This week's assignment involved compute-controlled machining for large scale objects. There were plywood panels that were sitting around in our living room for over two weeks that represented our housemates' hopes for new furniture and procrastination. The plywood were pieces of a 4' x 8' large piece and the remaining sizes available was a long 2' x 8' piece and a smaller 2' x 2' piece.

I initially wanted to build a modular framing system that could turn into chairs, stools, and table. However, the available plywood never seemed enough to match the design ambitions.

So naturally, I pivoted into a concept where the bench can turn into a table. I wanted at least two people to be able to sit on it now that the design had changed.

This would have worked, but I did not like the overall shape and the connections were kind of sketchy! So updated it to a newer design that also included lateral bracing and almost friction fit.

When the design was set and stone, exported the file and with the help of my friend/ CNC TA Sparsh, exported it to MasterCAM and played around with the different toolpaths.

Also a huge shoutout to GSD CNC TA Zihao who is also in our HTMAA cohort for fixing my MasterCAM files after submitting for the job, as well as Steve, CNC TA Sparsh and Enoch.

He gave me advice on the connection holes and told me how it would be tough to get it fully friction fit unless carving at it with my own strength manually, fixing the 3d model, or leaving these 'ugly' circular holes at the corners due to the mill path. Since I am lazy I chose the last option and wanted to embrace the 'ugly' holes.

Now for the CNC:

Building the module:

Similarly, the table can be taken apart and with the shorter leg modules can be turned into a mini bench!