
Thus far in the project, I have gone through multiple design iterations in SolidWorks, refining the proportions to align with both the functional criteria for Japanese stationery and the aesthetic principles of Japanese minimalism. My primary focus has been on achieving the right balance of form and function, ensuring that the final product embodies simplicity and elegance while maintaining functionality and sturdy construction. Throughout this process, I have experimented with different material combinations and landed on a combination of bamboo, aluminum, and Delrin. I was initially drawn to this material combination based on the interplay between their colors and textures, which suited my desired aesthetic.
One of the key aspects of my approach has been resourcefulness in material sourcing. The Delrin I am using was, after much pleading, obtained as scrap from the Idea Forge, while the bamboo was repurposed from jar lids I had lying around the house. I scrounged for the aluminum in the ITLL scrap pile and got lucky, as I found several beefy aluminum pucks.

With the design process well underway, I have now transitioned into the machining phase of the project. Today, I began working on fabricating the Delrin component of the screwdriver stand, which is the section designed to hold the screwdrivers securely in place. I selected Delrin for this part due to its unique properties. It is durable yet soft enough to prevent damage to the delicate screwdriver tips when inserted. Furthermore, it does not generate microscopic dust, which could contaminate delicate mechanical watch components. Given that precision is crucial in this step, I have taken extra care in setting up the machining process to ensure accuracy.
The machining work took place in the ITLL, where I had access to the necessary equipment and tools to shape the Delrin puck. Due to the intricate shapes and contours required, I anticipated that this phase would be particularly challenging. Additionally, I had never worked with Delrin before, so I took the time to conduct several test runs before committing to the final piece. These preliminary tests allowed me to familiarize myself with the material’s machining characteristics, including how it responds to cutting, its tendency to produce stringy chips, and the optimal feed rates for achieving a clean finish. Several times, the lathe was set too high, and the Delrin started to melt. Through trial and error, I refined my approach, adjusting speeds and tool choices to optimize the process.
This stage of the project has been both rewarding and instructive. I have not worked with a lathe for many months, so it was a good refresher. I plan to use the knowledge I have gained through this process to make several more projects, primarily watchmakers’ tools. Furthermore, I feel I now have the ability to incorporate aesthetic design considerations into my future products. Finally, I am very excited about how this project is progressing, and I hope the final product matches my vision.
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The blend of materials you have for this stand are perfect for the aesthetic you’re going for. Additionally, I like how you went into detail about how you obtained each material and the process of turning it into the exact piece you need. This project is really great as it is both style and function. I’m excited to see the final product. I am curious as to how you plan on finishing all the pieces, since machining can sometimes leave a non-ideal surface finish.