CTEC
(Career Technical Education Center)
CTEC Projects
I have been enrolled in engineering classes since my freshman year. I have learned how to use CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and Fusion 360. I have also learned how to use many machines in the Shop to make the projects you see below such as; CNC Mill, Plasma Cutter, Lathe, Metal Cutter, Bandsaw, Drill Press, MIG Welder, and Stick Welder.
Dice Project
This dice is made out of 1/8" Steel plates that we had to cut on a metal saw. We also had to hand-measure the holes before we checked them on a CNC mill. Then we drilled and deburred the holes and welded it all together, tacking it first and then finishing it with downhill welds. Once all of the welding was done I sanded it to have sharp corners and polished it to achieve the final look.
Step Shaft Project
I machined this on the lathe after cutting it a little bit longer in order to face it on both sides to make it look nice. The process just included turning the piece down to width and doing that for all of the steps making sure that they are the proper length as well. Then I carved the thread relief before machining the threads in until a nut smoothly threaded the entire length of the thread.
Ball and Peen Hammer
These were also machined on the lathe. The hammer head is made out of the step shaft, and the handle is made out of aluminum round. The hardest part about the handle was probably the threads because you have to be very precise to get the head to screw on just right. The ball part of the hammer was also hard to get right as the tool you have to use is not very easy to work with.
Rocket Stove
This was a project where I was given the prompt of making a rocket stove, and then the rest was on me. All of the parts and assemblies you see were made completely by me. These pieces were cut on a plasma cutter so I did not have to fabricate any of these pieces. I had a lot of fun with the creative freedom I was given with this project as well as the welding process. I was also limited by the materials so that added an extra challenge. There was only a certain amount of plate and pipe that we could use and none of the plate pieces were wider than 10 inches so I had to accommodate. The main body is where all of the fire will burn, you put fuel in the front, and air seeps in through the slots I made in the tray. The tray is made to be removable for easy cleaning. But overall designing, cutting, welding, and finishing this was very fun and fulfilling to see it all done at the end.
