Machine Shop Course
Background
CSU requires engineers to complete a machine shop class. We used a variety of equipment to precision machine parts. All parts had to be within .005” lf the specified lengths, or the part was failed
Steel Pen Holder
This steel pen holder was turned on a manual lathe. It features a tapped interior for connecting to a base plate. I attempted to sandblast a mountain design in, but the tape peeled off and did not leave the design intended. This part met all dimension requirements
Brass Pencil Holder
This brass pencil holder was turned on a manual lathe. It features a threaded exterior for connecting to a base plate. This part met all dimension requirements
Brass Nut
This brass nut was turned on a turret lathe. It features a tapped interior for connection to the brass pencil holder. This part met all dimension requirements
Aluminum Base Plate
This aluminum base plate was made on mills. Its size, chamfers, and holes were created on a manual mill. A CNC mill slotted and engraved the part. This part met all dimension requirements
Assembled Clock
The above parts were used together with an acrylic part to create a clock stand
Knurled and Forged Screwdriver
Screwdriver blanks were given to us. We used metal forging to create the tip of our screwdriver, and heating and quenching processes properly tempered it for use. The aluminum blank was tripped down in a CNC lathe, and knurls added on a manual lathe.
Injection Molded Screwdriver
We utilized an injection mold and driver shank to create a plastic handled screwdriver
CNC Milled Coaster
We utilized the CNC mill and pre-defined G-Code to mill our own coaster
Reflection
This shop class gave me the most practical skills of any course at CSU. Training on CNC and manual mills and lathes was integral for my next rolls, and having machining experience allowed me to easier design for manufacturing in the future