WTB’s Mark Slate fashioning a new seat out of… a block of wood… There are many ways (including clay molds/models, and stereolithogaphy) but the old fashioned way, whittling one out of a block of wood, has many advantages. However, the most important ingredient is not the wood or even splinter-proof shorts, but a craftsman… a rare and endangered species these days.
In addition to learning about how a new seat design is created, we’ve got another Bikeskills Contest for you! Our first contest was based on a “where is this?” (and won by Gary Souza of Pacifica). This contest is a “what is this?” and to win what it is, you’ll have to read on…
Here’s that block of wood again. We forgot to ask what the actual wood was, but it looks like a fine grained mahogany. Slate said he starts with wood for his new seat designs for one, simple reason: wood prototypes can be ridden. Clay and prototyping materials like dense foam can not.
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Prototypes that are made from photopolymer resins, foams or clay are not rideable. However, the bigger issue is that working with an array of computer controlled systems is not the same as crafting an object by hand, from a natural material that responds to the artist’s intentions and skills. Nor is there as much value in making a prototype out of a material destined for the eye, not the derriere. Here Mark runs his combination micrometer, contour gauge, and artist-to-action device – his hand – to get the greatest sense of feedback we humans have.
25 Years of designing saddles tells Mark that this design needs a little more material removed by his Surform. It’s interesting how many action sports products, including surfboards to making prototype guitars, like seats, out of wood, are fashioned by Stanley’s humble Surform. It will take Mark many hours to create just one, wood prototype. Then it will be many hours of riding the prototype to determine if they have a winning or losing candidate. Mark says the wooden protos are surprising comfortable… the winners that is.
High-Tech meets High-Skills. Professional Photographer Colin Meagher gets ready to memorialize Mark’s creative process. It was interesting watching and listening to the two artist/craftsmen talk about their respective skills and processes using such constrasting tools and techniques.
When it was all said and done though, both men created created works of art. Stay tuned to see Mark’s completed, rideable prototype seat, and, the result of Colin’s photo shoot.
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Bikeskills Contest #2: “Name em and Claim em”
So here’s the question: what animal made these tracks? You can click on the tracks for a larger image and closer look… We’ve already given the answer away, so getting back to us and claiming a set of these sure-footed, all-condition, paws for your ride shouldn’t be all that difficult. Here’s another hint: you can find where live by going to the people that have been at it for over 25 years… like Mark Slate above.
Know the answer? Send it to: rhoward@bikeskills.comand whoever gets the correct answer to us first will receive a set of these beasts.
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