Log March 27, 2012

This past week we have been listening to the presentations given by our classmates. Throughout these presentations we have had visitors from the national park service, guidance office, and the class of 2013.

March 23, 2012

After over a month of construction, I took many pictures of my progress, but had not taken the time to to update my logs to reflect the progress which I had done. The last few days I have done updated my logs, listened to presentations, and done work with my group members to prepare for our presentation on Monday.

Log March 20, 2012

After constructing boats which had been deemed not fit for application, I had begun construction on a new set of boats. Using balsa wood and hot glue, I have constructed a new boat which would be more suitable for the towing boat challenge. After completing the boat, I have coated it in acrylic paint to create a more finished look and make it more water proof/water tight.

Log March 13, 2012

After completion of the tank, we were tasked with ensuring that the tank would be water proof. using caulk, we filled the edges and corners of the inside of the tank, and filled the tank to test whether we had ben successful or not.

Log March 9, 2012

Unfortunately, while attempting to fix our tank, the wood split (as can be seen above). Using some wood glue and clamps we were able to fill the crack and salvage our tank. This week, we have also glued our liner outside of the tank, and have begun to attach the liner to the inside of the tank. Using contact cement, and brushes we were able to attach the liner to the tank, and using a staple gun we secured the excess liner to the outside of the tank.

Log March 6, 2012

We have finished cutting both halves of the liner today, and are waiting to begin using contact cement to adhere them to the tank shortly. Unfortunately due to the length of time associated with this, we cannot begin today, We have however placed the liner in the tank to assure that the liner fits nicely in the tank. Above is a picture of this process. 

Log March 2, 2012

After completing the structure of the tank, the next major task has been lining the tank. With Nicholas out much of this week, Adrian and I have been measuring, marking, and cutting the liner to fit neatly inside the tank. We have realized that we can use two 10 foot pieces of liner (5 feet wide) to line the tank, provided that we can cut the liner in the right place. Using mathematics, aided by Mr. Cuttrell and Mr. Barnes, we are certain that we will be successful. Attached is a picture of Adrian and I using a chalk line to mark the liner at the corners.

Log February 28, 2012

After creating the walls of the tank, my group members and I have begun the construction of the bottom of the tank. Using a power drill, and 1 inch wood screws placed every 5 inches, we have screwed two 4'x8" sheets of ply wood to the bottom of the tank, creating an open top box. Above, I can be seen drilling these screws, and the group can also be seen standing in the tank.

Log February 24 2012

After completing construction on my model tank, I have begun construction once again on my full sized tank. This entailed using a circular saw (similar to the one shown here) to cut 2 inches long ways off of each of the 8'x7"x2" boards. This made it so that when we connected the walls using 3 inch wood screws, it would create an 8'x'8'x7" box.

Log February 21, 2012

So far this week, I have laid out the second piece of liner on the tank, Again this proved to be much easier with experience. I have also caulked the corners of my tank to ensure that they are water proof. After caulking the corners I have also used a staple gun to keep the excess material neatly to the side of the tank. Attached is a picture of my model tank to date.

Log February 17, 2012

After recent failures on my model tank, I have begun work lining a new model tank. This tank has proved to be much more successful and much of that can be attributed to many things. With more experience, a more accurate representation of my tank, and new attitude, the liner has proven to be much easier to assemble the second time. Above is progress to date on the model.

Log March 16, 2012

This week, I have been completing construction on my boats. My original designs of boats were deemed too buoyant to be destroyed, and were sail boats, so they were not the type of boat that would typically need to be towed. Using very light balsa wood, I have begun construction of the hull on my new boat. A picture of the old boat can be seen above.

Update Poster III

Mentor Contacts

Face to Face contact with Christopher Barnes

During this contact, we have discussed the concept of maximization. Using a flat surface, you can construct an open topped box by cutting into the corners. The idea of an open topped box is perfect for my project because it gives me the opportunity to create one large sheet of liner and placing it directly into the tank, without wasting materials. An example of optimization to create an open topped box is depicted above

Mentor Contacts

E-mail to Joseph Walsh on Feb 11, 2012

Good Afternoon Joe,

 

Sorry I did not get back to you sooner, I typically don't check or reply to my emails during the weekend. I did however receive your email and found it to be very helpful. I recently have had some design changes that I have not specified on my blog, but I will shortly and get back to you with the new ideas. Thank you for your input!

 

Rob

Mentor Contacts

Received From Joseph Walsh on Feb 8, 2012

Robert,

 

Sorry about not getting back to you sooner.

 

Remember that 2” x 10” boards actually measure more like 1 ½” x 9 ½”.

 

For waterproofing the wood it probably is best to use two coats of a “Thompson Wood Sealer” and then two coats of Polyurethane allowing sufficient drying times between coats (see directions on the individual product cans for applying multiple coats).

 

I would suggest putting the pool liner in before installing the interior boards.  You can secure the interior boards on top of the pool liner.

It appears that you are securing the pool liner to the plywood using vinyl cement so the only real bunching of the vinyl may be in the corners.  You can stretch the vinyl in the corners by using a blow dryer and putting some type of pressure (weight) on the corner to keep it semi taut.  But, the vinyl probably will never fit totally flush in the corner (i.e. look at a vinyl liner in a square or rectangular pool).

 

Have a good day and good luck with the project.

 

Joe

Mentor Contacts

Received E-mail from Joseph Helblee on Feb 8, 2012

 

Thanks, Robert.  Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier.  I am out of town but will treat to send you comments within the next couple of days.  

Joe

(No follow up email was received from Mr. Helblee)

Mentor Contacts

Follow up Email to Joseph Helblee and Joseph Walsh on Feb 8, 2012

Dear Mentors,

I am writing you because I have sent you a formal letter with updates on my progress, but have not received a response. I do understand that you are both very busy men, which is why I have waited so long to send this e-mail. I would greatly appreciate a response to this as well as the letter I have previously sent. I have attached the letter again for ease of access. Thank you both.

-Robert Sharkey

Mentor Contacts

E-mail to Joseph Walsh, and Joseph Helblee on Jan 17, 2012

Attached is a formal letter to my mentors with progress updates and questions. If you could please read over this when you have time, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
-Robert Sharkey