Week 6 - Last Day Before Spring Break

Today is the last day before spring break and it's early release, so we don't have as much time to work today. We picked up from where we were Tuesday and finished cutting all the 2x2's and 2x4's. After we finished the cuts using a HORRIBLE jigsaw (seriously, it seemed like it was on its last legs) we started sanding all the pieces so everything could be connected smoothly. When we get back from break we'll start building the boat itself. 

Week 6 - The Wood is Finally Here

So after a VERY long delay, we finally have all the wood brought in. Now that everything's been gathered, we're ready to start building the boogaloo. Along with the wood we brought the solar panel we'll be using to have the boat charge itself. Since Thursday is an early release before spring break, we started to measure and cut all the 2x2's so we'll be ready to go when we get back.

Week 5: Tyler is Frustrated

Because we're limited to bringing in parts all at once, this week has been frustrating. I have a small car not suited for transporting large sheets of wood, and Juan can't drive because he somehow walked through a door and cut his foot. Thankfully we've finished converting the cut list to AutoCAD. Hopefully we'll have everything in on Monday.

Week 5: Juan is Dumb

So this past weekend Juan decided to cripple himself by walking through a glass door, and no I am not making this up. Due to this, we'll have to try and bring materials in on Wednesday. We have most of the materials necessary, but since it's a lot, it's difficult to transport all at once. I'm not quite sure why we have to bring in everything in one trip, but that's what it is. In the mean time, Martin suggested converting the cut list to AutoCAD. I also made sure to charge the batteries. 

Week 4: Finding Some Parts and Planning the Electrical System

Today we're continuing to gather parts (outside of school) while Martin's out so we're ready to start building next week. Juan found his large variable resistor at home, which we'll be using to control the speed of the motor. We also planned the electrical system for the boat (image found below). Later on we'll add the solar panel to the design, provided we have time. Also, Juan found a very cheap propeller lying around, so we likely won't have to 3D print one. Maybe if we have time. Next week we'll be ready to build!

Week 4: Martin's Not Here So We're Gathering Parts

Today we collected all the sandpaper and the electric sander we need, and started thinking about how we'll control the speed of the motor. We decided we'll use a variable resistor (which Juan says he has). For this, we found a thin piece of aluminum we could use with the handle that will go between the different speeds. We'll continue to gather parts outside of school so we'll be ready next week. 

Week 3: Design Done, Now Gathering Parts

We've finished the design of the boat and is fully approved by Martin. With that done, our next goal is to go out and buy any parts we have left to get. Once everything is ready, we'll be able to bring stuff in and start building the boat. Today we also got started with trying to 3D print a propeller, but it'll take a bit more time before we print the first version.