Remarkable Image

Hooper, Richard (2017) Remarkable Image. Craft Research, 5 (2). pp. 292-294. ISSN 2040 4689

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Abstract

Sine Bowl is the result of research into ways to overcome the limitations of traditional woodturning
practice which conventionally enables forms symmetrical about a single axis. Historically,
complex geometries were (and indeed are still) a feature of turned objects created using the
Holtzapffel turning engines whose provenance extends back to 1793 (see Böckelmann in LeCoff,
1997). Multi-axis turning is difficult though not impossible on a conventional lathe (see McKay in
LeCoff, 1997). It involves complex jig arrangements and the use of router technology in concert
with the lathe. Thus it rather resembles manually controlled rotary four axis milling rather than
360 degrees turning. While this expands the range of formal possibilities, it does not permit the precise
control of non-euclidean geometry for which purpose a three axis (or more) milling machine is
preferable.
Sine bowl exploits such capabilities and exhibits tri-axial sinoidal geometry, the main concave
part of which is a sine curved section rotated through 267 degrees, the terminations of which are rotated
either downwards or upwards through 90 degrees. The form’s resolution exploits the potential of computer
aided design and manufacture utilizing computer controlled three axis milling which overcomes the
limitations of single-axis turning and also enables the utilization of materials such as cast acrylic,
which are otherwise hard to work with. It thus opens new formal possibilities. While invoking Pye’s
notion of the ‘workmanship of certainty’ (Pye 1968: 20), computer-controlled making still requires considerable hand finishing, for example, where the vertical access of the three-axis milling machine
was unable to complete one small area of the form.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Plastic, Computer Numerically Controlled, Sculpture, Form, Sine Bowl, Cast Acrylic, Symmetry, Milling
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Creative Arts & Humanities > School of Creative and Performing Arts
Depositing User:	Richard Hooper
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2017 11:15
Last Modified:	19 May 2021 09:38
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/2092

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