I recently have been in a project requiring 3D modeling of parts of a new residence requiring compound curves at structural headers, facias, soffits. To build this and simplify coordination, it was decided to fabricate the entire regions in the shop.
Unfortunately, the architectural plans were drawn in 2D CAD and we consequently discovered that some of the upper floor joists wouldn’t engage the curved headers as shown in the video below:
Respectfully, errors of this sort can (and do) happen to even the best designers/engineers and when they do (and they will), the costs/delays and added pressures to the project’s team can be very difficult to sustain – especially in our modern world of slim margins and schedules.
Let’s face it, 2D is not a good value, especially for 3 dimensional objects.
Give us a call, even our experience is a good value.
When I was an apprentice architectural woodworker, we often fabricated directly from the Architectural drawings…..
Yes, those days are long gone. And in our fast-paced environment and given the complexities of multiple design changes, dissimilar materials and minimal structure, projects often take on a life of their own.
Design changes can often be very myopic (especially with stairs) which requires someone with experience and thinking globally to remind the team of the frequent hidden ramifications of these changes.
Tracking these changes can be essential and it’s why we created our own application to keep current unresolved issues in the forefront.
The above is a sample page of our project’s bespoke database tracking system. My name is Rufus Cooke, my business is Shoreline Parametrics Give a call, let us assist you.
When I was an apprentice architectural woodworker, we often fabricated directly from the Architectural drawings…..
Yes, those days are long gone. And in our fast-paced environment and given the complexities of multiple design changes, dissimilar materials and minimal structure, projects often take on a life of their own.
Design changes can often be very myopic (especially with stairs) which requires someone with experience and thinking globally to remind the team of the frequent hidden ramifications of these changes.
Tracking these changes is essential and can be incredibly time-consuming. This is why we created our own application to keep current unresolved issues in the forefront. The result: it’s fast, simple and outputs a current status report in seconds.
The above is a sample output from our project’s bespoke RFI database tracking system. My name is Rufus Cooke, my business is Shoreline Parametrics Give a call, let us assist you.
I wanted to share this because it is only when we truly understand principals that we can be effective problem solvers – regardless of our task.
One can have a massive library of formulas to impress both ourselves and our clients, but if we don’t understand how they’re composed, we’re only as useful as a keyboard with no computer.
Shoreline Parametrics also began with the principals.
Our service remains focused based upon our origins – as an experienced team leader guiding its own fabrication team – not by rote memory, but by well understood principals in bespoke architectural woodworking. It’s because of that skill and experience that clients often tell us things like “that eliptical stair was a honeymoon fit….”.
No, we don’t focus on flash, or photo-realistic renderings (although we COULD), but we do focus on experience. You’ll notice that in our detailed questions and RFIs. Because without that experience and practical knowledge, parts may not be machineable, or aren’t assemble-able, or aren’t transportable, or plain just don’t fit.
So given the project’s cost and tight deadlines, do you really want to take that risk?
My wife’s Dad passed away a year ago last month. In his last year, he kept saying “I want to give you something, please let me.” I kept putting him off, he didn’t need to give me anything. Being family, we just loved each other and it was enough. When he passed away, he left me a small something knowing my desire to return to the craft I love. With it, I invested in the best essentials I could afford. Then, once up and running, it only seemed fitting that the first item I make would be a tribute to the man. Thank you Dad.
But really the intent is not to impress, but rather to assist and problem solve your fabrication issues beforehand so that you can can focus on your task.
As a bespoke furniture maker, I used to build alot of doors. This is a particularly interesting example because it’s made almost entirely of bronze/brass and glass with the resulting weight of over 300lbs. and requiring electronic door operation with multi-point locking. To ensure straightness of parts and ease of finishing, the fabricator also specified that all connections were to be fastened and avoid brazing/welding.
Lastly, note the decorative filigree panels are hinged to enable opening for cleaning the glass. adding another layer of complexity.
Needless to say that this required lots of planning.
Being an experienced bespoke fabricator and installer, enables me to plan your project as much as possible so that when it reaches the shop floor, it can flow seamlessly from start to final finish.
The process starts with:
An accurate MS Project generated estimate of cost and duration
Field survey of site conditions
Stage 1 drawings for approval
Stage 2 drawings for fabrication (after approval of course!)
Part drawings
Installation & Coordination specific drawings
Then, whether in wood metal or stone, every part is 3D modelled, assembled and then deconstructed for templating or for CNC processing. Even moving parts are checked to ensure movement and debug clearances (similar to below).
Bespoke adaption of stock door opener
So that come the end of the project you can say “wow, that was easier than we thought”.
Lastly, just a quick plug for my friend and fabricator Rich Corner at BluBlk LLC .
I highly recommend this man because he is a very dedicated, fair and knowledgable tradesman. Rufus
This floating monumental stair is entirely clad in marble, requiring a steel skeleton to carry the weight not only of the stone (and occupants of course), but the heavy glass balustrade. In addition, all other related trades needed to work to close tollerances with the compound curves by the architect.
With 25 years experience in the stair building industry using SolidWorks, our 3D stair model quickly became the master for all the related stone, woodworking and even lighting trades ensuring project cohesion.
We think that this bespoke bronze, glass and walnut cabinetry is quite stunning.
Like many of our projects, this one required fabrication for flat-packing and shipping across the country to be assembled with a simple screwdriver followed by installation.
Illuminated bronze cabinets with pivot hinges with walnut sideboard (photo courtesy of BluBlk LLC)
That’s me, Rufus – a trained joiner with 30 years of CAD experience, 23 years of which are with SolidWorks® 3D. In 2001 whilst working closely with a stair builder building high-end curved staircases, I realised the true value of being able to generate accurate 3 Dimensional layouts which could then be deconstructed, flattened and even outsourced. For this, I chose SolidWorks®, adapting its myriads of features for our projects. Aside from lasers and tape measures, it is my primary tool which accompanies me from site survey to the last CNC cut part.
Whilst installing a recent bespoke stair project, the architect was quite impressed at the accuracy of the slip-fit, bolted-together metal components. Although envisioning lots of parts on the shop floor laboriusly being fitting, drilled and threaded, it was explained that there was no shop assembly/fitting, but that this was essentially the first time the components were being introduced.
This is for when someone says “I just need shop drawings and my staff will sort it later….”
Generated in SolidWorks®
I love these projects and they are a fantastic example of why 3D is so useful.
Why you ask? Because despite this project’s basic design, nearly every bevelled edge and every curve is constantly changing along its path. This means that the maker wouldn’t be able to make his/her parts in advance, but instead, similar to that of a planked boat, would have to rely on the arduous task of trial & error cutting & fitting.
On the other hand, by deconstructing the 3D components, we can derive every edge and flatten every curve either for CNC or for templating. This enables all the pieces to be made independantly of one another for final-stage assembly, resulting in improved consistency and a faster delivery.
So…… would you rather sink? Or swim?
At Shoreline Parametrics, we measure twice so you only cut once.
