Constructing my Model - All 175 Layers

After successfully using the laser cutters to create all of the 175 pieces, i packed it up for the day and took my puzzle home.

I started by organizing the pieces into groups of 10: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 and so on.... to 160-175

 

Starting with layer 1, I used fishing line to tie through the alignment holes. A technique i hoped would help keep the model inline.

Threading and placing the next on top of it and gluing it down as i go.

  

For the base of the object, this technique worked quite well in keeping the structure in the correct position.

It wasn't until i reached the curved and twisted nature of the top section, that the alignment technique using the fishing line began to impede the object. Many of the holes failed to line up correctly, and subsequently i scrapped this idea and began aligning the layers by hand, many of which had markings on them to support this process. As a result it became much faster to construct.

    

  

In the end i was reasonably happy with the result, my model was not exactly as i a had envisioned it from the beginning but none the less i was pleased with the outcome. The spiral section of the object gradually began to lean away from the centre of the item. Although i think this adds a bit of character to the object, it is not how i intended it to occur. This process took about 4 hours of meticulous concentration and around 24 hours to completely dry.

The next step is to begin preparing and practicing metal working techniques for the following stages of My Digital Making Journey.