About the Project
About the Project
We were to manufacture a phone stand using a given engineering drawing, using manual machining methods. Dimensions had to be within 5% of the specified value.
Starting from raw aluminum stock, I used a manual knee mill to cut and shape the base.
The vertical pegs were turned from aluminum rod on a manual lathe, cut to length with a saw, and threaded for assembly.
Holes in the base were edge-found, drilled, and tapped to accept the pegs.
After verifying tolerances against the engineering drawing, I finished the surface with a sandblaster to create a uniform texture.
We were to manufacture a phone stand using a given engineering drawing, using manual machining methods. Dimensions had to be within 5% of the specified value.
Starting from raw aluminum stock, I used a manual knee mill to cut and shape the base.
The vertical pegs were turned from aluminum rod on a manual lathe, cut to length with a saw, and threaded for assembly.
Holes in the base were edge-found, drilled, and tapped to accept the pegs.
After verifying tolerances against the engineering drawing, I finished the surface with a sandblaster to create a uniform texture.
Manual Lathe on Aluminum Rod
Manual Lathe on Aluminum Rod
Sandblasting for uniform surface finish
Sandblasting for uniform surface finish
This project emphasized precision, accuracy, and manufacturability. It strengthened my ability to interpret engineering drawings and translate them into machined parts — a skill set that directly informs my approach to CAD modeling and prototyping.
This project emphasized precision, accuracy, and manufacturability. It strengthened my ability to interpret engineering drawings and translate them into machined parts — a skill set that directly informs my approach to CAD modeling and prototyping.
Key Skills & Tools
Machine Tools
Manual mill
Manual mill
Manual mill
Lathe
Lathe
Lathe
Drill press
Drill press
Drill press
Cut-off saw
Cut-off saw
Cut-off saw
Processes
Edge finding
Edge finding
Edge finding
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Thread/Tap
Thread/Tap
Thread/Tap
Surface Finish
Surface Finish
Surface Finish
Technical Skills
Dim.Tolerance (±5%)
Dim.Tolerance (±5%)
Dim.Tolerance (±5%)
Interpret eng. drawings
Interpret eng. drawings
Interpret eng. drawings
Machine setup & safety
Machine setup & safety
Machine setup & safety
Final Product
Final Product
Front View - Sandblasted Aluminum
Front View - Sandblasted Aluminum
Side View - Vertical Pegs Threaded & Inserted
Side View - Vertical Pegs Threaded & Inserted
Bottom View - Tapped & Threaded Bolt Holes
Bottom View - Tapped & Threaded Bolt Holes
Isometric View
Isometric View
Reflection
Reflection
This project reinforced the connection between design intent and manufacturability. By working within tight tolerances on manual equipment, I developed an intuition for what is feasible in fabrication — insight that I now bring to CAD design, rapid prototyping, and larger engineering projects.
Me & my shop-buddy, Mahirah!
Me & my shop-buddy, Mahirah!
