Name Tag 015: John

Undoubtably, we use texture bitmaps more than most folks who use EnRoute — they can be used for so many cool effects, and John’s name plaque is a good example.

We started with some squiggly lines, sizing them so a 1/8" bit would fit comfortably between them — then created our vectors based on this size. We created a relief from these vectors and applies our squiggly line ‘checkerboard’ pattern.

Next, we imported a second bitmap — a dark, to light, to dark fade which we created in Photoshop. It creates a pleasing wave when applied to a relief.

The border around John's name was first created as a flat relief, then we applied this same wave bitmap. This ensured the two files match.

Next, we built a panel/border and merged everything. Lastly, we used the dome tool to add the lettering vectors.

The panel was then tool pathed and sent to the CNC router to be routed from 30 lbs. Precision Board HDU.

And just like that, another panel was ready for the paint shop...

Cap-it Trucks - Part 8

The bulk of the work of the pickup truck is finished and it is time for some old fashioned hand sculpting. We use Abracadabra Sculpt in our shop. It dries rock hard in about three hours and is the perfect medium for our slightly bent, cartoon style.

We worked on the cab from the top down, then worked around the front of the truck. The box (the easiest part) was saved for last. We marked the seam lines like the doors and hood with a sharpened, wooden stir stick — sometimes the simplest tools are the best.

The truck is definitely hand sculpted and looks like it has been well used through the years. The paint job will feature lots of weathering and dirt to enhance this look — giving the truck a lot of character.

With the sculpting is done the last step is final paint and assembly and the results are shown below.

Cap-it Trucks - Part 7

With our first truck nearly finished, it was time to get going on the second. Once the chassis detail was completed, we applied a coat of paint.

And, while that was being finished, we started roughing out the body of the truck. We finished one half and marked out the hood line before removing the screws and cutting into these areas with the die grinder..

We rounded off the corners, shaping them to match the first side. Lastly, we measured and drilled in two holes for headlights — inserting two 1" dowels.

Lastly, we pressed on a thin coat of sculpting epoxy over the headlights and windshield area, remembering to include windsheild’s centre bar.

As always, we made sure to mock everything up to check our progress.

The trucks are now much closer to the final look — we just have a little sculpting to go.