With the Grand Opening of the Hazelnut Inn happening tomorrow we had our hands full getting ready. But there was also a shiny FastCut CNC plasma machine in the backroom that was itching to be tested. I couldn’t resist. I whipped up a cutting file. There was no sense in wasting plate steel on some tiny samples. Our first cut on the new machine was hundreds of steel feathers for a crow weathervane I was planning to build next week. I fiddled with the unfamiliar program and controls for a short while but then turned the machine over to young Keith who I knew was better at the computer stuff than I. My faith was rewarded in a hurry. We had a couple of false starts while we sorted out the settings on the new machine and tweaked the inputs in the software but it wasn’t long until Keith had the new CNC machine up and running beautifully. The machine operated quickly, silently and smoothly. And before I knew it there was a large pile of perfectly cut steel bits ready to weld into a sculpture next week. We LOVE our new Fastcut CNC plasma!
First wall section in place
We were delighted to see pictures of the first section of the entry wall in place. The NEB’s crew is really good at complex and difficult tasks, rising to every challenge they meet. This panel weighed in at about 4,500 lbs. They moved it off the truck, through their building, up a ramp and then gently coaxed it into position around a post and under the overhanging ceiling on one side. This all had to be done first thing in the morning before customers arrived. This was the most challenging piece to position and it will undoubtably go quicker from this point. We look forward to seeing many more pictures as they make rapid progress next week!
Late night pressure (wash)
It isn’t often we work past dark but with the grand opening of the Hazelnut Inn now only two days away there are a few last-minute details to take care of. This week's poor weather has pushed the concrete walkways dying into tomorrow’s schedule. This meant the pressure washing had to be squeezed into today. As Peter worked into the evening hours the magical light made for a perfect picture opportunity. Everything will be ready for Saturday’s open house celebration. Only two more sleeps…
