Open Letter to MultiCam

To the folks at MultiCam

This morning Shawn Kirsch, the MultiCam tech did the last of the install, setting up, checking, double checking and training needed to make the new four axis MultiCam operational in our shop. He was thorough and patient with me as we went over all aspects of the machine from top to bottom. When small glitches presented themselves Shawn was all about finding a quick and workable solution. There was no fuss or muss - just pure professionalism. Our goal was to make sure everything was right and that I was up to speed with the new machine. Shawn did a great job! You have a good man, who is very passionate about all things MultiCam. I appreciated his efforts, personal and caring service and his friendship!

The folks who do the programming for MultiCam machines also deserve kudos. As to be expected with a new machine with non-standard features, there were some minor technical issues as we put it through it's paces. I was impressed how Shawn and your software crew worked together to solve these issues in a timely manner and in the process got things working as they should. Hats off to these guys as well.

The machine is fabulous. Everything looks good, fits together well and was all shipped in perfect order.  Thanks to your big crew there who do that work.

Your shipping department and everyone else connected with the project did their jobs well. No stress was incurred on our part as this thing came together. That is a rarity in our experience - especially for something this big and complex.

I also want to express my sincere thanks for working with me in putting this deal together. I truly appreciate the new machine.  I also want to express my delight in working with you and your team on an ongoing basis. I certainly believe in the MultiCam brand and the people who work there.

Thank you so much!

-dan

New exciting territory

Today we got all the pieces of the lathe attachment and router talking to each other and the code sorted out. I had glued up some blocks of foam for testing. These blocks had a steel pipe glued in each end so I could chuck it into the lathe and be securely held in place. While there were many methods I could have elected for this made the most sense to me and will work well for any size block I choose to work on.

There are three modes the lathe attachment can work in. One is to machine flat surfaces on the blocks, then rotate a set amount of degrees and machine once more. I see lots of possibilities for this mode. Combined with the MultiCam software EnRoute can currently do this no problem. In the pictures below we are doing engrave lettering on all four sides of a block.

Then there is true lathe mode where the piece turns at a set speed and the router head moves down the block. This can be used to crete round stock, tapers or any round shape you wish much as you would do on a regular lathe.

The last lathe mode is to wrap flat lies around an axis. I created a simple (in this case) dimensional file in Enroute, did the tool pathing and sent it to the server. MultiCam translated these files to the router and wrapped it automatically. The file and tool paths I created were rough cuts, for test only. But it was pure magic as the router did something I could never do previously. My mind immediately started racing with the possibilities.

At this point (with mere minutes to spare) it was time for Shawn to head out to catch his plane home.  And after three days of helping set up the router it was time for me to get back to work. The first paying job was set up on the router and it was set in motion.  The job was more corner blocks for the Fox and Hounds Pub project. 

The machine will be kept busy for many hours doing our more conventional work as we catch up on things in the next while. As it works I'll be dreaming of some cool things to create with the new tools.

Thanks so much to MultiCam and Shawn Kirsch for making sure things were set up perfectly and running right! I've learned so much in the last days while he was here.

Now we have the technology at last. I just have to learn to use it.

-stay tuned...

-dan

One more piece of the puzzle put into place

Yesterday was a big day. The heavy dimensional sign was to be lifted into place on the gable end of the Fox and Hounds Pub. It was heavy and awkward to handle but I had the help of the contractor on the project. He had a lift set up when I arrived. We carefully measured the sign, the crew fastened the backing into place on the wall and the sign was lifted into place. It went quickly for this crew knew what they were doing.

The dimensional sign added a splash of color to the building, even on the dreary, rainy day we were suffering. The outside is looking much more complete at last.

The hours sign still remains to be installed in the circle opening in the brick wall. An address board will also be installed over the doorway. With our new router installed this work is the next on the agenda.

-dan

Almost ready!

Today was a day for which I've been waiting for a long while. Shawn Kirsch, a tech from MultiCam came to the shop to start in on setting up our new machine. We swung the gantry into position, bolted it down and and then he leveled the machine before doing hookups and dialing in the various parts. Shawn has done this job lots of times previous and it didn't take long to do his job. 

