Chair 4, Post 1

Yesterday I spent a concentrated period of time working on Chair 4.

First I outlined my design on "butcher paper" in side profile, to scale.
Then I cut out pieces on the horizontal ban-saw. I was a little apprehensive when using it because the machine at the Crucible is very different from what I used at the Lick shop (and it's expensive to break). After several cuts though, I was comfortable enough so that I could cut with more speed and accuracy.

This part is pretty simple, but prone to mistakes.

DJG

Shelving Unit 2

I don't know why I can't rotate this image, but it is my progress thus far on the shelving unit. Instead of all straight edges, I decided to bend the signs upwards to support the books that I place there. It's looking pretty good!

Part of the fun of fabricating my own designs is that I can change it mid-production and make improvements. As I started working with the signs, I realized that the objects on the shelf (books for example) would have trouble staying on the shelf if there was no support system that rose above the book platform. Then I thought of two beautiful curves holding up the books on either end. It all came together-- the signs are rather easy to bend.

More to come.

D

Starting Up at the Crucible

Yesterday was my first day at the Crucible. I didn't accomplish much-- just moved in my supplies and cleaned a few of the really dirty signs.

I found myself without a project to ease myself into the Crucible, so I designed a shelving unit that combines several techniques to gain confidence in the new shop environment.

I have a few variations I'd like to try out-- look out for photos tomorrow!

DJG

Coffee Table, Finished

Today, I finished my last piece of furniture in the Lick-Wilmerding High School metal shop. It was definitely a bitter-sweet moment at the end of the day. I developed immensely over the past three years under the guidance of David Clifford, Gary Goddard and more recently, Youssou Falls. My designs and craftsmanship improved in strides--thanks to my interest in architecture-- fueled by my wonderful instructor Goranka. I'll certainly miss the Lick shops: the people, the tools, the friendly atmosphere.

But I have no real time to ponder these thoughts. Tomorrow, I move into the Crucible's metal shop and begin work for the next five weeks. In this vain, I sought out and found four large signs from various salvage yards. I now have sufficient traffic signs to build several coffee tables and a chair in the next week or so.

Now the real adventure begins!
-D

Chair 3 Complete! Coffee table 1

What a beautiful day Friday was! I finished Chair 3, which is certainly the most comfortable, well designed, and crafted piece of furniture I've fabricated in my three years at Lick. The chair combined wood and metal. The two materials worked off each other to create a comfortable, colorful, and (very) strong piece of furniture. This is certainly the beginning of a trend in my work-- I realize how the two materials can compliment each other; Each medium has its limits and by combining the two, the possibilities increase at least two fold.

Here's a detail of the wood backing. I rounded the edges smooth with the router.

I don't think it's feasible to make the fourth and final chair of this project in the last two days before the shops close for the summer, so I set out to create a smaller-scale piece of furniture. I designed this small coffee table (24" long, 14" wide, 12" high). My concept was to utilize wood as the base to attach traffic signs with screws

The blue aqua top will be de-burred and rounded, and then attached to the wood. Look for the completed piece tomorow!

DJG

Chair 3, Post 9

I've graduated from my high school, but I still have unfinished business. I'm chugging up the big "Hill of 4 Chairs", saying "Yes I can" the whole way. Tomorrow and Friday are my last official days in the Lick-Wilmerding metal shops. Today, I developed the seat, back, and armrests for Chair 3. With four hours in the shop tomorrow, I hope to complete this chair. Here is a progress update:
These armrests are not only visually attractive, but structurally supportive for the backing and the armrests themselves. I will outfit the tops of the armrests with traffic signs and smooth all the surfaces to make sure they are safe and comfortable.

I also returned to the Crucible for another go at the TIG and grinding tests. I aced the TIG welding test, because I practiced all of today with Mr.Clifford. And even though I practiced assembling the angle grinder, I failed again on that today. I think it's because the grinder I was supplied by the Crucible was different from the one I practiced with. I'll have another go on Monday, and I better pass or I'll be disappointed in myself!

All the best,

D