Speaking from Experience: Rolling start

WELCOME!

It is hard to believe that it was almost ten years ago I witnessed a CNC router in action for the very first time. I was fascinated and simply had to have one! Although I had been in the creative end of the three dimensional sign business for most of my life I didn't really know what I would do with one of these machines - but I just knew it could do fantastic stuff.

Along with the CNC router I discovered the wonderful material called Precision Board and the glues, primers and other companion products they offer. Since then we have gone through many tons of the material using it in most signs and projects we tackle. This journal will chronicle our many adventures both past, present and future. I'll talk from the perspective of someone who pushes these products to the creative limit on a daily basis. I'll be adding to the stories two or three times each week. -dan

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Rolling start

I've loved working with metal since I learned to weld more than two decades ago. Almost anything we can imagine can be fashioned with welded steel, or at least the structural framework to go inside. Using EnRoute to design files and the new MultiCam plasma cutter to cut the pieces has raised the art to a whole new level. It takes minutes to design the cutting files and only minutes more to cut the pieces. Best of all they only need a touch with a sanding disk to make them ready for production.

The jet pack studio chair is now in progress. I popped a sheet of 1/8" steel on the plasma this morning and set the machine in motion. I waited for the first to cut and then started work at the welding table.

The edge pieces for the curvy web legs were hand formed from 1.5" x 0.125" mild steel. These pieces were cut a few inches long, formed and then tacked into place. I then used the MIG to throw a quick bead on each side. Once they had cooled I trimmed off the excess.

Once I had all five sub structures done I welded them to the centre pipe.

I the cut a couple of large pieces with right sized holes to slide in the chair cylinder. As quick as that the rolling chassis for the chair was complete. Next up is the back frame assembly for the twin fuel tanks and the jet motor mounts. Once they are complete the hand sculpting will commence which will give the chair a whole lot more character. Stay tuned...