Once everything was right with the main router it was time to focus on the rotary attachment. Shawn first set it up and then dialed it in until it was perfect. 

As Shawn worked he explained things in detail to me. Although I've been using a similar 3000 Series MultiCam for six years this was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the top technicians in the industry. Sean is a down to earth fellow, who explains it all in real english. I had asked him to explain it all to me like I was brand new to routers in the hope I would become better at operating the machine in the future. I have so much to learn, even after six years. And learn I did.

While we were at it the new router got a new computer in the office.  It will be linked with the router alone. It's sole task will be to serve the files to the router. The latest MultiCam software will be installed. A shiny new cable between the computer and router completed the package.

The machine is now set up and running. Tomorrow the actual routing adventure begins... 

Stay tuned.

-dan

One sign on the go!

Today I made a quick trip to the Fox and Hounds to install the smaller of the two logo signs. It instantly snapped into place and looked perfect in it's new home. 

Then it was back to the shop to load the larger of the two signs. I used the overhead lift to put the Fox and Hounds sign into the back of the truck.

 Tomorrow morning we'll raise it into it's final home. It should be a fun job! Stay tuned for pics...

-dan

Two more signs almost ready to go up

This week promises to be a busy one. The highlight of course is the setting up and kicking into operation of our new four axis MultiCam. Shawn Kirsch, head tech from MultiCam, Texas will arrive on Tuesday to do the work.

We will also continue work at the Fox and Hounds Pub. It is our hope to finish the bulk of the painting this week as well as hang some more signs. Today I spent the bulk of the day working on the sign that will hang on the gable over the front door as well as the smaller version that will be mounted inside at the end of the entry.

It was a simple task to scale the designs up and down to fit into each area. EnRoute made that task easy. The smaller sign with a width of about four feet was routed from four layers of 1.5" thick 30 lb Precision Board. It was glued up and then key areas ground to final shape with my air powered die grinder. The dogs and fox were sculpted with epoxy. It was designed to be viewed at eye level and up close. The paints are all acrylics. I tried Modern Master's Acrylic Theme paints with good success.

The larger sign for over the entry measures approximately six feet wide. It is routed from four layers of 2" thick 30 lb Precision Board. It was shaped, sculpted and painted at the same time and in the same manner as the smaller one. This larger piece was designed to be viewed from below as folks enter the establishment.

These signs will be the finishing touch to both areas. I can hardly wait to see them in place.

-dan

Gathering inspiration and sharing information.

This past week has gone by in a blur. Wednesday morning, early, I was on a plane bound for Atlantic City, New Jersey. My task was to present three seminars at the United States Sign Council's annual International Trade Show and Conference. I talked about designing, building and marketing three dimensional signs. The classes were well attended and folks were enthusiastic about the information and images I shared. It was a wonderful opportunity to see what was new in the sign industry, meet with many east coat friends and also meet lots of new folks whom I have admired for many years.

But I also took the time to look around me constantly, gathering new ideas at every opportunity. The fact is that everywhere I go creative people are doing things in new and exciting ways. My camera, which I carry in a pouch on my belt was out often, snapping photos of what I saw.

I started as soon as I got off the plane. The airport in Philadelphia has wonderful signs. All were the same size and shape, but whoever designed and crafted them didn't miss a chance to be creative. The brackets were part of the sign and not an afterthought. A CNC router was most likely the tool of choice. 

In the evening I visited with my sign making friends. We travelled to the famous boardwalk for our supper. I didn't spend any time putting my money into the many slot machines but instead had my camera out snapping pictures of what I saw - all idea fodder for possible future projects down the road. The colorful truss structure of the Bally's sign was but one of the many ideas I saw. Everything here was larger than life.

Now, I'm back in transit back to our shop in little old Yarrow. I'm anxious to return to family and home. It will be an exciting and busy week. Sean Kirsch, the head tech at MultiCam in Texas will arrive Tuesday afternoon to start assembling and setting up our new four axis MultiCam router. A whole new chapter  in our exciting adventure is about to begin.

Stay tuned...

-dan