Speaking from Experience: First prototype for NEB's project

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

First prototype for NEB's project

This week we began work on a project that will fully utilize the capabilities of EnRoute, our MultiCam CNC plasma cutter as well as our MultiCam router. We'll combine a variety of materials including steel, plywood, and 30 lb Precision Board. Along with all of the computer generated surfaces we will also do a lot of hand sculpting of fibreglass reinforced concrete. All of it will be hand painted.

EnRoute was used to create the carefully scaled plans. We then cut the steel pieces on the CNC plasma cutter from 1/8" thick plate. These pieces were formed and welded up, plenty strong to withstand the occasional stray bowling ball. The 3/4" thick plywood pieces were a simple offset cut and were fastened to the welded steel frame with self tapping screws. The first beam work armatures will be created tomorrow. Then we'll staple the expanded, galvanized mesh onto the armatures. The number plates and joining shields will be routed from 30 lb Precision Board. Once they are made we will begin the sculpting process. These prototypes will serve as models and style guides for the rest of the project.