Material Decisions

Brass Vs Kemi wood

Methods to approach this project: The first would be to make the zip out of Brass metal its self, this would evolve learning a whole new range of methods and processes, and this would still enable me to mould and cast and send the original off to be chrome plated, where I could use paints to finish a cast. This option is however more time consuming as I have on previous metal work skills, I would however only have enough, if any at all time to research fully in to finishing skills. This method would be quite expensive, and if I made any mistake it would not be so simple to correct which could jeopardise my entire project being finished on time. If I was in industry, this could cost me my career!! And would be a foolish chance to take, when there is a far safer and practical alternative .The main attraction to using the brass it to gain the new metal skills.

Using kemi wood would still demonstrate machining skills and would broaden finishing research horizons as well. After discussing with a tutor it was decided that it is more valuable in industry to have the knowledge to turn any material in to a convincing metallic finish effect. Also this method would be cheaper as materials are in-house, and would possibly allow me to mould and cast a few with different finishes, possibly.