Mechanized Cylindrical Sign Build for Parade Joy (Update 4)

We’re coming to the end of our South Shore Frolics Parade Float builds! This has been an incredible process. Last night we put the graphics on the cylindrical sign, and stood back to enjoy the glory of our handywork. 

Thanks to Tom, Kevin, Matt N., Bob, Mike, Shane, Elizabeth, Adam, Sean, Kristin, Amanda, Jason, Aaron, and anyone I might have missed who helped get this together!

I pose next to the completed thing. Intense!!!

David

Mechanized Cylindrical Sign Build for Parade Joy (Update 3)

The Mechanized Cylindrical Sign Build is getting close! Last night the sign was bolted to the vehicle, a window was cut, and screen was put into the window. This piece is really starting to come together!!!

View out the window.

 

View out the top from inside.

View of the seat and window.

Safety is everyone’s job.

That is one mad machine!

David

Mechanized Cylindrical Sign Build for Parade Joy (Update 1)

The Milwaukee Makerspace has agreed to participate in one of Milwaukee’s finest traditions, the “South Shore Frolics Parade”.

The “South Shore Frolics” formerly known as the “South Shore Water Frolics” is a Bay View institution. The current celebration of summer & joy starts on Saturday July 16th at 11:00 in the morning with a parade leading to South Shore Park, after which there is a festival and a variety of activities including fireworks for the remainder of the weekend. The Frolics is an event that I have participated in as long as I have been alive, and it is a very integral part of my summer. Of course I was thrilled when the Makerspace agreed that this was a worthwhile use of our time and talents.

Our goal for Milwaukee Makerspace’s representation in the parade is to produce some electric vehicles, ride some previously produced power wheels racers, as well as present a unique parade float. 

Thus far the main work was completed by Tom Gralewicz who re-powered the Makerspace’s “pots of gold” (two electric vehciles that have a parade heritage) with new motor controllers. Now that we have two functioning platforms, we of course wanted to turn one of them into an 8′ mechanized cylindrical sign. (that will resemble a beverage container) 

The build on that commenced last evening. Here are some photographs from the madness & joy:

 

 

 

 

 

Matt N. always measures twice and cuts once. 

 

I don’t know how many times these guys measured, but they always made the right cut!

 

Here the team cuts the circular bases that will anchor the piece. In the background, there is a serious discussion about logicstics…or something. 

 

Matt G. shows us the pride that comes with making.

 

Kevin B. tests out the fit and finish of the first circular support on the vehicle platform.

So far so good! I can’t wait to see how this comes together!

Come and see us at the South Shore Frolics Parade!
Saturday July 16th, 2011
Parade starts at KK & Lincoln at 11:00am
Joy will be had by all!
If you consider yourself a Milwaukee Maker, you are welcome to walk the parade rout with us & represent making in Milwaukee!