Dillon Sculpture

I like stuff... It's like a box of chocolates...

Dang Larry, what the heck these guys do out there anyways?

Had to beat on one last chunk before I broke it down. Slightly over 4' of 5" round, about 6 or 7 heats, forged to 7', I need a bigger forge! I have have paid rent for a year now on the piece of ground that my hammer stands, time to move the beast.

Nice job, you really nailed the gesture of the scorpion.

Good point David, its a great practice to design from what inspires you. I draw often as I can, from soap stone gestures, sketch books to architectural drafting. Using photography to capture areas of visual interest is another way to get ideas. Through these influences I try to develop my own vocabulary within my designs to give them a voice.

Unleash the OMNIVERSE!!!

Mr, Floyd Daniels of Madison GA had an anvil collection that would rival this at one time. They have all now been long since slipped back into service and ring loudly today. In my opinion what is becoming lost is the early members that started the resurgence of our craft, as we lost Mr. Daniels years ago. I have had conversations with him and other members about our history and find the content to be of great interest me and the idea of sharing knowledge. I hope someone will have the opportunity and foresight to record and document some of these treasures before they are welded to something permanently.

Not as much history as photos from 1920 but, here are the first three. #1 no picture just a drawing, the peter wright in the door is the same anvil in my shop today. (1991) #2 two car garage, luckily I didn't burn the house down. (1993-1997) #3 25' 35' my first commercial shop. (1997-2008)

Not sure if this applies but, my Niles throttle valve has a v notch that lets a small amount of air at start up. I believe you may be able to file or grind a notch in a ball valve?

Yep, I agree people are stupid. I call it Danger. To bad some people don't enjoy it as much as others. Its really not so bad, it moves so slow, it wouldn't be a problem unless you were already incapacitated. I read about an artist who had built a working guillotine, an insurance company bought it!

Ahh, I see how you are, I show you mine and then you make me guess... I'll take a stab at it, neck down ends flatten and dimple? Sound easy...

The follower bearings have high side load conditions, I used a through bolt bearing instead, way over built for the weight. The top was changed as well.

Great rail David, Nice sweeping curve, the decorative rivets are a nice touch and I like the clover detail for the support bracket, what was the parent material?

I do prefer a motor with my anvil but, "because I could" can lead to its own market, look at the Wright brothers.

Larry, Three cam follower bearings, one horizontal axis and two vertical. I machined the housings from aluminum. I applied to a RFQ and was one of three pick to make a proposal. It was a pretty involved job for me, logistics, paperwork bla bla. Your portfolio is your biggest asset, but you also have to communicate your ideas on paper, not necessarily drawings, just give them an idea of what you want to do. Start small and local, if they know who you are they are more likely to award you the job. There are many call for artist in the Seattle area and they have a thriving art community. If this is your ambition you should be able to land one, just be prepared for many rejections. Lynn Basa wrote a very informative book on the process "The Artist Guide to Public Art" Personally I'd rather just put the stuff in my yard but, I gotta feed the children and moma needs a new pair of shoes.

Nothing like a good old leather belt and the smell of burning bar oil, when it comes to hammers. Like your hammer Dave, looks like you know that machine. Dillon

Thanks Beth, John, Up and Away is on loan to Tennessee river park in Chattanooga. I added a small counterweight to bring the point up and out of reach of people, becoming a wind activated sculpture. I prefer the location of the point at rest about 80" of the ground, this way a person can interact with its movement, if you know how to give it a good whirl 1000# rotates freely for several minutes. My interest is the viewers experience with the physical nature of a simple point of balance. I am sure it is safer than hurtling down a two lane highway at 70 mph in a Prius, That should just be wrong anyway.

Lookin good Mac, now all we have to do is get you a hammer. mmm...

Public sculpture for Charlotte NC fire house #39. 26' tall, steel and stainless.

Funny DB I have a Sanford and Son ring tone. Drives my father in-law crazy! When I married his daughter his comment was "What are you going to do shoe horses the rest of your life?" No offense to the trade.

Did Timmy drown? Pictures are worth a thousand words.

My old shop and my 1948 Pan, My new shop from the business end.

Before I filled it with stuff, 2 years ago.

It is flame cut steel, just a drop, but a cool one, it wont break. I have an anvil on a 1/8" plate steel base filled with sand and toped with lead, it's real quiet. The wood should work if its heavy enough, 2x6 maybe. You may round a point or a corner but it should work fine.

Good luck! I cant wait to see what happens to Timmy!