Cerritos College Woodworking Students Build Radius Reception Desk for Salon

NORWALK, Calif. - May 14, 2014 - PRLog -- The desk was built with top-quality materials and state of the art CNC technology to create a high-end atmosphere for the Cerritos College Cosmetology Salon.

“The curved design of the reception desk wall, which is integral to the modern look of the new reception area, made for a far more challenging project than if it were a typical straight wall design.  The curved wall construction required the use of CAD software and a large platform CNC routing table to cut out the various curved wall components.   The use of this industry level equipment on campus allowed students to build a wall with a finished surface that is smooth, and without humps and ridges,” said Woodworking Instructor, Anthony Fortner.

The bulk of the work in constructing the reception wall and the other various reception cabinets required hands-on effort and skills.  "We tore out the original desk, and built the new one with a new countertop and we installed cabinents to increase the functionality and the appeal of the front desk for the salon," said Sam Millard, Woodworking Maintenace Mechanic.

Students worked with various hand tools, sanders, bendable hardboard, glues, and laminates to build the desk.  Students also learned additional woodworking skills which will help prepare them for industry careers or in their everyday lives.

“Overcoming real world obstacles in a project such as this was an added learning experience.  How do we move this very large and very heavy curved wall up to the second floor where the reception area is located in the Cosmetology Salon?  The problem was overcome by building a large custom cradle for the wall and then utilizing a fork lift to reach up over the 2^nd floor railing,” said Anthony Fortner.

The Woodworking program has collaborated with many departments on the Cerritos College Campus. The Woodworking students have completed an array of campus facility improvements for the Speech Lab, Center for Teaching Excellence (CTX), Conference rooms, and cabinets for the President’s office.

“This collaboration is a win-win!  Students win by learning advanced woodworking skills from the instructor who makes a living building and installing custom cabinetry.  The college wins by professional level improvements to campus facilities for the benefit of both students and faculty for a fraction of the cost if the job were bid out to contractors. The money the college saves can be utilized for other college budget priorities,” said Dean of Technology at Cerritos College, Nick Real.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS:

Cerritos College Woodworking Program offers classes in furniture making, cabinetmaking, and woodturning.  Cerritos College houses a 27,000 square-foot facility, where over 100 stationary and portable woodworking machines are available. Hands-on training and real-world experience is emphasized, and all classes are project-focused. The classes cover topics including faceframe and frameless cabinet construction, architectural millwork, table and casegood construction, solid surface fabrication, hand tools, and veneering.

To learn more about Woodworking, visit http://cms.cerritos.edu/woodworking/ and https://www.facebook.com/CerritosCollegeFabLabs or call at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2986.

The Cerritos College Cosmetology Program’s mission is to prepare students for a career. Cerritos College offers Cosmetology and Esthetician programs.  The Cosmetology program provides students with the skills to cut, color, perm, straighten, and braid hair, manicure, pedicure, and skin care as well as other applications and techniques. Students in the Esthetician program learn how to analyze skin, perform facials, massages, extractions, make-up, and how to treat skin.

The program also houses a salon which is open to the public and prepares students for their career by providing real life training. Client services include; haircuts, hair coloring, manicures, pedicures, facials, makeup, waxing, and more. Visit http://cms.cerritos.edu/cosmetology/cosmetology-salon-services.htm to view a full list of services.

If you are interested in using the salon or want to join the program, visit http://cms.cerritos.edu/cosmetology/ and https://www.facebook.com/CerritosCollegeCosmetology or call us at (562) 467-5047.