My first machining project was to replicate an existing aluminum iPhone stand using only manual machining techniques.

Materials: Aluminum stock, imperial hardware

Tools used: Manual knee mill, manual lathe, horizontal band saw, belt sander, glass beader (sand blaster)

Specific skills learned for this project include interpreting engineering drawings, squaring off parts, taking precise measurements with tools like the Vernier caliper and micrometer, accurately drilling, tapping, and creating counterbores in holes, facing cylindrical parts, manually polishing, and optimizing machine set ups.