Logo Reproduction

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Techniques

Front or Back Fill Logo with Snow-fill

Tools:

Router or die grinder ¼”or ½” end mills

Dremel 1/8” needle bit

Angle grinder with 36” grit sand paper

Template Logo

Slab of ice (recommend 20” x 40” x 4” thick)

Water bag/hot aluminum

Procedure:

1. Sand the surface of the ice so there is no imperfections, high spots or bumps. surface must be flat.
2. Attach template to the ice with water.

2. Use and 1/8” end mill on a dremel for ease of tracing.

3. Remove paper template, sand it if necesary.

4. Cut out first dimension (outside shape of logo)

5. Retrace your template using a router and set the depth for ¾ to 1”.

6. After engraving clean your surface, then fill channels with snow.

7. Put ice back in freezer and allow to refreeze for 10 minutes.

8. After 10 minutes take a plastic bag filled with warm water (or aluminum) and run it over the surface of the snow-fill. This will cause a pool of water over the snow and will freeze as clear ice.

9. Let logo set for a few hours.

10. Create a pedestal or base for your logo to stand on. Columns, trapezoids and simple rectangles can make a nice base. Add some chisel work and decorate your base to enhance your logo.

Pointers:

• There are two standard methods to the snowfall technique, front fill and back fill. If you are not an experienced carver and do not have a steady hand or router, I recommend front fill. Back fill requires much more hand and eye coordination. This will come with practice. For the back fill simply attach your template on the flip side. Use a new heavy black marker that will make it easier to read on the back of the paper. Once the paper is wet the black will bleed through and make it easier to read.
• An advantage to the back fill method would be that the logo appears to be in the ice. This method will also last much longer on a display than a front fill.
• Sandwich the logo between 2 pieces of ice to create that long lasting image. I still recommend a back fill so that the logo is in front of the seam. This way if you have an imperfect seam, the logo will still be perfect.
• To make a great logo, remember your must start out with a great template. Take your time and use a straight edge when necessary. Start with perfect and end in perfect.
• It is important to not use extremely hot water in the water bag or aluminum that is too hot. Do not water bag for more than thirty seconds at a time. Extensive water bag or aluminizing can cause shattering.
• Most logos can be carved on a 4” slab of ice that measures 40” long x 20” tall. Try creating a nice base or pedestal for the logo to go on. This will make the sculpture bigger and more impressive.
• If you are a slow carver, consider carving in the freezer.

Needle Bit Logos