DENALI - Phase 5

DENALI - PHASE 5

February 16, 2000

I have finished doing the initial detail work on the right slab and have outlined the basic pattern on the left slab. I have decided to eliminate the trees from the foreground. The marble is too crumbly and they are a distraction from the principle subject, Denali. They may have added a healthy vertical element, but at too great a cost. Also, I have decided to eliminate the edge of the upper, rear mountain on the extreme left. It was reduced during the design phase, and now seems to attract too much attention to itself.

The Arbortech mini-grinder is amazing. It has been the principle tool used in the detailing work. I am certainly putting it to the test in terms of durability. It is holding up well so far. However, I wonder how much use the diamond blade can take before needing to be replaced? In order to make the undercuts behind each plane, I am using the mini-grinder's edge by pushing it straight in and working along the back of the mountains. There is some polishing happening, which leads me to believe the diamonds have worn off the side edge of the blade. Hmmm. I'll have to give Arbortech a virtual shout to check on the blade's composition. If the diamonds are applied to the blade as a coating, then one can expect speedy wearing and dulling of the surface. If the diamonds are impregnated throughout the cutting surface, there should be no loss of edge even as the blade wears. I think I'll also ask them if they have plans to make a mini-grinder out of metal instead of plastic. I do have some concerns for the long term durability of the tool under constant use.

Till next time,

Shane

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