Hand tools workshop and set building

Today we spent half of the lesson learning how to safely build a set using the wooden sets with the A-frames that are used to stabilise it and the weights which are then put on to hold it down. (see below). We also learnt how to safely use the ladders by always putting them face on to the set or whatever you're working on as they are not as stable if you use them side on. We also had a look at what tools etc were available for us to use to build the set with and what existing props we had to use to design the set with. Susannah has a collection of stuffed animals which I think will be quite useful to use in a set for the uncanny as people always think stuffed animals are a bit freaky as they look so real but are not alive and also the fact that they did once used to be alive is a bit off putting for some people.
We also started discussing how we wanted the set to be built so how many frames or sides and where the bed, fireplace etc was going to go. There was already an existing set which we started to dismantle until we were left with the bit that we wanted to use and then the second half of the group carried on where we left and we then went to have our hand tools induction.

In the hand tools induction we learnt basic things like how to safely use jigsaws and drills that we had a go with. We were also taught how to do basic joints in wood by overlapping the 2 pieces - half lap joints and also how to make structures, like a frame, more secure by attaching another piece of wood to form a triangle or A-frame. I found this lesson quite useful and productive as it is good to know how a set is built and also using hand tools is a good skill to know anyway in everyday life as you don't know when something like that might come in handy.



                                                             
                        

   Try Square



   Marking gauge                       

Chisel
 

Next week we will be carrying on with building and designing the set so in the meantime we need to carry on  communicating as a group on Facebook and coming up with ideas as to things we want to include in the designing or production etc.