It's always a good day when we can take a pile of fresh-cut pieces off the FastCut CNC plasma and more than 50 precision-cut lengths of square tube steel, and start building a new structure. Today’s task was the lower framework for Skull Rock. Matt was cutting the tube steel for me while I fit and welded everything into place. We made excellent progress! By the end of the day, the steel deck and lower spill pool were fitted and welded into position, and we were ready to begin on the upper framework. Next week, we’ll also start welding the pencil rod to make it resemble a giant rock skull. Stay tuned…
IBEX
Often, there are multiple layers of events going on in our shop, often unseen. We began construction of Skull Rock for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch today, starting with the plasma cutting of the base and joining plates. To create the cutting files, I am using a brand-new software called IBEX, which was created by our good friends in Colorado. The software is designed to run our CNC router and create our complex 3D files, but we also use it for our plasma cutter with great results. While I am figuring out how to build a complex 3D shape in structural steel and fibreglass reinforced concrete, I am also learning this new software, putting it through its paces. I am using the software as an artist in unconventional ways and trying my best to stretch the boundaries of what is possible. Whenever I bump up against the limits, I take a few notes and send them off to the code writers. I know they will make adjustments and additions to make it even better and more usable in the future. As capable as the software currently is, I know the sky is the limit when I work with people much more brilliant than I. This is going to be a extremely fun journey! Stay tuned…
Coats of many colours
Jay has been very busy this week, laying on three coats of seven different colours of paint on the seven letters of the DOWNEYS project. Tomorrow will be the first glaze, followed by the second on Friday. On Monday, Jay will do the dark crack glaze, leaving only the final grinding and cleanup of the metal lettering surrounds. Stay tuned…
