My final design for my etched ring was not included in my designs. The design was a row of Russian dolls. I chose to use that one because it was original and unique. The many shops that sold Russian dolls in my Easter trip to Eastern Europe inspired me to design this. Also, I already had the plan in my head.
Plan:
I think my time plan was relatively accurate for both my stamped and etched rings. However, I practiced several times before moving onto my final stamped ring. This was just to make sure that I was ready and that I have mastered the stamping skills. Also, for my etched ring, sometimes I would use over the predicted time because I was making a big deal over small mistakes. Small mistakes would develop and cause problems. I made quite a few changes to the original plan. (1) I changed the sheet metal from copper to brass. (2) I was originally going to have Russian dolls in a descending order of sizes (Large to small). But, after consulting Mr. Low and Mr. Harris, I learnt that the smallest of the Russian dolls would not be etched onto the ring clearly and it will turn out a small blur. Therefore, I took all the Russian dolls away except for the biggest one and copied and pasted that in a row. Also, every other Russian doll was inverted.
Create:
Stamped Ring:
I really liked my stamped ring because it looked like it was a piece of antique. My favorite parts of my ring are the design and the surface. I think that the design is creative, simple and attractive. However, because I stamped so close to the edge, it created a very uneven texture. It was similar to burrs but Mr. Harris said that I couldn’t do anything about it. As for the surface, it was not completely polished but it gave the ring a very ancient feeling and texture.
To improve, I could have stamped it a bit further away from the edge. Therefore, I would not have uneven edges. Also, I could have made the ring much rounder.
Etched Ring:
I am very pleased with my etched ring, as it is unique and well presented. From looking at my ring, I liked the joint and design the most. After many practices with the solder, I was finally able to master the technique and I am glad that I was able to show it with my final ring. After my Easter trip, I already knew that I wanted to use Russian dolls for my final ring’s design. The sheet metal of brass that I got was uneven after I soldered it. It tried many ways to make it more even but the ring would get thinner and smaller each time. However, with Clarence and Mr. Low’s help I was able to file it down and make it even.
To improve, I could have used a different speed and power on the laser cutter for the etching of my ring, because the design lacked manipulation. Also, I could have chosen copper because I think that my design would look even better with a darker background.
Peer evaluation (etched ring only):
I was unable to get feedback from my peers for my stamped ring because I did not bring it to class the day I did my peer evaluation.
I asked three of my classmates to comment and give their feedback on my final product. They gave very detailed and reasonable responses. All three of them said that I could improve in making my design clearer and make it stand out better. Oscar said that my design is very innovative and it “reflects the culture of Russia”. I agree with Mayan’s point that my joint was “soldered very neatly” But I don’t agree with her point that I should use sulphur to make my design clearer. This is because I tried it and sulphur does not react with brass well.
If I could do everything again, I would probably have created a different plan. I would still keep a similar investigation but I would find more information and make it more exhaustive. Also, I would have used a different type of metal (silver or copper) to make my ring. In general, I think I did a relatively well job with my DT project, but if I had more time, I would definitely try to improve.
