Model Boats

Personal Project

Jan. 2023

While a friend was designing theatre props for a Northwestern show, I wanted to help by making two model boats she needed. A fun design challenge was that the boats had to break in half on stage and return to form backstage. After I 3D modeled a rough idea in Solidworks, I designed in CorelDraw and laser-cut cardboard to create a more realistic hull. I added railings and paper sails and presented the concept for my friend’s approval.

Initial 3D Model

Skills:

Solidworks CAD
CorelDraw Designing
CO2 Laser Cutting

1st Drafts

Once satisfied with the mock-up design, I laser-cut railings, made proper masts, and cut sails from canvas material. I cut the boats in half, attaching each half with string so they can return to form. The planks were organized to hide the cuts. I sent the boats to my friend to be painted.

Final Hull Design

Completed Boats

Graduation Gift

Personal Project

Mar. 2023 - Jun. 2023

For a friend graduating in computer science, I sketched, designed, and manufactured a “binary tree”. I used Solidworks to created two plates in the form of trees to come together to form a 3D tree. On each plate would be multiple binary messages. I added leaves that would have the names of his friends on one side and personal messages on the other. I tested the concept by laser cutting and engraving cardboard.

Skills:

Tree Sketching
Solidworks CAD
CO2 Laser Cutting and Engraving
Water Jetting
Sanding
Manual Milling

Concept Sketch

3D Model

Cardboard Mock-up

Once satisfied with the cardboard mock-up, I began making the actual version with 300 series stainless steel, which I then water jet, sanded, and laser engraved with the binary messages.

Water Cut Pieces

Sanded Pieces

Laser Engraved Binary

I noticed the tree required better stability, so I machined a wooden base the pieces would slide into. After receiving the names and personal messages of his friends from a Google Form, I made the leaves by laser engraving stained wood. Once everything was completed, I assembled all the parts into the tree.

Leaf Customization Form

Completed Trunk

Completed Tree