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 with what I saw 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 - but I just knew it could do fantastic stuff.

Through extensive research and LOTS of hands-on practice I quickly found out that my MultiCam router was capable of just about anything imaginable.This journal will chronicle that journey to date and continue each week with two or three entries as I continue to explore just what is possible with this wonderful tool... -dan

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Finally an idea I like.

Designing projects, especially one for myself can be challenging at times. When it's for me I tend to second guess myself more. I've been trying to come up with a medallion on the frame under the mechanical fish for some time. Over the last days I've done numerous sketches and a lot of research. Finally I just buckled down, determined to come up with something cool. It took four pages of scribbles in my sketchbook before the idea came together.

The design had to be highly decorative and yet not overpower the fish above. Finally I settled on five elements to the design. A riveted ring tied the design to the oval around the fish. A gear signified the mechanical theme. A compass rose made it nautical. The scroll provided a place for the shipyard name. And a 'D' plopped in the middle was a fun way to sign it (this being a 'D-CLASS' vessel and all.

The drawing below is the ten minute scribble - right out of my sketchbook, done with a ballpoint pen. It would make a fine tattoo on the captain's arm I'm sure.


As always it will be refined and altered as necessary as I build the 3D files in EnRoute and Illustrator. Once I'm done routing  hand work and sculpting will embellish and refine it even more. I look forward to the process of bringing this idea to life. 

Stay tuned...

-dan