Oscar Couchman was the successful candidate and he completed several very impressive self-initiated design projects, as well as learning new software design packages.  He learnt how to use the state-of-the-art machines we have, as well as our traditional workshop kit.  Throughout his placement, Oscar gained invaluable real-world experience as well as focussed advice and guidance with regards to navigating the design industry post education. The outcome was a solid mini portfolio that he can now present to an employer or university. 

Oscar provided the current students with an excellent example of what is achievable and gave them something to aim for. It was an absolute pleasure having him with us during that time.  

Here are some photos of the ambitious coffee table he produced using our new Solidworks design software, our new VR headsets, the laser cutter and the new CNC machine: 

Here is a reworking of his 6th form project:

Design PDF Documents: 

Oscar 6th Form Project

Oscar Coffee Table

Oscar told TWGSB Connect how he found the residency:

During my residency at TWGSB, I dedicated significant energy to mastering the advanced tools and machinery recently introduced by Tim Griffin, the Design Technology Technician. These tools included four 3D printers, a laser cutter, a CNC router, and Virtual Reality headsets. Additionally, I wanted to acquire proficiency in SolidWorks, a 3D modelling software, heavily utilised in industry and newly integrated into the DT students' curriculum.

For the first few weeks of my residency, I was primarily designing and modelling things to make on the 3D printers and laser cutter so then I could build up enough experience to help the students with their needs. Students would come to Tim and I with their 3D models and I would help them fix issues in the designs and 3D print or laser cut their designs for them. Amongst helping students, I was researching and sketching ideas of what I could manufactures as my main residency portfolio piece, which is when I decided on the coffee table idea.

I went through many design ideas for the coffee table and would make models for each design iteration. Once I had come up with a design that I liked, I made a scale model using the laser cutter and thin plywood. So, I could visualise the coffee table in an environment without having to make it, I 3D modelled the table and imported that into a virtual environment that I also created, so that I could get a sense of scale and check its proportions.

With the final design hashed out, I could undergo manufacturing. The main pieces were cut out using the CNC router then assembled and finished by hand, taking around two weeks to complete. Due to the complicated shape of the legs I had to create jigs and assemblies to help attach them together, which is why it took the time it did.

I had such a fun experience on my residency, and I must put that down to all the lovely DT staff members who supported and treated me no differently to the other members of staff. I also must give a big thanks to Tim who led the residency opportunity and was a great support and mentor over the time I spent at the school. It was a fantastic experience.