Problem Statement:

My wood lacrosse shaft is broken and needs to be replaced. I am building a new shaft and want to design a solution that meets the requirements and provides a durable and functional replacement.

Constraint List:

Materials: The shaft must be made of wood.

Length: The shaft should be of a specific length that is legal.

Weight: The weight of the shaft should be within a certain range to ensure optimal handling and performance.

Durability: The shaft should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of lacrosse gameplay without breaking easily.

Safety: The design should prioritize safety, minimizing the risk of splintering.

Cost: The solution should be cost-effective.

Problem Research:

Research various wood types commonly used for lacrosse shafts, their characteristics, and suitability for the sport. Understand the requirements for a well-performing lacrosse shaft, such as weight, flexibility, and strength.

Brainstorming Ideas:

Wood Selection: Pick the right type of wood for the shaft that offers a balance of strength, weight, and durability.

Coating or Sealant: Apply a protective coating or sealant to the shaft's surface to enhance durability and moisture resistance.

Grip Options: Explore different grip options, such as textured surfaces or rubberized coatings, to improve handling and reduce slippage.

Reinforcement: Consider reinforcing critical areas, such as the head attachment point, with additional layers of wood or other reinforcing materials for added strength.

Designing a Solution:

I will make a wood shaft that will fit my preferences and playing style.

Select a suitable wood species based on its characteristics, availability, and cost.

Design the shaft to be strong and withstand rough gameplay.

Experiment with different construction techniques.

Incorporate a protective coating or sealant to improve durability and moisture resistance.

Explore various grip options to improve handling, considering factors such as texture, surface treatment, and coatings.

Prototype the design and test it for performance, durability, and safety.

Make adjustments and refinements based on testing feedback.

Produce the final wood shaft according to the refined design, ensuring it is legal and fits my preferences,

Supplies

Wood, stain, chamfer tool, sandpaper, and a table saw.

Step 1: Picking Wood

First, I picked out a 2 x 2. I used leftover Maple from my bed frame.

Step 2: First Cuts

Once I had my 2 x 2, I needed to make the first cuts, so I set my table saw to 1 1/8". Then I cut the 2 x 2 long ways ending up with a 2 x 1 1/8" piece of wood. Next, I set the blade distance to 7/8" and cut with the 2" side down. I now had a 1 1/8" x 7/8" piece of wood.