A2 Layout

After we finished up our final idea, we then move on to make an A2 layout that consist of our final idea and also the manuals on how to operate our machine. 

This is our final layout. The layout also includes the machine size specifications and some descriptions about the output. As you cans see from the right side, there's also a brief description about how the furniture looks like after being transformed.

Final Idea

Our final idea is to create a plastic furniture machine mixer.We just need to input data and process the material. Why we choose to make a furniture machine mixer? It is because it can help us to boost our creativity to designing something new by combining different shape and color to make a one of a kind furniture and also helps people to take care of their own furniture because it is their own creation. We choose to make a plastic furniture cause it can be recycle and also water proof and less hassle. This is our final solution picture

The machine can also create multifunction furniture so it helps to save space. The furniture can transforms or also folded so people don't need to buy new furniture.

Development of 5 Ideas

These are our 5 chosen ideas from the 101 solutions

First idea

Our first idea was to make the robot furniture

 Pros:

v  Convenient

v  Movable

v  Resizable

v  Proof-able

v  Transformable

v  Charge-able using solar panel and also wires

v  Modern, technological, and computerize

Cons:

v  Too many wires

v  Difficult to repair & costly

v  Too many datas

v  Too many instructions

v  Bills too high

v  Not affordable for some people

second idea

Our second idea was to make the furniture machine mixer

Pros:

v  Can be used to recreate new furniture

v  Can design our own furniture

v  Recyclable

v  Save money (cheaper)

v  Can improve creativity

v  Quite convenient

Cons:

v  Space consuming

v  Faulty because there will be many debris inside

v  Quality not assured

v  Need more furniture to create outstanding furniture

v  Too many datas

v  Not user friendly

v  Expensive repairment

third idea

Our third idea was to make the vending machine

Pros:

v  Convenient

v  Public user-friendly (public and personal)

v  Shorter queue in the furniture store

v  24 hours

v  Self service

Cons:

v  People can break the machine (not durable)

v  Limited choices

v  Hard to bring the furniture home

v  Quality not assured

v  No warranty

v  Must always re-stock the furniture

fourth idea

Our fourth idea was to make furniture that can multifunction with better material and quality

Pros:

v  Less-hassle

v  Long lasting (durable)

v  Suitable for everyone

v  Proof-able

v  Cheap, because no need to keep on buying

v  Comfortable

v  User-friendly

v  Save space

v  Quality assured

Cons:

v  Not up-to-date

v  Depends on the material sometimes it is not durable

v  The function too contradicting

v  Can be expensive (not affordable)

v  Difficult to fix

fifth idea

Our fifth idea was furniture trading

Pros:

v  Trades the unwanted furniture

v  Save money

v  Eco-friendly

v  All furniture will be cheaper because people will not keep buying new furniture

v  Because it’s hard to sell furniture then there will be more export that makes a better international business

Cons:

v  Furniture not up-to-date

v  Furniture might not be usually aesthetic

v  Might not durable

v  Market will drop

v  Business won’t be successful in local

Those are the pros and cons about our idea.

101 Solutions to Solve the Problem

This time, I'll blog about what me and my group mates did in class.

We do a mindmap about the solutions that we think can help to solve the problem regarding the short lifespan of furniture.

Because the mindmap is done individually by each members, there are some ideas that are almost the same among each other. Some of the ideas we think are quite nice but some of them are quite hard to be done cause some of the solutions are about how to change the trends and the consumer demands. We think it's almost impossible to change people's behaviour so we didn't choose them to be developed further.

Wood Furniture in the Office

Every furniture with different types of shape and materials will related to the life-span  of furniture. The other thing that we must considerate is the place where the furniture will be used and also whether the material is suitable to the place where it’ll be use. So today, I’ll choose one place as an example and blog about the furniture material that is suitable.

Every professional should want to have his or her office space looking its best to impress clients, provide a professional and comfortable feel, and ensure that the decor is durable and long-lasting. To achieve these goals, solid wood office furniture is a fine choice. populating an office space with solid wood office furniture can present pros and cons that may make a purchase of such furniture either feasible or off-putting. When considering how to furnish an office, consider the advantages and disadvantages of wood pieces.

The advantages of solid wood office furniture are certainly many: the pieces will look great, provide strong support and last a very long time. Since solid wood office furniture is often either handmade or at the very least, made with great care, it is likely that the pieces being placed in the office will be strong, well-made, and durable enough to deal with the day to day rigors of office life. Such durability comes at a cost, however, both in terms of money and in weight. Solid wood office furniture is likely to be much heavier than composite materials, such as plastics, particle board, or aluminum. This may put a damper on an office rearrangement, and even make initial installation of such pieces difficult.

