Dillon Sculpture Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Sure why not, this sculpture is a remake of an original fiberglass that lasted 15 years. Building this new one from 3/16" plate has been pretty straight forward, cut, shape and weld. Finally got my optical tracer up and running which was a big advantage. I laid out what sections I wanted, made a rubbing of the edge and then trace them on a new sheet of paper with a sharpie. The tracer does exactly that, follows any line you draw cutting the shape. I bought a small solenoid to control the plasma cutter automatically. Wow! this may open some doors... Most of the shapes I was able to roll but the front had a reverse curve and took a bit of time to figure. I made a sandwich die for the 100 ton press to give me a start then stretched the edges, again under the press. I may have to build me a hydraulic wheeling machine in the near future... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianinsa Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 That's darn impressive, I like the sound of the tracer- been thying to get that sort of thing since I saw rheis's set-up. Sadly the costs here are crazy, One can get a new pak100 plasma for about USD 2000.00 but the tracers are like double that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLMartin Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Looks wonderful Mr Dillon, I am sad I have missed out on all the great work around your shop in the past year. I have been on the road from WI, VA and SC working since school ended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 2, 2012 Author Share Posted November 2, 2012 I picked up the tracer for $600 off Craigs :rolleyes: I hate computers! It is an amazing tool but you have to babysit it. I have a hydraulic tracer mill as well, I don't think you will ever turn me... Good to hear your at it Mac! Stop in when your in the state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 I like your use of the old school optical tracer. I have a small cnc plasma and drawing on the computer gives me fits too. I went to a liquidation sale last year and seen one sell for scrap metal prices. Something else to think about. Your work is great too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Does your tracer make bigger and smaller? Pretty cool stuff. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Nicely done Michael . . . looks great. I'm thinking someone needs to start considering casting bronze. Those large scale reverse curves and compound negatives are a whole bunch easier in wax ^_^ Do you mind if I share these pics with the sculptor I work with? He'd love to see these shapes being done in iron. They're very similar to elements that he uses in some of his series. Please post more as you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tzonoqua Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Wow, Danger, love the scale of that, you don't do things by halves do you??!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 Does your tracer make bigger and smaller? Pretty cool stuff. Phil Nope, I guess that is an advantage of the computer, I like the directness to material it offers though, the by hand gesture of the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 Nicely done Michael . . . looks great. I'm thinking someone needs to start considering casting bronze. Those large scale reverse curves and compound negatives are a whole bunch easier in wax ^_^ Do you mind if I share these pics with the sculptor I work with? He'd love to see these shapes being done in iron. They're very similar to elements that he uses in some of his series. Please post more as you go. Share away! As a matter of fact I just started sculpting the figure in clay, broadening my senses... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 3, 2012 Author Share Posted November 3, 2012 Wow, Danger, love the scale of that, you don't do things by halves do you??!!!! Its kinda hard the way I've tooled up and all B) Maybe when a wear out a bit more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapartoz Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 WOW! Michael, I am impressed with the quality of your work and the array of marvelous toys in your workshop. Is this sculpture for you (for enjoyment) or is it for work and a waiting buyer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapartoz Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 WOW! Michael, I am impressed with the quality of your work and the array of marvelous toys in your workshop. Is this sculpture for you (for enjoyment) or is it for work and a waiting buyer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 4, 2012 Author Share Posted November 4, 2012 Thanks Andrew, it is a commissioned work. I gave them a few options, cast a copy in bronze, fabricate a piece inspired by the original in bronze and replicate the original in steel close to the original as I can. I was hoping to build a Dillon but I'm appreciative for the work and I have learned a bit along the way. I am looking to do more sheet work and am stoked about my new tool. The new direction of cutting plate in house has inspired many ideas, preforming 2"-4" plate for forging has become ingrained on my brain :P :D B) :ph34r: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted November 6, 2012 Share Posted November 6, 2012 thats such a beautiful shape danger :) glad your getting your hands on some clay.. .. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steamfab Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Can it get any more powerful? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 I could see that being used as a huge Blower set in a nice forge and build a fire in the center of it nice shape for a massive sculpture and a Blower for a forge that is just what i see . my mind works in odd ways though . Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapartoz Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I could see that being used as a huge Blower set in a nice forge and build a fire in the center of it nice shape for a massive sculpture and a Blower for a forge that is just what i see . my mind works in odd ways though . Sam Hi Sam , Is that you in the "yowie suit" , what is the calibre of that possum gun? .308 '' or .50" cal Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 tis a .308 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon Sculpture Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 Pretty much got it smoothed up and ready for blasting, patina. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulsepushthepopulace Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 That's such a beautiful piece. You really had fun with manipulating perspective on this one... That swooping void in the center as well as the dished out circle really plays with the eyes... It would be awesome if you kept that dished out sphere roughed up as-is, and didn't blast it, because in that center photo it almost looks as if it's tangibly protruding as opposed to being a concave void. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevan Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Michael......it's magnificent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.