| Homebush
Boys High is a comprehensive high school in the Sydney suburb of Homebush
half way between the Sydney Olympic venue and Strathfield. With a student
population of approx 1100 boys, technology subjects are very popular. The
school has had an Emco P5 CNC lathe since 1993 that had been used primarily
in metal machining. In 1999 the staff decided that its versatility needed
to be more greatly used in all years and set about designing projects that
would enable students to better make use of its capabilities. In Dec 1999
the school purchased an Isel CNC milling machine. With several days training
under our belts we were blown away with what we were able to achieve. The
tricky part was then to introduce it to students.
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In
2000 we have students in years 7 -12 using the mill almost daily with excellent
results. The photos that you see below are examples of how we were able
to combine both the CNC mill and lathe with spectacular results. Now that
we have sorted out all the production methods, we hope to have year 10
students producing chess sets in 2001. The pictures of the pen stand, and
pen (Yes we also made the pen) are a project that we undertake in yr 8
students design and then construct the outside casing of the pen in aluminium.
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Designs
are drawn onto the lathe and then machined. With slow machine speeds we
are getting great finishes. We then clear in an automotive lacquer. The
front of the pen stand in 25mm x 3mm aluminium again is milled on Isel
machine. Student work notes have been developed from those that originally
came from CV Tech. We have also been using box section aluminium as cases
for electronic projects. They look great and all LED holes and engraving
can be machined easily. Acrylic is another favourite with students milling
simple keytags with no problems Future projects that we are looking at
include importing graphics through Coral Draw as DXF files to engrave.
Once you have the technology its a simple matter of coming up with new
ideas. The real difficulty is in having enough time to be able to implement
them all. If anyone is interested in teaching programs to support the introduction
of milling or CNC lathe projects mentioned above drop e-mail or ring the
school and we will be happy to help.
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to Enlarge
Greg Lucas
Head
Teacher
Technology
and Applied Studies
Homebush
Boys High School
Phone:
02 9764 3611
Email:
lucdown@hotmail.com
|
CV-Tech Australia Pty Limited
