Learning

Almost every day after our classes or jobs, we would go to see Uncle Manik at his job-workshop and discuss about our machine. It allowed us to closely observe a mechanic’s handiwork. Sometimes even we pitched-in to finish his daily job-orders early. So that, he would have more time to devise with us after work. Meantime, it also allowed us to get some on-hand experience. Uncle Manik made few of our machine parts at his job-workshop while showing us the ropes. But, the intensive works started when our semester break began.

Uncle Manik generously welcomed us to work at his home-workshop during the semester break. We were grateful to him for such opportunity. He lived far across the river. We had to take boat-ride every morning. There we worked 12 hours a day. However, we still had to maintain our jobs to fund this research project and for our expenses. So, our visits to his place was intermittent. It was also best when the mechanic present at his house, so we could work with his guidance. Thus, we were always there on the weekends or holidays, to take his time. In return, we could only offer a little amount of money as workshop fee; which, Uncle Manik strongly resisted. Hence, we tried to repay his kindness as much as we could, by often buying foods & snacks for his family, and with our utmost gratitude.

Primarily the parts and bits of the toroid tester machine are handmade. A literal result of hard work, labor, blood and sweat. We were eager to learn and aspire ourselves to work by our hands. Also, it was greatly economical. In example, a wide metal sheet was bent only once. Later, side was cut-off and hammered to make the inner wall with smaller diameter (went almost deaf after hammering for 4 hours straight!). Utilizing the methods those somewhat seemed primitive by look but tactically effective in practice. Difficulties were faced and we had to be pragmatic. The design changed throughout the building procedure. But, nothing too drastic or diverged from the original plan. Such as: due to early cutting mistakes, there was shortage of metal. So, instead of making full-circle flange ring, we only welded on arcs to join the parts. Then again, when glass shop mistakenly shortened the width of our glass-window pieces. We welded bits of metal pieces to make increase the height of the side support.

The most crucial factor that we have learned about the field-work is that, always minding and incorporating design allowances for each of the parts. The factor of safety is met in that procedure as well. Afterall, everything will evolve from the original diagrams due to material availability, method viability and financial restrains.