General Exploration/Maker 8
General Exploration/Maker 8 is a course that has been designed to introduce students to using their ‘head & hands’ to produce physical artifacts using a variety of software, tools and equipment. Students will use a laser engraver, learn to solder and make a small electronic circuit board, and build a small woodwork project using a variety of machines.
Machine Safety Unit
The following machines will be covered in a tradition demo/safety test manor to ensure the safe and proper use of the machine. Students will not be able to use a machine until the safety test/demo is complete.
General Safety
Disc/Belt/Spindle Sander
Scroll Saw
Band Saw
Drill Press
Intro to Laser Cuttings/Engraving Assignment
The following tutorials are to help you get started using Adobe Illustrator and then outputting the file to the Laser Engraver. You are to create a small sign/name tag that will be 5″ long by 2″. You can Laser it onto either plastic or wood.
Opening the Laser Engraver Template
Making A Basic Sign
Copying an Image from the Internet into Illustrator
Material cut settings
Focusing and Cutting
EXTRA – Sticker/T-shirt Project
Use the following tutorials to learn how to draw and then cut material on the Vinyl Sign Cutter to create a 2 colour sticker or a t-shirt. A t-shirt and the material cost extra.
Using Cut Studio – 2 colour sticker
Vinyl Cutter – piece of sticker material
Vinyl Cutter – piece of t-shirt material
Vinyl Cutter – installing a roll of material
Gumball Machine
Students will design and build a gumball machine. This project will allow them to be introduced to the different machines in the room.
Gumball Machine Procedure Sheet
Lantern Project
Students will design a small lantern and then cut it out on the Laser Engraver. Once completed a small electronic circuit that fades different colours will be made and placed inside.
Drawing and Laser Cutting the Lantern
Getting Started in Illustrator
Tracing an Image
Material cut settings
Focusing and Cutting
Making the Electronic Circuit Board
Making the Circuit Board
Finally Assembly of Project