aeroplane clock

gilljc · 2 Jan 2016

Pattern done and gone from rectangle frame to oval frame to offset oval frame and first one cut.
think I will cut it a gain as it is for a very dear friend who is an engineer with a very keen eye (curses!) Maybe not the best project to start with after a wee break from the saw as straight lines and long curves need confident cutting and I can see where I lost my confidence a couple of times

Also the pattern is taken from a photo and it is rather blurry and pixelated in the blow up and although I drew on a few lines I have lost some of the detail, Does anyone know how to 'clarify' images?
Debating whether to 'lose' the propeller, sometime I think it needs it, sometimes I think it would be best spinning so fast it's invisible :lol:
Really need advice on a base though, was thinking of making it like a desk clock, and routing in groove for a pen, should it rectangle, oval, rectangle with rounded corners/ends. What sort of thing does the (above) average man like?

ps have been struggling to get this to post with the pics, hence two posts....

but I am stubborn :wink:

Alexam · 2 Jan 2016

Excellent. You couldn't have done better and I would suggest leaving the prop. Well done.

martinka · 2 Jan 2016

I really like that. Whichever way you go with it, I am sure he will be pleased.

I'd say keep the propeller as I think the long wingspan might make it look like a glider without it.

Not much you can do with image with it being so small, but you appear to have done a great job anyway. What I would try is remove the background in Gimp, possibly run a sharpen filter to see if it improves it at all, save as PNG then open and convert to vector in Inkscape, this lets you make it much bigger so you can work on the detail. Export as large PNG then open in Gimp again and play with the detail. Sounds a bit long winded, but doesn't take long in reality. I'm no expert, this is just what works for me, sometimes.

Can't help with a base, 99% of the stuff I make just gets propped up somewhere.

bodgerbaz · 3 Jan 2016

From the picture, Gill, I think it looks great and think you might be being a tad hard on yourself as this project is obviously important to you ;-)

A base would look good with a groove routed for a pen. If it were me, I'd go for a rectangle base to offset the elliptical main work. Whatever you decide, keep the propeller. It looks attractive, your eye goes straight to it and it shows the difference between a motorised and unmotorised glider which your chap may pick up if his eye is that keen.

Nice work.

Barry

mind_the_goat · 3 Jan 2016

Nice, looks good with the prop.
For the photo, check your lens is clean, try selecting close up or Macro mode. I recommend Picasa as a really easy photo enhancement app.

Buffalo Chas · 3 Jan 2016

Very nice Gill. Looks great so I would keep the prop. Think I would have to agree with Barry and go for a rectangular base to compliment the oval shape of the piece.

Charley