Abstract:One of High Tech High’s staples is Intersession – a nine day immersive experience where students choose a full time outlet for their passions. This year, my groups focus was on fabricating things in metal with our new fabrication equipment. Students spent a few days getting their hands on the each machine and learning the basics before self-selecting into project groups. We also spent two days at local manufacturing facilities to explore professional uses of similar equipment and also to check our varied career options. Our new machines include:
- An 8.5″ x 20″ Metal Lathe which allows us to make cylindrical metal parts (G0759 Mill/Drill).
- A medium sized Metal Mill which allows us to make rectilinear parts (HiTorque Bench Lathe).
- A MIG welder that lets us weld steel together (Hobart MVP 210).
Community/Industry Involvement: A HUGE part of this intersession was the field trips and we can’t say enough good things about the venues we visited. While not all are open to the public, I recommend checking out those you can.
- Sherline Products manufactures miniature machine tools used by hobbyists worldwide. The best part is that they manufacture nearly every part of the machine in their local Vista plant and we got a full behind the scenes tour by the lovely Pamela Weiss. If you call and you’re friendly – they’ll give you a tour. And trust me … you’ll want one of their affordable machines too!
- The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum is a small museum, founded by the guy who started Sherline, that hosts a splendid display of immaculate miniature models, running engines, crafts, and also a full operating machine shop. Millions of man hours have gone into creating the products they showcase here. It’s also free to visit!
- Specialty Manufacturing Inc. is a local production facility that manufactures large plastic enclosures for the medical device industry. The wonderful Hila Tamir, the production manager and a HTH parent, gave us a fantastic rundown of the business and thinking behind running a production company. We then got to tour the shop floor and it was fantastic!
