We are experimenting with a wide variety of substrates and techniques as we test the laser and are seeing varying degrees of success. Peter suggested I slop some gesso on a board and fire up the laser to see what might happen. Moth had some gesso handy, and it didn’t take long to dry. While two or three coats would have been ideal, I decided one coat would be plenty for an initial test. I picked an image of one of the sign concepts, and the gesso would allow for brighter colours when I hand-painted it. The image turned out nice and dark, and the laser cut out the sign perfectly. I mounted it to a refinished panel with some spacers and brought it into the house to paint up after supper. It’s been about twenty-six years since I had hand-painted the transparent inks, but it was like riding a bike. There’s nothing quite like hand-painting, complete with missed spots and runs. Even so, the result is magic. There is still some experimenting to go, but the sign series of limited edition prints will most likely be done in this fashion. Stay tuned…
Shutters
While I experiment and learn on the new laser, Peter continues to make the other robotic machines in our shop hum. The current project on the ShopSabre are some very cool shutters for the Copper Crown’s tallest tower. They are routed from 25 pound Precision Board High Density Urethane. They are going to look awesome once they are painted up and installed. Stay tuned…
Some success!
It is challenging and a whole lot of fun to figure out both drawing techniques and the complexities of a new robotic machine at the same time. There are, of course, lots of failures, some near misses and the occasional preliminary success. I am trying various woods, substrates, and finishes combined with different drawing styles and file resolutions. As with our other robotic machines in years past, we will fill a dumpster with what doesn’t work while discovering the magic bullets. As I expressed a little frustration with one of many failed samples today, Peter laughingly reminded me that it's only day three and we have much to discover. While not yet near the quality I desire, the closest we have to a finished sample is this little tractor. As always, it is back to the drawing board to work up some new art to test drive in the coming days. Stay tuned…
