ENROUTE ADVENTURES: Putting a skin on the tree

WELCOME!

It is hard to believe that it was only seven years ago I witnessed a CNC router in action for the very first time. I was fascinated 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 I quickly found out that with the relative simplicity of EnRoute, CNC routers were capable of just about anything imaginable. This journal will chronicle that journey to date and continue each week with two or three entries as we continue to explore just what is possible with this wonderful software... -dan

Monday, December 9, 2013

Putting a skin on the tree

With the routed signs securely mounted to the tree and the armature all prepared, today was the time to begin the application of the fiberglass reinforced concrete. It was carefully layered on and then allowed to set until it was perfect for carving. Then our skilled carvers began their work of transforming it into a gnarly and twisted tree. They began at the top and worked their way down in the same way they had applied the mud a short time before. It took just over two hours for Matt and Jenessa to carve the tree.

The concrete will be allowed to cure a few days before it gets it's final paint and glazes.

Stay tuned to see this project come together...

-dan