Let's Make (Almost) Anything Husani Sallah

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Make Something Big The project this week is to make something big using the ShopBot milling machine. I planned to build a miniature sized ping pong table. First I created a 2D design in Coral Draw. This model gave me an idea of how I wanted the table to look as well as how I intended on stabilizing the table. This is how it looked: Next, I began to design my larger table in the CAD software PartWorks. PartWorks had no problem reading my .svg file and many of my peices were simply scaled and lightly shaped up. After I was finished designing my work, I croped two separated joint peices which would be used as test peices. Both test peices fit (with the help of a rubber hammer). I was then convinced that my project would be fully functional and I went for it: I also decided to use MDO plywood with a 1/4 inch up-cut bit. This wood type looks to be of good surface and support strength for a couple of games of table tennis. The 1/4 inch up-cut drill bit (from what I was told) would leave a clean cut along the edges because of the smooth motions and clean cuts of the up-cut drill. After assembly, I realized that my project had turned out to be a success. I created a functional miniature table-tennis table. The base is very sturdy and the bounce is high enough for low-level competition. Enjoy: The lab took turns testing out the table and it proved effective enough to keep us occupied for a little while. The only problems that I had on this project was that my first test pieces were off by an inch or so. After I cleaned that up by focusing in on my measurements, I experienced smooth sailing. I got a chance to use some joint and press fit techniques on this project and they served to be very useful. I look forward to my next "BIG" project.