Friday, February 19, 2010

Gel Tubes

I saw these tubes at USITT last year, and thought they were interesting. Today when bidding a small desk I came back to them for the effect they give and their cost. Because you can use a regular fixture they work out to be an economical fix - though they do need to be replaced eventually. LED Light.com has LED tubes that work in the same fixtures as fluorescent tubes - but not in the colors that the gel allows.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Sketching w/ AutoCAD

Lynn Allen recently had a post about sketching in AutoCAD. It starts with a 3-D model of an object that you can sketch over with an AutoCAD add-in. Sketching and creating organic shapes has always been a little tedious, this looks like a very advantageous design tool.

And, if you aren'y familar with her blog, you should take a look - there is alot of good information there.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Graphic Software

I ran across this website today and thought it would be something useful to come back to. ShapeCollage will take your photos and create a collage to letters or a shape of your choice. Below are all images that have been posted on this blog.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Light Boxes

While most light boxes I have built require a custom shape, if you are looking for something that is more standardized check out Displays2go. They have a variety of sizes of light boxes, priced at an affordable price. We have been using the above model for some of the desks we build for TV, and they allow the graphics to be easily updated, and show up well on camera.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Screw Extraction

It seems like we often get caught up in the need for having the right tool for the job, and that we sometimes forget that many problems can be solved with what you have on hand. Take for instance Tool Mongers recent post of a tip for extracting a screw. I think it is a good reminder of the days of simplicity and making things work. While it is nice (and yes, cheaper depending on how you pay for labor) to just buy what ever you need for any given project - it doesn't fill me with the same sense of accomplishment that making something cool happen with the odds and ends that accululate in most scene shops.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Stuffed Fish

Well it isn't everyday that you come up with the need for a realistic stuff fish. But I have had the need while propping a show before, and last week I had the need to price out said realistic fish. Cabin Critters, Inc. sell a variety of fish, sealife, ducks and other wildlife. Some are more true to life than others - the 10" red fox is alot more cute than realistic, but the company offers a nice selection at reasonable prices. Next time your looking for a unique stuffed animal - give the a look.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

1000 Garages

Need something cut on a CNC machine and don't have one in house? Check out 1000 Garages.
It could be a piece of furniture, a part for your new energy innovation, a cool art project, or an idea for emergency housing. It could be for a personal project, a remodeling idea, or an entrepreneurial initiative.

Inspired by Tom Brokaw's question to the presidential candidates, 100K garages is a community of workshops with digital fabrication tools for precisely cutting, machining, drilling, or sculpting the components of your project. We're here to help hook you, the "Maker", up with these workshops and the "Fabbers" that operate them.


It seems like a nice way to connect people who need things, and shops that are looking for additional work. I know there have been times when I have searched out fabrication services when I needed pieces made that I couldn't produce in house for one reason or another.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Rosebrand Blog

Rosebrand has started a blog called Know How. Started just a few days ago, but it looks promising:
The objectives of our blog are to inform, educate and entertain those who are members, or followers, of our industry. We'll be posting "how to" information, design & production tips, amusing project stories and news items.


Take a look!