When we first got approached by the group that wanted the orrery, they were looking at one of our mobiles - a free flowing model of the solar system. No motors, no electronics, no precision regarding dates. The planets could swing clockwise or counter, depending on the breeze. You could reach up and bump one and change it's dynamic. They looked at it, loved it and asked "Can you build an orrery?"

We knew we could, so we said "You Bet!", told them it would be developmental and therefore only have an "estimated" delivery date. And how they've complained! Compared us to building contractors that *CAN* set delivery dates - cause they've built however many buildings before, like eight million contractors before them. They are not dealing with developmental. It ain't "off the shelf." You can't go to K-Orrery and pick one up. Wal-morrery is all out of 'em.

The Supercollider can't possibly have a "deliver by" date. The first of anything complex can't. It's the nature of it.

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3. Continuing the Rocket for the Orrery

The really cool thing about getting new art projects is that I usually get to learn something new. We're working on building an orrery currently. An orrery is one of those old fashioned solar system models that you used to find in old museums and libraries. Nobody seems to make them anymore.

When we talked with the college that wanted one, we said "How hard can it be?", so we took the job. It has turned out to be Very Hard, but certainly worth it, and will come out beautiful when we're done.

For building the base, I got to get me a brand new toy! The base is solid cherry wood with 8 posts around it. I looked into buying the posts or having a woodworker make them for me, but what they were going to charge was outrageous. As is usually the case, we look at the cost of getting the work done versus the cost of us getting the equipment, doing it ourselves and then having the equipment in the future. Almost every time, getting the equipment wins out. We get new capability, learn a new trade and the pieces come out exactly as we want them to, rather than someones "Good Enough" (which usually isn't...).

New Toys!

So I got to get me a brand new lathe to make these posts. It took me a day to set up and practice, and then I was going full tilt! Very fun. Very calming too. Sure is messy though, but it's outside, so I don't breathe in too much of it. Besides, a good coating of sawdust lets you know you did good work that day.

Joy

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