What is the Final Project?
The Final Project is a semester long project that we have to build something of our choosing. You could build a guitar, a table, lamp, or even an arcade machine, the ideas are endless. The project requires using at least 3 of the machines in the fab lab. We can also use other machines and labs in the school. My project is to make a Racing Simulator and I used the 3D printer, CNC Router, and Vinyl Cutter.
Original Ideas- 1/31/22
My Original 3 ideas were to build a table, drone and cooling device for my laptop. My top choice was the table because I need a new desk at home and I want it to go up and down. So I wanted to build a table that goes up and down electronically.
Final Project Choice- 2/23/22
Ultimately, I did not end up choosing from my top 3. I chose something different, a racing simulator. I like racing and cars so I thought I should make a simulator.
Price of the Project- Feb 23rd
My project was going to be over $500
- Steering Wheel/Pedals/Shift Nob: $330
- Wood and Screws: $200
- Chair: $0- old chair from my house
- Paint: $30
Project Proposal- March 4th
For my project proposal that I had to get approved by Mr. Willauer, I had to state what machines that I planned to use, and what the project is and the cost of it.
Machines I am going to use- For our project we have to use at least 3 innovation center machines:
I am also going to use a lot of machines in the wood lab to make the project look nice.
Project Gannt Chart
The project is broken down into these steps.
Starting to design my project- March 30th
Layout of the project
Making the laptop holder base- April 1st
Here is the base of the laptop on Inventor with its back plate where cords go through.
Making my first 3D print object- April 7th
This is the shift knob holder that I will be printing out with a 3D printer.
Started Getting Measurements - April 13th
Here some are some of the first measurements I made
Making the head phone holder- April 19th-21st
Final Measurements
Using the router- April 29th-May 5th
Building the base- May 10th-13th
Adding the Steering Wheel Holder- May 19th
In Study Hall, Mr. Willauer helped me make the chair connection to the base sturdier and bolted the pedals onto the base. Then, I started to work on the steering wheel holder.
Adding the Laptop Holder- May 19th
Now that I can use the chop saw, I am getting closer to completion faster.
Changing up Racing Simulator- May 20th
During study hall, Mr. Willauer offered to help me make the simulator look better by curving the edges with the router instead of the boring geometric shapes. This is the side being cut out with the router.
Continuing the build- May 23
Finishing building- May 25th-26th
Painting the Sim- May 26-27
Now that the build is done, I am getting ready to paint the project
Finished and Home- June 2nd
Here is my project all set up in my house and ready to be played on, I cleaned up the wires as well and connected all the parts again.
Conclusion
A lto of up and downs happened throughout the project. I had many issues with software and using the machines and getting the materials. I also changed many things throughout the project. I also had issues with painting and stripping screws. This project made me relize that I need to slow down and think things through. Although, I had a fun time making this simulator and I will use it a lot. I wish I would have started earlier on building the project because then I would have more time to make the project even better than it already is. I could have made more vinyl to put on the project and I could have made it look more like a car. Although, I was able to get it done and make it look good. It runs perfectly because the steering wheel and pedals are doing the work. I use it a fair amount now and I love the experience it creates. I will use these skills from building this to apply it to future projects and classes. This project was a great way for me to finish my Sophomore year.