I assembled all the boxes for the Great and Pedal chambers. At the same time, I started preparing and painting the pedal pipes. I did something a little different this time. Instead of one solid color for the pipes, I decided to combine both nickel and aluminum simultaneously. The nickel was dominant and the aluminum was held at a further distance. I guess that would mean no set of pipes would be exactly the same. Either way, I got them all pretty close.
Next came all the pipe shades. All eight shades needed to be removed from its frame. Remember, they were all created on the CNC machine. After removing each one from the main frame, I needed to carefully sand each and every one. A set of diamond filers came in handy during this operation. Once finished, they all received a few coats of polycyclic and were glued in place. There was one extra step that I needed to do for the center shades. Since they came to a point, I needed to create a 30º chamfer on one end and a 60º on the other. I did this by making a 30º-60º-90º block. Then, after taping carious grades of sandpaper to the bench, I held the shade against the desired angle block and started going to town! I took some time, but I managed to get the chamfers I needed.
Next came the dreaded molding! First, after assessing the molding that I had left over from Opus 2, I was sort of worried. I did modify my molding placement due to the amount I had. However, I managed to complete the task at hand. HOWEVER...after building four models over the past 14 months, the Dremel table saw finally got the best of me! When I was going to cut a 30º angle into a small piece of molding, my left thumb went straight into the 60 tooth blade! It went up to the finger nail. To my surprise, not that much blood for such a deep wound. I'll live...and it makes for a good story when people ask!
The pedal board and bench was another bullet on my list of things to complete. Both have their own level of difficulty and both take some time to create. As for the pedal board, it's similar to the design I created for Opus 2. I used the tan color for the natural pedals like I did for Opus C. As for the bench, the sides are a new design which took a bit to create. (As you can guess from the photo below) I'm pleased with how they both came out.
The final step to complete this entire model is the side molding to bring the top half to the bottom half. In the 3D model, I simply put a block with a large radius cut into it. This might be possible, but decided to to a little research. I went to Lowe's with my dad and sure enough, we found a molding that would work AND is was on sale! (It was meant to be) Either way, I brought it home and cut 3-3/8" lengths - the width of the model - went through them and picked the two best. Next, I needed a filler for the gap and create a skin to bring everything together. To be honest, it wasn't that hard to figure out. It all came together exactly as planned and it could not be a better pick!
So that's it! That's the end of Opus 3! Here are a few other photos of the completed model.
All four organs that I have designed, built and documented on this blog have not only kept me busy on the weekends during this "gap year," but allowed a creative side of me to come out in a way that I have not seen before. I look back at what my hands have created and I have a great sense of accomplishment, like anyone would feel after creating something. There's something about this "King of Instruments" that will always fascinate me. I may not be the best organist, but I always had the most love (and knowledge) about the instrument. This was evident when I studied organ at the University of Florida.
Be that as it may, the pipe organ is a marvel of engineering. Its sounds incite the mind to all dimensions; meditating with lush strings and flutes, venturing with the mutation sounds (Cornet) and lifting your very being to the heavens with the thunder of the principals, mixtures and reeds! No matter where life takes me, it will always be accompanied by the sounds of the pipe organ!
Once again, I want to thank you all for following this journey of mine. At the same time, I want to thank my dad for all the help and opportunities he has given me - from the use of the garage bench with all the tools necessary to build my creations to brainstorming and everything in between. Thanks dad! Thanks to my family! Thanks to my friends! Thanks to you, the random bloggers who took the time to read and/or look at the pictures of these crazy projects. Thank you all. It has been a great journey. For me, the next chapter begins as I continue my discernment toward the Roman Catholic priesthood.
FIN
I've really enjoyed watching your progress, Dan. The models are all beautiful - you definitely have a gift! We're praying for you and your return to the seminary!
ReplyDelete-Jess (and family)
Thanks Jess, I appreciate it! It's been a lot of fun!
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