Based on size, we went with a mix of steel and aluminum in order to centralize the weight to avoid tipping. The trunk and three main branches of each tree were made from steel while all the other branches were made of aluminum. This project largely focused on metalworking and welding.

We took a visit to Brown Note Productions to examine the sceptron and understand how they mount, before we submitted any cut files for waterjet. From there we understood that specific hardware was needed for purchase, and there was specific clearance for cable tails and only one area to insert hardware. With all this in consideration, we were able to complete our technical drafting and derive cut files. When we have a tight turn around on a project, we put extra focus on the front end with our drafting so we can utilize machines as much as possible to do all our cuts and drilling.

After having our plate steel returned to us from Noco Waterjet, it was time to weld all the pieces together. Natalia tackled all the steel elements first, which involved the trunk, base, and branch sleeves. With careful consideration on the drafting, tolerances were put in the cut files to make metal fit up significantly easier and therefore welded quicker. A sixteenth of an inch here and there really can save an hour or two down the road.

With the main trunks welded the branches were next. Seven aluminum branches per tree, each with their own mitered junctions, all TIG welded and fitted into their partnering sleeves on the steel branches.

We used white ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) for the tree clusters to save on weight and have the white finish requested right off the shelf. Using a gallery photo, we traced the clusters to create our own SVG file and CNC groups of clusters at once.