Braden Russell
Kiwiana Timepiece
Botany Downs Secondary College
Year 10 Technology, Multi-materials, 20 weeks
Teacher: Mr. D. Achary
When Braden was given a brief to create a Kiwiana timepiece, he was keen to use the special facilities at his father's workshop to enhance his project through professional finishing. Braden's father runs a manufacturing business involved in cabinet-making, shop fittings, marine interiors, interior finishing and component manufacturing.
Braden is passionate about cars, so decided to make a clock shaped like a mag wheel and decorated with subtle koru motifs around the rim.
Braden used a wood lathe and other portable machines to cut the shape of a wheel from a laminated pine. With the help of technologists at his father's workplace, he spray-painted his timepiece, using templates and masks to blend his Koru designs into the outer rim. The timepiece was completed with a spray-on lacquer gloss finish.
Braden is currently working on a designer desk tidy unit using a CNC milling machine.
Teacher comment
"This very high quality technological outcome is a good example of what students can achieve as a result of using proper technologists in their community. The fact that we had technologists visiting and advising students like Braden has changed my whole year 10 class's attitude regarding quality technological outcomes."
