Dalek Blog - Week 2
The Making of " DALEK #D157 " Week 2 - Making the Skirt
What happened during Week 2?
With the materials prepared from Week 1, and the base completed, work on the skirt of the Dalek could begin!
We had to work methodically and triple check everything before we cut the panels out.
It's good practice to check designs with both a ruler and a template - like what we're doing here.
Choosing the right tool for the job.
When cutting the back skirt panel in half, we used a scroll saw (pictured) because it has the thinnest blade and allows for high control and precision.
We would check the panels fit together before fixing them in place. The skirt was one of the most fiddly steps to the Dalek because it has so many corners, angles, and lines.
A special "jig" had to be created so we could cut out all the holes in the skirt panels.
This 'jig' (a stand or fixing to make 'making' easier) attaches to another tool to make it act like a compass; pivoting in a circle.
This is one of our 2nd year managers cutting the holes in the skirt panels.
Do you know how many hemispheres there are on the skirt of a Dalek?
Working as part of a team is an important process.
Not only does it allow you to develop skills, it means more hands for a job! When working with large or difficult shapes, having a team makes the job so much easier.
A spirit level (the yellow ruler thing) is a very important tool as it allows you to see if your work is level and not at an angle. We wouldn't want a leaning Dalek!
Once the panels were cut and fixed in place, we checked everything lined up and all the hemispheres fitted in too.
What is it like working in a group? What are the dynamics?
Luckily for this project, we were working in a very small group, and as a tight-knit team. Through constantly talking and communicating to each other about the work, we were able to stay on the 'same page' and make good progress throughout the weeks of making.
Whilst managing the work, this wasn't the only project the 2nd years had to deal with. At the same time, they have to work on another unit. This means not only multitasking and time management skills for them, but also independent working for the 1st years as we had to get on with whatever work was left for us to do.
To-Do-Lists are an excellent way of measuring progress and seeing what needs to be done.
What happens after workshop hours?
Work doesn't stop at the workshop doors! Between the weeks and after-hours, additional 'admin' and research is put into the project.
The 2nd year managers would assess the work done during the week, and prepare for the following one ahead. Meanwhile; us 1st years would spend time researching and reading about what we're doing. Learning is a continuous process - you should never stop!
Planning ahead is important.
Although not there yet, we started looking and working with paint in Week 2. This was so we knew exactly what colours we were using when it came to the final thing.
We tested different paints and different colours on different surfaces to see which was best.