The second day of the workshop started with even more energy among all. The participants had to practice a bit more of the techniques introduced on the previous day.
Practicing splitting
After a while, once everybody got a chance to have a good hand on tools, it was time to explore the machinery used to work with the material.
Subrata demonstrating radial saw and it uses
Radial saw- it is a cutting machine consisting of a circular saw mounted on a sliding horizontal arm. These can easily cut off fingers if not handled carefully. Our team has been observing the activity for safety measures.
Working on a drill press
Drilling press- this is a tool primarily used for making round holes. It is fitted with a bit, either a drill or driver, depending on the application, secured by a chuck. The bit can be changed to attain any diameter required. This has a simple method but while using it on a curved surface like that of bamboo, it is a matter of precision.
Babu kaka assisting to work on lathe
Lathe- it is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece about an axis of rotation for turning bamboo, with tools that are applied to the workpiece to create an object with symmetry about that axis. This would peel off the skin of the bamboo, smoothen its surface as well as provide possibilities to create different shapes. This technique fascinated all as it was very much new for them and opened a gateway to unique designs.
Students practicing sanding
Once the bamboo has taken its form, its surface needs to be smoothened with sandpaper or on a sanding machine.
Having known the processes and tools used to make products out of bamboo, its time for imagination to take shape. Pravin conducts a discussion at the board room, explaining how simply and easily bamboo can be manipulated into useful objects. It only takes one idea to create a revolution. Here it is the chance for all to make it happen.
The objective of this workshop is to introduce the participants with hands-on experience with bamboo and the techniques used to make different products. It is now up to the students about how they mold their creativity. Ideas have already started emerging and students have started to gather bits and pieces of their products.