Keeping my routing skills sharp.

The name plaques we create for our workshop guests are a great deal of fun. Some of the simplest looking can actually be the most complex to create. Because the workshop classes are largely about CNC routing I like to push the boundaries a little when it comes time to create the files for the plaques. Creating the plaques refreshes me on the complex program we use to design our routing flies. During the workshops I will get lots of questions and I need to know the answers. A review is always in order.

Kurt is from Pennsylvania. He visted our workshp back in 2006 when we hosted a Letterhead Workshop. I've bumped into him a few times since at international trade shows and spoken to him a few times on the phone as well. Kurt is a very creative guy, and full of passion for this craft. As I thought about his name plaque I thought about his recent projects - one of which had a Carribean theme. A pirate theme came to mind. Somehow it suited his name. So I decided a short dagger was just the ticket. The routing file proved to be much more complex than the finished plaque. It made me scratch my head - just  little. I had to make it a little stout to fit Kurt's name onto the blade but it turned out kinda cool. Bec will paint it up to make it shine I'm sure.

This stuff is way more fun than working!

-grampa dan

Neigh(r)ly there.

Today the ladies of my crew finished painting the glazes on the Lark Rise post and sign. The flat base colors became rich and deep as layer after layer pf paint and glaze was applied and judicuously removed to reveal and enhance the texture of the woodgrains. The bright silver of the sign peeks through the deep metallic black top coat adding a perfect sparkle. The lower numerals of the address will be painted with a triple coat of a durable metallic gold paint. The lettering on the face of the sign will reciece the ultimate sparkle of 23K gold. In the shot below Sarah and Haley are applying the dark brown glaze to finish off the wood of the post.

In the bottom shot the base painting and glazing are done as is the first coat of the colored bits and gold numerals. The numbers and decorative elements will get one or two more coats of color and then it is time for the real gold bling!

We are neigh(r)ly there.

-grampa dan

MORE name tags

Each name tag is a chance for me to push what I know in my programing skils and abilities to do CNC routing to the maximum possible. With every project I learn something. Sometimes things don't go quite s planned, but the unexpected results offer a technique that can be used to create something wonderful on a project down the road. The name plaques Still have to be painted and that will bring out more magic yet. 

After well over a hundred name plaques I have to dig deep to come up with something original each time.

These things are great fun! I heartily recommend this type of excercise for anyone who wants to learn difficult programs nd develop their design and building skills to their potential.

-grampa dan