished tote turned out surprisingly accurate to my original Fusion 360 design, especially considering my lack of previous practice. Although my original plan included a spiffy, new paint job at the end, I felt this to be too strenuous under my time constraints and just gave my box a clean sanding instead. I'll probably still paint the tote after it's returned to me, just to achieve my original vision, but I am surprisingly happy with the clean look of the plain wood. I experienced the most trial and error dealing with the new machinery that I hadn't had practice with previously. However, I had a great support system for guidance and found it exciting to try new techniques and get real hands-on experience building my own project, having the opportunity to get more comfortable with the machinery along the way. 

Trial and Error LOL

Reflection

I'm honestly really pleased with the result of my project. Even though it might not be technically perfect, there's pride in the fact that it's my creation, made from my own hands. I'd love to try this project again with my newfound experience under my belt and I can definitely notice a difference between my comfort levels working with certain tools at the start of this project versus the end. I think some of my biggest takeaways from this project are patience and consistency. I've learned that rushing even small aspects of a project definitely shows in small, sloppy details and that working on a project a little at a time is much less tiring than attempting to get it all done in a few long spurts. I think that focusing on improving my personal patience and consistency while working on my next project will definitely help to refine my technique and style in a way that will resonate in my work. 

Finished tote!


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