Hotel is open

Its been almost one year since the construction of the hotel began and it is officially open. October 10Th will be the grand opening.
I have encountered many local artist that took part in the design and artistic elements of the hotel. The Iron Horse Hotel is truly a forever standing example of Milwaukee's rich history and respect for art, preservation and industrial metal working.

Furnace Photos

The fondry set up

A lot of people have been asking me about the set up that I am using to produce the aluminum pieces for the hotel. So, to end all questions this is what I have been using.

It’s a pretty simple set up. I am using the typical “back yard” hobbyist furnace. I have two furnaces running each hold a steel crucible (pot) that hold around 30 lbs. of molten aluminum.

For the burners I am using a hand made Ron Reil propane burner. I have found these to be the simplest to fabricate on your own. Not to mention you can put one together for under $40.00.
As for my propane tanks I rent 2 100lbs. Propane tanks from Bentley Welding Supplies. The have been great to work with. They deliver and at a moments notice and keep a competitive rate.

Hotel Progress 20 down 110 to go

After 8 months of stress, sleepless nights, stress and stress progress has been made. I have been able to make over 20 pieces in the month of July.

Side Note:
All of the pieces that I have poured have been a minimum of 5 feet long 16 inches wide and 4 inches thick. No cracks, no fishers. Plenty sturdy for the wall mounting system.
I couldn't have done any of this with out the help and advice from my Dad, Uncle Dan and Kim.

Hotel First Stage

This is an image from the very first pour November 1, 2007. It took place at the UW-Whitewater Sculpture studio with the guidance from my former professor Dan the Man and my friend and fellow metal junkie Christopher Gerber.

Hotel Model room