Beechwood Spatula
A flow form spatula cut from a 12" x 4" x 2' block of Beechwood.
Table of Contents
Orthographic Sketches
To make a flow form spatula, I first started by sketching the top and side views, to be projected onto a rectangular prism to visualize the final form.
top view
side view
As I began experimenting with form and flow, I noticed these sketches were lacking direction and continuity. They felt disjointed and didn't have a preliminary line to direct the form.
For the top two sketches, I used a curved line to guide the forms, while for the bottom sketch I used a straight line that the form was directed about.
Foam Prototypes
I continued sketching and now began prototyping my forms out of pink foam (expanded polystyrene), and grey foam (tooling board).
Prototype 1
I was intrigued by the shape of this spatula and curvature. I liked the idea of the spatula curving inwards as you hold it to the pan, so you can keep your hand parallel to the pan without needing to twist your arm inward to use the spatula. However, once I prototyped the spatula, I saw that it was While this spatula is particularly interesting, it doesn’t seem effective in use. It is also flimsy and doesn’t provide ample control, especially if it were to be used for flipping food, the axis of rotation would be difficult to master with precision. I decided not to pursue this design further because it proved to be unwieldy and unintuitive. However, this spatula helped me understand the translation from 2D to 3D better, and understand that it might be better to have a guiding line that's straight instead of curved to be more ergonomic and intuitive.
Prototype 2
The handle and top edge offset each other, creating a continuous line that will carry through the form into the user’s forearm, extending the axis of rotation from the arm to the tip of the spatula. The guiding line provides a clear axis or rotation, and while the form is unique, it does not detract from its function. There is much to be improved, starting with a continuation of the straight line through the side profile, as well as mirroring the top view of the spatula to create a right-handed version.
Prototype 2B
To create cohesion between the top and side views, I added a guideline to the side view. I more directly unified the top and side view by creating unified points of diversion too. Both the top and side view follow the straight guidelines at the same places, and diverge from the guidelines at the same places. I also tilted the side view to elongate the thin section of short wood grain in the middle, in hopes of strengthening the integrity of this spatula. In this version, the flipping part of the spatula is small, and I plan to increase in the next prototype. In this prototype, I didn't add fillets or chamfers so I could focus purely on silhouette and structure, but in future prototypes I will add them in order to accentuate the leading lines and increase handle comfort.
Prototype 2C
In this next prototype, I adjusted the orthographic views to have extra volume to sand the flat areas straight and even. I created fillets on the organic curves of the spatula, and accentuated the corners along the directional and parallel lines. This created flat faces and curved edges, creating emphasis along the flat planes. I curved parts of the handle and intend to curve the handle more next time in order to mimic the curves seen in the top and side view, as well as to make the handle more ergonomic.
Final Fabrication
I taped the exact orthographic top and side views to the Beechwood block. I then used the bandsaw to cut out the top view, taped the wood back together, then cut the side view. I used files, rasps, and sandpaper to add fillets and chamfers
I added more surface area to the top flipping portion. I also allotted even more room for sanding.
Design Board
Final Spatula