Further, solid wood office furniture is likely to be more expensive than other cheaper, lighter materials. Since much of the wood furniture is hand-made, the cost for such pieces goes up in relation to the production cost. The upswing to this reality is that the solid wood furniture is a worthwhile investment: these heavier, more durable pieces will last a long time, making the cost a bit more bearable. For some office spaces, lighter, cheaper materials may be a better option to cut down on costs. One must bear in mind, however, that materials such as particle board can chip and break easily, meaning the furniture will not last as long as the solid wood office furniture.

If the office space must look professional and classy, solid wood furniture can add a subtle flair to the space. It is not uncommon to see such furniture in executive offices, as many important clients will most likely see this room, but one might consider taking a look at the rest of the office and adding smaller accents: perhaps a solid wood chair set in a waiting room, or a solid wood reception desk. These are lower cost investments that can add a classy look to any office space. If cost is an issue, used pieces of wood furniture can be found, and sometimes the used, weathered look of a piece can complement its beauty.

Oak Furniture Maintainance

This time I’ll blog about how to take care the furniture that is made of oak.

For centuries, oak has been a popular material from which to construct tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture thanks to its strength, durability and beauty. However, oak does have the tendency to stain easily and can become dry and cracked if not properly maintained. Maintaining oak furniture involves protecting it from extreme temperature swings, moisture and heat, as well as preserving its structural soundness by only moving it with care.

These are the steps on how to maintain oak furniture:

1       Read the instructions for oak furniture maintenance from the manufacturer.

If you've bought a new piece of oak furniture, ask for a pamphlet with care instructions from the manufacturer or store.

2       Leave any drawers or doors open in new furniture.

This allows the smell of furniture oil to dissipate. New furniture has most likely been recently oiled before packed and shipped to your home. You need to air the wood out to minimize the odor of wood oil.

3       Move all oak furniture carefully.

No matter how strong and sturdy a piece looks, always move it with care by lifting it instead of dragging, and carefully setting it down. This will preserve the integrity of the joints.

4      Avoid placing oak furniture next to a source of heat or in direct sunlight. This can cause dryness, cracking and fading of the color.

5  Maintain oak furniture by treating it periodically with special furniture oil. Once a month is sufficient to prevent cracking and to create a moisture resistant layer with regular use, but if a piece of furniture is exposed to wear and tear daily, such as a table, chair or desk, oil it once a week. If you buy a new or used piece of oak furniture and it appears dry, oil it before use to restore the wood's sheen and protect it.

6       Avoid putting hot items such as dishes or pans directly on the wood. Instead, use place mats or table mats with felt backs.

7       Avoid putting oak furniture outside. Unless specifically designed for outside use, oak furniture should always be used inside.

8     Be careful not to expose oak to strong cleaning agents, coffee, wine, water or other liquids.

9     Wipe up any spills on the oak wood immediately to avoid staining. Use a clean cloth or paper towel.

1    Repair any dents or marks. If your piece of furniture has been marked or dented, it's sometimes possible to repair it yourself if it's solid wood or has been soap-treated. You cannot repair oak furniture that's lacquered or has been veneered.

·         To repair a mark or dent, put a damp cloth, preferably made of cotton, over the spot.

·         Place the tip of a hot iron onto the cloth so the wood rises up.

·         Once the blemish is dry, sand it down with a fine-grain sandpaper, then oil it.

That’s all about how to take care of your wood furniture.

(Source: www.wikihow.com)

How to Take Care of Your Furniture?

Wood Furnishings Care

 

Are you confused about dusting vs. cleaning, or waxing vs. polishing wood furniture?

While experts have varying opinions on the care of wood furniture, it usually depends on the finish of the piece.

Dusting

Don't avoid dusting furniture. Frequent dusting removes airborne deposits that build up in a filmy layer and can scratch the surface.

Clean, dry, soft cloths or feather dusters will effectively remove dust; however, to avoid scattering the dust into the air, where it floats until landing back on furniture surfaces, dampen the cloth very slightly.

Tools for Dusting

Classic feather duster: An ostrich-feather duster removes dust from easily damaged, delicate surfaces, such as silk lampshades, mirrors, picture frames and art, and fragile collectibles.

§  Treated cloths: For dusting, soft, nonscratching cloths pick up and hold dirt. Use them in place of silicon sprays, which are not recommended for fine wood furniture.

§  Lamb's-wool duster:These contain lanolin, which attracts dust and makes it cling to the cleaning tool. They're also effective for dusting carved or turned areas that cloths can't reach. A long handle makes them ideal for hard-to-reach areas, including light fixtures andceiling fans.

