Speaking from Experience: Sculpting and more sculpting

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

Monday, August 8, 2011

Sculpting and more sculpting

The hunt master's horn was the next piece to be created for the Master's Bugle sign. The basic shape was designed in EnRoute in two halves. It was roughed out on the MultiCam using a 3/8" ball nose bit with a 50% overlap. I didn't need a smooth shape because I was going to cover it with Abracadabra sculpting epoxy

The first step was to press on a rough coat of sculpting epoxy. It acts as a primer coat.

Then it was time to sculpt the horn and 'metal' embellishments. The thing about sculpting epoxy is that the more you work it the more it softens up. The cure is to let things sit for a while, then come back and straighten things up.

The clearances are tight so I fastened it in place while it was still soft., adjusting things as needed. The hunt master's horn was well worn, somewhat dented. It would have been used while on horseback and most likely survived a tumble or two.

At the job site things continue to proceed. Inside we are painting. Outside, the first side of 'brickwork' was troweled into place and carved today.

-dan