Formation of a Copper Lotus Finial Part 2
a simple, accurate station buck
Keeping all this in mind, I went on to make up a simple, accurate station buck, one which gave three-dimensional form that I could work to, yet could be easily dismantled for the shift into final assembly. Dividing the circumference into segments for double petal shapes gave me eight petals, rather than an overly complex sixteen. This allowed the overall form to be simple in appearance and match the number of sides on the building. The combination of petal edges and indented vertical valleys on the doubled shape suggested more petals, therefore satisfying the eye's need for detail. However, the formation of the compound saddle shape wasn't quite as daunting as having them both ``Siamesed" together onto a single petal. Oh joy! A single paper pattern worked out the 1" overlap, taper, and fullness of each petal, and then I went on to lay out the 24 oz. Copper blanks.