§  Soft, lint-free cloths: Clean cotton T-shirts or diapers are commonly used. Dampen them slightly to help trap dust.

§  Terry towels: Use a clean dry towel to remove any moisture left from dusting with a damp cloth.

Cleaning

Never use all-purpose cleaning sprays unless your furniture has a plastic coating, such as the kind used on kitchen tables and children's furniture.

You'll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Here's how: dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Oil polishes, cleaners, and furniture oils protect wood by making the surface more slippery; they do not offer a hard protective layer.

Products that contain a high percentage of oil make the surface smear, showing fingerprints. Avoid polishing with pure olive oil, which smears and attracts dust.

Most commercial spray and liquid furniture polishes contain silicone oil, which provides some protection. If you have used sprays and polishes in the past or suspect that furniture has been polished with them, be aware that residues can interfere with refinishing and may need professional attention.

Homemade recipe for cleaning wood: Some experts recommend reviving grimy wood furniture with a mixture of equal parts olive oil, denatured alcohol, gum turpentine, and strained lemon juice. Apply with a soft cloth and buff with a clean cloth.

Typically during manufacture, varnish, polyurethane, or shellac is applied to wood to protect the surface. Applying wax or polish protects the manufacturer's finish and helps to reduce surface scratches.

Wax provides a hard finish and long-lasting protection, doesn't smear, and is more durable than sprays or polishes.

Use paste wax or liquid wax made specifically for furniture. Depending on use, paste wax finishes may last as long as two years. Liquid wax is easier to apply but leaves a thinner coating; it may need to be applied more frequently than paste wax.

Learn how to properly apply waxes to eliminate streaks or a cloudy appearance. Always apply wax in light coats, rubbing into the surface with the grain. Allow to dry and buff to a clear shine with a soft cloth.

Tips for Applying Paste Wax

1.   Put a spoonful of wax, about the size of a golf ball, in a square of 100-percent-cotton fabric. Wrap the fabric around the wax ball and knead it until soft.

2.      Rub in a circular motion, one small area at a time, until the waxing is complete.

3.      When the surface dulls, wipe off the excess wax. Use a clean, soft cotton cloth and turn it frequently.

4.   Repeat waxing and wiping until the entire piece is waxed. If you notice a streak, keep wiping to remove excess wax.

5.     Polish the wood, with a soft cloth or lamb's-wool pad attached to an electric drill or power buffer. If the wax smears, wipe with a soft cloth and continue buffing.

6.   For a deep shine, apply a second coat of wax in the same manner; to maintain waxed furniture, dust with a lamb's-wool duster. Never use liquid or aerosol furniture polishes because they can dissolve the wax and leave a hazy film.

For fine furniture or treasured family heirlooms, use this three-step cleaning and care routine.

1. Clean approximately every year with a commercial cleaning product (such as Formby's Deep Cleaning Build-Up Remover) using #0000 steel wool. Work with the grain and follow product directions carefully.

2. Restore as needed, especially from sun fading, using a commercial finish restoring product such as Howard Restor-A-Finish. Choose a shade closest to the wood stain and apply with #0000 steel wool to a small section at a time. Work with the grain of the wood and use light to moderate pressure. Immediately wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as cheesecloth.

3. Feed as a monthly routine using an orange oil or wax (try Feed-N-Wax beeswax) to prevent drying and cracking.

Deep Cleaning

As a first step to removing layers of grime, use an oil soap and water. Rinse and dry well. If the finish still seems dirty, clean lightly with steel wool dipped in a cleaning product. Some products with a milky appearance are formulated to dissolve both solvent-based and oil-based residues. Do not use mixtures containing boiled linseed oil, turpentine, or white vinegars. Museum conservators say these things darken wood and attract dust and lint. Instead, apply clear paste wax.

Freshen Finds

§  If a vintage piece has a lingering smell, air outside on a warm, dry day. Shade from direct sunlight.

§  Pour talcum powder or baking soda over the surface to absorb odors.

§  Place a shallow pan of charcoal briquettes inside drawers.

§  Rub the upper edge of sticking drawers with a white candle.

Polishing Hardware

Remove hardware from the furniture piece. Clean with a metal or brass cleaner and buff. Reattach when completely dry.

Scratching the Surface

If the top of wood furniture is slightly scratched, apply paste wax or use a felt-tip touch-up pen.

To treat deeper scratches that gouge into the wood, use wood filler or a colored filler wax stick available at hardware and home improvement stores. Match as closely as possible to the color of your piece, applying in several thin layers rather than in one thick layer

(Source: www.bhg.com)