Our friends at IBEX CNC Software have been busy creating a full 3D version of the routing software for some time. While I can’t imagine the complexities of writing this kind of program I do understand the kind of magic we can create with it. We’ve been testing the 2D version for some time to create our plasma cutting files with great success. But what we have been itching to get our hands on is the 3D version which has long been in the works. On Friday our friends from IBEX sent us the link to download this fresh off the press software. But sadly, I was tied up with some meetings and the sculpting in the shop for the whole day. Saturday I was again tied up with chores and other commitments. But this morning I finally had the chance to open up the software. While it was the first time I got to see the 3D interface and begin to explore how the tools worked I knew what it was I wanted to create. My first efforts took me back more than a decade and a half to when I first figured out a 3D routing software. While there was a little frustration as I attempted to build my first textured file it only took a couple of hours instead of the many weeks of experimentation to build my first file years ago. I sent the file along to the ShopSabre CNC router and jigged things up. When I pushed enter my finger was on the emergency stop - just in case. But I needn't have worried for the file ran flawlessly. I still have much to explore and discover but this fun new journey with IBEX has truly begun. Stay tuned…
Fun and then even more fun
Every time I walk into the shop, I have to laugh, for it always seems to be full of the most fun builds. Currently, there’s a massive skull rock, a fifteen-foot-tall tire horse, three mine cars and tucked in the corner is Henry’s parade float spaceship. The giant DOWNEYS letters are just outside in the parking lot, along with the four other signs bound for Downey’s Farm, to be loaded onto the transport truck this coming Thursday. As good as that list of current projects is, the good news is that we have a bunch of other just as crazy projects in the works. One of those is this Tater Twisters sign for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska. Stay tuned for lots of fun in the next months…
Giant tire sculpted
The giant ten foot tall tire horse's body and legs were on the agenda to be sculpted today. We lathered on a thick coat of fibreglass-reinforced concrete through the morning hours, and then after lunch began the sculpting. The raised letters were laid out with the assistance of our digital projector to speed things up. There was no time to waste as we had to finish the sculpting and clean up by quitting time. As always, our crew did an awesome job within our normal working hours. We’ll let it cure until next week and then begin to brush on the paint. Stay tuned…
