Multi-Purpose Steel and Woodworking Machine: A Technical Feasibility Study

Abstract

The main focus of the study entitled, “Multi-Purpose Steel and Woodworking Machine: A Technical Feasibility Study”, is to design, construct, and demonstrate the functionality of the improvised equipment and revise the parts as a result of testing. It described several required parameters in order to develop a more realistic steel and woodworking machine, in terms of the various major functions and operations in crosscutting, rip sawing, metal cutting, grinding, and drilling. The multi-purpose machine was constructed and tried-out for possible defects. The identified defects were corrected and final try-out was made by performing all the suggested operations in the study. As a result of experimenting on the functionality of the multi-purpose machine, it was found out that the circular crosscut saw can cut across and circular ripsaw can cut along the grain of wood to a maximum of 5.0cm thickness. Likewise, the circular steel cutter can cut G.I. pipes and similar materials. The grinding stone can also grind rough metal surfaces to desired smoothness, and the drill press with properly selected bit can drill 8mm diameter holes to a maximum thickness of 6mm. The quality of the product produced shows that there are no test marks or burns on the finished piece of metal. Moreover, grinding operations on metal surfaces require careful feeding to prevent iron filings to cause possible eye injury. Wearing goggles is recommended. While drilling operations require careful and controlled feeding of bit to engage on metal materials with the application of lubricating oil necessary to avoid bit damages. Safety precautions, care and maintenance in the different uses and operations of the multi-purpose machine were instilled to prevent any possible injury to the operator.