Almost a kilometre of welded steel

To build our features there are many steps. After the design is done the first consideration is how will it be assembled, moved about the shop, lifted onto the truck and then onside. Those factors determine the structural framework inside, and the mounting and lift points. These of course all have to be tucked within the dimensions of the finished piece. The heaviest pieces of structural steel come first, then the bracing, followed by a lighter structural frame as we work our way outwards. Place steel is cut, fitted, and welded into place for the joining surfaces. Then it is on to the 'pencil rod' armature. This is 1/4" steel rod that is hand formed and welded into a grid to form the shape of the final piece. We like to block in the big areas first and then fill in the smaller spaces to form about a six inch grid to provide a sturdy framework backing for the sculpture. As we weld we constantly do the shake test by grabbing it with both hands and swinging on it. If there is any movement we add more welded steel bracing until it doesn't. Any movement will make applying the sculpted concrete very difficult. The feature also has to withstand the stress of lifting, transport and placement - even if it is moved multiple times over it's lifetime.

The first level of the PNE feature we started this week is now down to the pencil rod stage. We are about two thirds of the way around and should finish tomorrow. There will be almost a kilometre of steel in this structure when we are done - all securely welded into place. Photographs never properly show this stage but the in person the piece looks great. It is all about proportion at this point. Lots of fun detail is coming soon. Stay tuned...

Going vertical

It is always great fun to begin the vertical structural steel on a new project. Progress is most often rapid as you block in the basic shapes and determine the proportions. Peter and I tag teamed the assembly and welding while the crew pitched in with the heavy lifting on occasion. We managed to polish off the main structure before quitting time this afternoon. This is the lowest of three sections and it is massive. Peter measured it up this afternoon and assures me it will clear the door frame with ease. What could possibly go wrong? Tomorrow I'll block in the shapes with pencil rod before turning the feature over to the crew to fill in as necessary. Then I'll begin the fabricating the next section which will be perched on top. Stay tuned for another progress report tomorrow...

A license to print money

We've all heard the expression that 'someone has the license to print money'. I've never had one of those but I do have an artistic license which allows me to create some cool artwork. What I create is far from legal tender but it is as good as money for certain things. Our clients sometimes seek our help in creating clever advertising campaigns, most often as a discount coupon of some sort. It's fun to use the customer's mascot and logos (which we also designed) in the design. The coupons hopefully do many things including bringing new and existing customers especially in the slower times. The faux notes also build brand awareness, and hopefully make people smile. All are good for business in the long run. The artwork below was created way back in 2011. We handed them out like candy, at parades and special events. I still see them occasionally, kept as a souvenir and pinned to somebody's bulletin board. Although the coupon was only valid for one season and has long expired it is still effectively advertising the brand. That's as good as a license to print money. :)