Final Say

This collage of images depicting both the original and re-designed prototype provides a visual distinction, or in this case, a correlation between old and new. The exagerated curve and 'fin' lines have been reinterpreted in the new seat frame, which curves and falls in much the same way as the orignal. The lightweight nature of the original has been retained by having a transparent shell, that is easy to pick up and move around. To sit on the chair is semi-comfortable, okay for a short period making it appropriate for cafe culture. A degree of flex is detectable, but the back is too sharp and you can find yourself sliding forward. As a prototype i am very happy with the result, its sturdy, true to my initial vision and drawings and the minor variation in the steel rod seat surpasses my original expectations. If i was to further develop my chair i would use machine precision technology for the bending and a revised backrest with the possible inclusion of a leather seat pad. In terms of finishes, i could also pursue the idea of having a chrome base with powdercoated seat and frame. A combination of colours would also be visually effective.

Final touches- painting

 The finished chair sprayed in the workshop. Spraying proved difficult for achieving an even coat but the result was rewarding.

 Close-up of my handy paint-work.

I chose 'black' but the chair would look good sprayed in any other bright colour due to its simple form.

Welding, filing and Sanding- Work in Progress

 Sanding and filing the chair in preparation for it to be painted.

The welded joins needed to be well filed and sanded to ensure a neat and consistant finish. Attention to detail is imperative in my chair design due to its simplicity of materials and construction.

 Close-up shot of my welding, grinding and sanding technique.

 The waving contour of the seat profile is evident in this picture. The steel dips and dives evoking a sense of movement and energy.

I opted to use a matte black primer to finish my chair- i think it produces a finish that is just as good as powdercoating and it allowed me to finish my chair without any external help from the workshop. Its affordable, convenient and only requires a couple of good coats.

Workshop Progress

Using my 1:1 drawings of the chair and the mock-up frame i welded earlier in the semester i cut out a jig template to use as a guide for cutting the steel rods that make up the 'seat' of my chair. The jig was machine cut (saw) and sanded to achieve a smooth, curve profile.

The jog was clamped to the workbench and the rods cut to about 1200mm lenghts. We worked out a bending system of firstly creating the hook curve of the seats back. This was created using a combination of sheer manual hand-bending, roller-bending, banging and lots and lots of hand manipulation.

The bending of the steel took an enormous amount of time and energy, 4 full-days for 8 lenghts of steel in fact. Because of the lenghty process i decided i would have to make do with the 8 and difference in thickness by increasing the spacings and contour of the curve. By tacking the steel to the frame i decided on having 6mm rod on the outer-side and the remainder 4mm steel to the centre for a harmonious and even composition. 

With some assistance i tack welded (mig) the steel to the steel frame having grinded off the temporary legs.