Dustin

Dustin’s name plaque was the next to be done. I used a method and tools that I don’t often use in EnRoute. The vectors were designed (as usual) in EnRoute.

To create a chamfered edge I used the bevel tool and the ‘limit to height’ command. By defining the base (0.35″) and the height of the finished relief (0.75″) as well of the angle of the bevel (45 degrees)I had full control of the results. There are other ways of accomplishing this task in EnRoute but this is my favourite with a straight bevel (as opposed to a rounded one)

I then modified the base relief by raining the centre portion by 0.1″

The texture was the next addition using the same vector as a mask.

I then created a separate relief using the lettering border vector. It was a flat relief. I guessed at the height I required but this is not critical because after I created the relief I checked the front view and nudged it up one notch to create the look I was going for.

Here’s the front view with the lettering outline selected.

I the]]hen merged highest to combine the two reliefs.

The last step was to create the lettering by again modifying the base relief using the lettering vectors. I used the dome tool but used the constant height option and defined the height of the dome as 0.07″ The base (or vertical potion of the lettering was 0.15″.

The name plaque was then ready to tool path and send off to the MultiCam. Askwith all of the name plaques they are being cut from 1.5″ 30 lb Precision Board. I used a rough pass (50% overlap) with a 3/8″ ball nose bit and a final pass (80% overlap) using a 1/8″ ball nose bit. The piece was then cut out using a 3/8″ cutter.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Viking arsenal

Work has begun in earnest on the first of the features for the Viking project.

The crew has created quite the arsenal of Viking style weapons! Using EnRoute to create the files and the MultiCam Plasma cutter saved countless hours in creating these pieces. The same is true for the ships yet to come!

We used the plasma cutter to cut the bases for the features from half inch thick plate steel. The structural frames were then welded off of this base. The reason for the thick steel base is to minimize the chance of any possible damage to the sculpted concrete as it travels to Dubai and then is handles and installed by crews out of our control. The frames were created in bolt together sections to allow them to easily fit into the galvanizing vats. Once galvanized we will bolt them together and then do our usual sculpted concrete work. Assembled the pieces are designed to fit into shipping containers with a maximum height of 88″

The last shot is the pieces at the galvanizers when I dropped them off yesterday.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Lorna’s name plaque

It’s that time once more. With the Sculpting Magic Workshops now just over seven weeks away it is time to begin preparations. That means it’s time to do the name plaques which we present to all attendees. That’s more than thirty different pieces to create. This time to make the plaques I decided to test a bunch of the new bitmaps I’m working as make them. 
The first piece will be a flag. The vectors were created in EnRoute. The lettering and rectangle vectors were created square and level and then I used the patch distort tool to create a waving flag.

 

I then created a flat relief.
I then imported one of the new bitmaps and applied it using a setting of 0.5″. The result was a flag that waved vertically in a cool way.
The lettering outline was then raised.
Then it was time for the final step which was to use the bevel tool to 
The front and side views show how much the panel curves on the surface.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Glad you axed

With the plans, models and engineered drawings now behind us it is time at last to begin actual construction. The first bit to get the green light was the dock barrels, boxes and weapons. We decided for maximum reality we would build the axe heads and sword blades in steel. The vector files were created in EnRoute. For a little extra bling Peter whipped up a fancy little dragon which would be incorporated as an etching in the side of one of the axes. The MultiCam CNC plasma cut the parts in a few minutes and then the fun of assembly began. A square patch of metal was welded behind the dragon cutout and then the two faces of the axe were welded to some two inch stock. They were bent together at the blade and welded up. We then cut some steel wedge shaped flat stock to create the top and bottom and back of the axe. A little grinding smoothed everything out nicely. As a final step we welded on some pipe stock for the armature for the handle. We’ll send it out for galvanizing before we sculpt the ‘wooden’ handle.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Ready… aim…

The Viking ship project has now grown to include a thirty foot and six foot wide targets (for water guns and the like) as well as some crates, barrels and weapon features for the dock. We first had to go through an extensive design process which involved models, concept drawings and many pages of engineered plans.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.