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For the Surprise Swap of 2020, I had the distinct pleasure of drawing the leader of the swap, my friend Tony aka GR8Hunter. Tony got my name in my first ever swap - the Box Swap of 2018 - and he proceeded to show my how a swapper should act! He blew me away with his generosity so I knew that if I ever got his name, I was going to try and live up to those standards.
I looked no further than his projects for my inspiration for making this sign which I hoped would find a special place in his shop. I started out with a 14" wide piece of pretty clear cedar and used the state of PA to get the proportions (ended up with a 25" long piece to make it fit). I modeled it all up on Aspire which is an incredible 3D program for CNC creations. I went a lot deeper with my design than I usually do because I wanted the toys to almost jump out of the frame at you. Extra depth adds time to the cutting process as the machine really slows down when Z moves (X moves go left to right, Y moves go top to bottom and Z moves go up and down, in and out of the wood). All told I think the finish cut, done with an 1/8" tapered ball bit, ran for about 6 hours but it was well worth the time it took!
When it was all done it was pretty obvious that there was not going to be any paint added to this project but rather a little bit of walnut glaze accentuated the details. Hope you all like it! I know Tony was pretty excited when it showed up and he didn't even know about the bonus gifts yet…
Hope to see everybody joining in for the next swap!

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Very nice, Mike! Didn't realize it was that big from the pictures. That's a yuge carving!
 

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Mike, I have to say that is amazing. Makes me want a CNC machine. So much work and calculations went into making this. By far one of my favorite from the swap!
 

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A very fine piece of craftsmanship, Mike. And I like that you specifically tailored your project for you recipient.

Lesson learned, I started mine way too early, just wanting ot get it out of the way. When I learned that DON was my recipient I sorta had shocking lump well up my throat, knowing what an excellent craftsman he is. i didnt think my project was up to his standard.
 

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WOW, Mike that a beautiful sign. It will be a treasure for sure.

Cheers, Jim
 

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Thanks all for you comments!
Dave - If I was smarter, I would make my projects fit into flat rate boxes.
Jeff - Be careful what you wish for! They are addictive… I have 4 machines with another on the design board.
Brian - I knew that I was going to do a sign for my recipient so once I got the name I built the design to fit the wood I had on hand. I'm building up a pretty good sized collection of 3D models so I can put projects like this together fairly quickly. I'm spending a lot of time with ZBrushCore (a 3D modeling program) right now and will continue adding to my collection daily until I can go back to work… Staying busy keeps me sane…
Jim - One day I will make it to your shop downstate! Are they going to let you come back anytime soon? Are there any travel restrictions in place?
 

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Mike - totally cool and like Dave I did not realize the scale. I'm sure it was a wonderful surprise.
 

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Dave - If I was smarter, I would make my projects fit into flat rate boxes.
It has been suggested at our house that if I were as smart as I think I am, I wouldn't sign up for swaps when I don't have a shop to work in. We all have our crosses to bear, I guess. ;-)
 

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Wow!

- bugradx2
I appreciate your comment! Tony (the recipient) said the same thing! It was my pleasure to put a smile on his face! That's what swaps are for! If you've never done one, join us!

Mike
 

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YES put a huge smile on my face you did i am looking for the most perfect spot to hang this beautiful sign im still not sure it will go in shop maybe somewhere in the house yes it deserves a light above it just like fine art has LOL :<))))
HAPPY BOY
 

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Stop it Tony! You are embarassing me!!! Ha ha ha!
It's always nice to do something that makes a friend smile!!!


I was hoping to give you all local products in the bonus gift but we don't really have the climate for growing coffee! The Trenary Toast was the best I could do! It is made just down the road and has been a favorite around these parts for years!
 

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I never heard of that toast till that day as soon as I got it i made a cup of hot cocoa to dip it into YUMMEEE :<))))
and frosted flakes are my favorite also and lets face it the coffee cup says it all He's GR8 !!!
plus I got a new avatar Thanks Mike
 

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Blessings my Brother!
 
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