Amazing tools!

This week is one of upgrading. Our old CNC router was swapped out with a shiny new one that has amazing new features. The most impressive thing is the SPEED. As I often tell Phoebe when we are describing something fast... it is as fast as a speeding bullet. And that is pretty fast.

We installed a new windows based computer to serve the new router. All new network cables completed the package. 

And as things are finally slowing down a little, it was time to upgrade my operating systems and programs on my work computer and laptop as well. This weekend was the time. We've been Mac based for some time now, simply because it is easier for me. I don't want to think about my computer, but rather just use it to create my art. Macs allow me to do that. 

Upgrading an Apple computer is simple and easy. I didn't have to go to the store or bring in a technical person as in days gone by... two mouse clicks started the download process from the virtual store. I don't know how long the download took, because the lights were out here and I was snuggled up to Janis watching our favorite TV program in the house. It was on my desktop this morning when I came in. I didn't have to squint at the box or type in a long, long serial number. I clicked the INSTALL button. Then I went to town to change the oil in the truck and do some shopping so I don't know how long that process took either. When I got home the new program was installed and everything was brand new with my programs and files where they were supposed to be. No worries and no stress.

A new trackpad brings me up to speed with tools to interface with the new operating system. I have positioned it on the left side of my workspace. Since I use a digital drawing pad, my right hand holds a digital stylus as I work. My goal is to learn to use my left hand on the trackpad instead of putting down my pen and using a mouse in my right hand. Apple has incorporated gestures into the new OS and reverse tracking (compared to what we are used to). It is a bit wierd at first, but once you get past that it feels right. It will take some getting used to I'm sure.

While we were at it, a new small camera was bought and plopped into the holster on my belt. The old one was donated to Pipsqueak Paddocks to document the horses. The new camera is also an amazing tool. Compact yet powerful. It has massive resolution and the ability to take pictures in much lower light compared to much more expensive cameras I have had in the past. It is a video camera as well. 

With the new hardware and software in place, it is now time to begin the process of learning to work with these new tools. Ultimately it is not about the tools, but rather about what I create with them.

Now it is time for some fun...

-grampa dan

Always some new stuff to learn

Anyone who knows me or watches me work for a while, quickly understands I use computers in a very different way than most in my line of work. I am anything but a tech type person. Even so I have learned to operate a computer controlled MultiCam router. I use it as one tool of many to create our imaginative work. Our workshops (among many other things) help people learn to use this same type of tool more creatively with their projects. It has taken me years to learn and becpme proficient with the computer and CNC router. Now as we upgrade our router to a newer, fancier and more complex version the challenge is on to learn a whole bunch of new things in a hurry. 

For the last three days a MultiCam tech, Shawn Kirsch, has been installing and training me to use the new machine and software. With the fourth axis it involves thinking about things in a new way, programing a file to suit, and then go through complex new commands to actually have the machine do it's thing. The only way I can manage such things is to go through it again and again, eventually building a familiarity and comfort level with the process. THen I build on that basic knowlege adding layer after layer of complexity over time. It's all done one little step at a time.

The new machine is now installed and running. It is an amazing piece of technology. Now I just have to figure out how to use it! And I'm up for the challenge! :)

-grampa dan

Another piece installed.

Yesterday, the large dimensional sign was loaded into the back of the truck for it's journey to the Fox and Hounds Pub. It was no small task to wrestle the sign into the box of the truck, even with the help of our overhead chainfall. The tricky job was still to come.

The sign had to be lifted to the top of the gable end of the building and fastened into place. But there was no worry. The contractor and the boys were waiting for me when I arrived. They had set a lift in place to be used to do the heavy lifting. Once the measurements were taken and backing for the sign was installed things went quickly and smoothly.

The sign fit like it was made for the spot (which it was). 

Even on the dreary day we were enjoying the sign added a bright splash of color to the building.

Slowly but surely the pieces of this large puzzle are coming together.

-grampa dan