CONSTRUCTION OF A SHAPED STEEL CUPBOARD
ABSTRACT
A cupboard in its proper term. Is a well shaped structure, which could either be rectangular, square or oval in shape, used for the storage of valuables at homes, and offices. Reniff defined cupboard as a rectangular shaped structure of cabinet that accommodates, or is used to keep details for future use. Moreover, a cupboard could be defined as a set of shelves made with doors which can be used for storing books and non – books materials.
The aim of the construction of the steel cupboard was to designed and bring to light the various measures, which are put in place in the construction of a standard steel cupboard, and to enable student to know how to fabricate the modern steel cupboard and to acquire knowledge on metal handling and fabrication. This project set out to explain the vigorous process involved in the construction of a steel cupboard.
The construction procedure started with sketching and drawing operation in which the dimensions of the cupboard (3ft x 16 x Aft) were drawn on paper to a scale of 1cm to 10 units, in isometric view. This was followed by the marking out operations, in which the sketched out dimensions were transferred to the steel sheet and marked on the steel sheet. The dimensions of the doors were also marked out. The steel sheet was cut into 2.8ft x 18” for the doors. The back was also cut 3ft by 4ft and the base and the top of the cupboard, each was cut 3ft by 16” pieces and 4ft pieces; the cutting was done with the handsaw.
The body frame was welded together at the joints, the frame was enclosed and welded in place using the guage 12 electrode. The welding procedure used was the electric arc welding. Fillers were also used to finished t he work, and to filled the pores in the welded joints. The work was concluded by washing and drying the cupboard, after which painting was done on the cupboard by spraying method.
At the end, a standard steel cupboard was constructed in full shape and size. As a result of the various construction procedures involved, a solid steel cupboard which stands a high chance against corrosion and attack by termites or simple chemicals was constructed.
The cost of the construction of the steel cupboard which include: the labour cost, cost of materials, transportation cost and fabrication cost was sum up to eighteen thousand naira (N18000).
Comparing the finished fabricated steel cupboard with the wooden cupboard, the mild steel has qualitative properties of construction than wood. The steel cupboard can be attacked by corrosion, but this was prevented by painting the steel cupboard. The steel cupboard can carry much load than wooden cupboard, this is due to the physical properties of mild steel which has a very good strength. It has the ability to withstand, inelastic deformation without fracture, which is not the case in wood. Furthermore, the steel cupboard cannot be attacked by insect and termites but in the case of wooden cupboard, termites can easily destroy the wood, which can lead to the destruction of the stored materials.
