Phase 6a

August 8, 1997

Well, it's finally finished!

When I look back at where I've come from on this one I feel a real sense of satisfaction. It has truly become a work of art and a thing of beauty.

The final stages involved sharpening up the lines and divisions between the shapes, for which I used carbide dental bits, provided by our local, human, ivory carpenter, Dr. Gordon Frey. Many thanks Gord! I then used a Dremel stone grinder to smooth the surfaces and remove the marks left by the various other bits. Finally, I polished the entire surface with a cloth Dremel polishing wheel. This was the first time I've tried the cloth wheel and found that, while it was effective, it covered me and a five foot radius with threads as it disintegrated. In three hours of use it was reduced to 1/8" radius from its original 3/4". Nevertheless, it seemed to be more effective than the felt polishing/buffing wheels and I'll buy another one for next time.

I also added small highlights of gold, purchased from Stuart Schmidt in Dawson City. There were small holes in the skull that seemed to detract from the overall effect, which the gold, held in place by ZAP A GAP CA glue, eliminated. You won't see the gold in the pic below, it's more of an in-person kind of experience.

I'll talk a little more in the comments for Phase 6b about the stand and current plans for the work.

Shane