top of page
Nov 2022 | 1 week
Saku & Cheri
The Saku chopstick holder and Cheri chopsticks come in a pair. Inspired by the form and aesthetic of cherry blossom petals, Saku is a durable, multi-functional chopstick holder that also prevents users from misplacing their pair of chopsticks. Cheri is a pair of chopsticks that resembles the wavy branches on a sakura tree. It is made from laminated cherry wood veneers to match Saku’s cherry blossom theme.
Product Design
Manufacturing
Prototyping
Project Type /
Individual Project
Brief
Design and manufacture simple products utilizing casting and lamination techniques.
Manufacturing Saku
Casting Saku
Fabrication Process
1. Make Mold Box
Cut out the mold box pieces from a foam board using an X-acto knife and a straight-edge ruler. Assemble the mold box with a hot glue gun and tape.
2. Create Positive Piece
Using Rhino, 3D model the chopstick holder. Print the 3D model to create the positive piece. Use Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty to cover the surface of the model. Spray on gray primer. Sand to smoothen out the surface.
3. Cast Male and Female Molds
Place the 3D-printed model inside the mold box and cover the surrounding areas with oil-based clay. Poke holes in clay to create keyholes. Using the Startso World Silicone Mold Making Kit, mix Part A and B. Pour the mixture into the mold box. Let the female mold cure. Take the female mold out from the mold box and Spray the Mann Ease Release 200. Assemble a second mold box and repeat the earlier casting steps for the male mold.
4. Cast Chopstick Holder
Assemble the male and female molds. Using the Startso World Silicone Mold Making Kit (Pink), mix Part A with Part B and pour into the mold. Let the silicone cure.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Once cured, demold the chopstick holder. Using an X-acto knife, cut out the flange and clean up the edges.
Manufacturing Cheri
Laminating Cheri
Fabrication Process
1. Laminate First Layers of Wood Veneer
Lay a sheet of cherry veneer onto an MDF board with plastic wrap. Squeeze wood glue onto the sheet of veneer. Using a putty knife, spread the wood glue onto the sheet. Place another sheet of veneer on top of the wood glue. Repeat steps for multiple veneer sheets.
2. Compression
Once all of the veneer pieces are glued together, place an MDF board with aluminum foil on top and clamp it down with multiple clamps. Wait for the wood glue to cure. Once cured, remove the clamps.
3. Laminate Second Layers of Wood Veneers
Cut the laminated wood piece in half with the band saw. Glue both wood pieces together. Use multiple clamps to compress veneer sheets and wait for glue to cure.
4. Cut out Shape of Chopsticks
Use the bandsaw to cut out two rectangular chopsticks. Sand the edges of the chopsticks to create a pointy tip at the end of the sticks. Cut out the curves on the top portion to create finger grips.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Boil water and brew a cup of dark coffee to use as a wood stain. Soak the pair of chopsticks in the coffee wood stain for a few minutes. Allow the wood stain to dry. Lightly sand the pair of chopsticks.
bottom of page