Before class, I had no prior experience with Adobe illustrator. So the process of drawing my components for future laser cutting has been quite difficult.

The parts I chose are from a pendulum machine. It looks simple on the graph but it is quite a task if you try to be exact.

I basically followed the drawing inch by inch but there are a few confusions in the graph provided. For one thing, there is no direct indication of the size of that circular disc. So I have to eyeball the diameter and try to make it as close the the original as possible. Also, it is very difficult to create smooth connections between pieces, for example the junction between arms of the clamp and the center disc of the clamp. I also had a hard time creating the repetitive edges of the disc. There must be some function that could do circular repetitive drawings that I have not yet discovered.

At last, I am glad I finished the pieces with close resemblance from the blue print. The process has been difficult but yet rewarding. There are still a lot functions and tools worth exploring in Adobe illustrator!

assignment3 This is the ai file for my pendulum machine.