The variety of processes for which wood may be used inmodelmaking is ever-increasing due to the development ofCAD/CAM techniques and the integration of these with moretraditional methods. Using manual tools is comparativelystraightforward but care should always be taken when usingany tool and appropriate safety gear should be worn at alltimes. In this example an important aspect of this model seriesis the integrated wooden base which was specifically designedas a prototype piece of furniture in its own right as well as tosupport the acrylic layers of the models above.
Oval-shaped pieces known as ‘biscuits’ are covered in glue and then insertedinto the slots. The biscuits are highly dried and compressed componentsof wood, typically made from beech, that expand in contact with the glue,providing a very strong bond.
The model elements are then clamped together whilst the joints bond. Oncethe clamps have been removed, the prototypes can be treated with paint,varnish or have lighting installed as shown here.
Once the model elements have been cut out they then have specially shapedslots cut into them using a ‘biscuit jointer’.
1.CNC milling bed works from a CAD fill to cut and rout the model elementsfrom a sheet of plywood. The geometry of the design has been optimized toreduce the amount of waste material
2.Once the model elements have been cut out they then have specially shapedslots cut into them using a ‘biscuit jointer’.
3.Oval-shaped pieces known as ‘biscuits’ are covered in glue and then insertedinto the slots. The biscuits are highly dried and compressed componentsof wood, typically made from beech, that expand in contact with the glue,providing a very strong bond
4.The model elements are then clamped together whilst the joints bond. Oncethe clamps have been removed, the prototypes can be treated with paint,varnish or have lighting installed as shown here.
