Dawson Broaches

DAWSON CITY BROACHES - PHASE 4

June 13, 2000

Done! The pieces are finished to a satin sheen with 1200 grit sandpaper. I considered using polish, but decided against it in this case. A higher polish on these small carvings would cause them to vanish when photographed by tourists visiting Dawson City, or when the Councillors are having their portraits taken.

In the final phase, the carvings were refined, details and the gold nuggets were added, then sanded using the Dremel, with a sanding attachment I fashioned. Several years ago, T-BO (see link on Links page), taught me how to make this attachment, while he was attending the Great Northern Arts Festival, Inuvik.

First, take a nail (1/8" dia), cut off the head, then cut a slit into the end. Tear a small rectangle of sandpaper from a commercial sheet, fold it in half lengthwise and insert into slit. Install assembly into the Dremel, and presto, instant sanding wheel. The beauty of this system for rotory sanding is that you can change the grits easily and when the paper wears out, it can be replaced cheaply in seconds.

I'm off now, for 10 days, on a raft trip down the mighty Tatenshini River. The river flows down from the Yukon, through British Columbia and ends in Alaska. It passes through some of the most pristine wilderness on the planet. Should be great fun. I'll let you know how it goes... :)

Aasman Design has been working hard on a new poster of my work to mark the Euroart 2000 Show in Barcellona. It features 'Duality', one of the pieces that will be on display. The poster will be for sale (about $20 CND). I am looking at ways it can be offered over the net ... but more on this, and a pic of the poster, when I return.

Till next time,

Shane

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