Framing a cone shaped roof has always been a challenge I thoroughly enjoy. In years past the process would involve lots of calculations, some tricky layouts, lots of measuring, making of patterns, and plenty of cutting with a jigsaw. With our MultiCam CNC router in our shop and powerful computer programs at our disposal things are a whole lot easier and faster these days. I did the layout in my comfortable chair at my desk. The computer program did the tricky calculations in a fraction of a second. Once the files were built and tool pathed I sent the files to the router. Then we loaded the plywood on the router and set it in motion. The twenty pieces were cut perfectly in minutes from three sheets of plywood, complete with slots in the bottom and top pieces to slide in the roof ribs. Then it was a simple matter of putting it together like a simple jigsaw puzzle. Everything fit perfectly the first time and I didn't even need a level or tape measure. The screw gun and a few handfuls of screws made everything permanent in a hurry. Building a cone shaped roof was just as much fun as the 'olden days' but without all of the hassle of days gone by.
Power tower
Work has begun in earnest on the Hazelnut Inn project. The first piece is the power tower which will sit on a front corner of the property. The electrical power, and telecommunication lines will go to this point overhead and then through the tower and underground from this point. The required meter bases and access boxes will be cleverly hidden within the theme work. The twenty foot tall, engineered structure is being built in three sections and will be assembled onsite as soon as the eight foot tall concrete foundation is poured. Except for a small joining section at the bottom edge, the entire structure will be painted and finished prior to installation. The picture of the tower as a scale model below shows how the pieces will appear on completion.
A quick dose of inspiration
I got up extra early this morning so I could spend a little bit of time in Disney's Animal Kingdom before I headed off to the airport for the long journey home. My focus was on the new land of Pandora. I had no time to do any of the attractions but it did not matter for there are so many great details to absorb at every turn. Although my visit was brief, the inspiration was a plenty.
