tilting trike

This made me think of Eric's flywheel.

clear irons anodizing

Last week during Spring Break I anodized some parts for Eric. He wanted me to anodize some trays, coasters, and some prototype parts that he had machined. I've been meaning to get to these, but have had a lot going one. Since I was working in the studio on my own work over the break, it was a good time to get these parts going. I did a few parts with no dye as Eric had been curious about this. They turned out AWESOME. The first tray (copper/orange color) turned out amazing too, but the other trays are not quite so dramatic. I had some trouble with these trays as they are heavy and my fixture is not quite up to snuff as well as my various anodizing baths being a bit small for this size work. The coasters that I will be doing are bound to turn out better since they're smaller. The non-dyed parts are just so sweet as they really make these already awesome machined parts look so good.

clear irons game board

Yesterday the fellas from Clear Irons (Eric and Robby) came up to Milwaukee so I could assist them in cutting a large walnut game board table. Clear Irons just purchased a new Laguna 4'x8' CNC router and so they visited the studio to learn about setup on the router. Eric wrote some code using HSMWorks and then we worked through the use of this code on my router that uses Mach3. The piece required two sided machining so I went through that with them. We had a couple glitches due to warped wood, but things worked out. It was really good to meet Robby and see Eric again and to share a little time chatting about design, ambition, business, and future plans while the router was running. It had been over a year since Eric and I had gotten together for some studio time so it was a long time coming.

Clear Irons is as busy as ever, and Eric's business is doing really well (thus the reason I don't see him much). I can tell Robby is a valuable asset to the company and that he is continually growing in all of the roles that he fulfills there. Their business capabilities are growing, as their shop is very well equipped to do everything from ideation, working prototypes, to production ready drawings. 

Design work and prototyping is the bread and butter but recently the fellas also made an attempt to create some awesome side projects after-hours, that allow them to play and have fun. Go check out their etsy site and see their awesome wallets and sketchbook covers and tell them that Frankie sent you. I've been using my Eric Larson designed wallet for six years and I'm happy to say that it's aging well and getting better with time. You won't need another wallet or sketchbook cover once you invest in some of their goods.

clear irons website launch

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll remember my great friend, Eric Larson. 

Eric and I met at the U of I and where he was getting his dual major in Industrial Design and Metals. He was even in one of the Metals classes I taught as a grad student and we both enrolled in one of the best classes I ever took in school, that covered welding (in the Agriculture Department). But we've been great friends ever since school and he is probably one of the people who I know directly that "really gets it" when it comes to work ethic, design, making, functional objects, etc. He's always been someone who I respect greatly for his talent, his heart, and his ability to learn. As some of you may know, he and I worked together for the first couple years when I first moved to Milwaukee as we both built some hot rod VW's and some Single Cab VW trucks. Over the years we have worked on several side projects and I can't even count the number of times that we got together to make something. I don't know what it is exactly, but Eric is a joy to work with. I can honestly say that I have had some of my most productive moments when we've been working together. As I said, "he just gets it". 

Well anyway, Eric has worked in the Industrial Design field ever since graduation, and he has learned the ropes by working several years for DiMonte Group and growing in his design skills, Solidworks skills, and working as project manager for several big name clients. He has really developed into a great business man as well as continuing to grow as a designer and maker. I was stoked a few years ago when he said that he was going to make the leap and start his own business called Clear Irons. Eric has been killing it lately with his new business and consistent work with Paratech as well as wheelchair design work for ADI. 

Eric recently hired a super talented guy (Robby Sachs) and they've been working on the new website as well as rolling out a line of products that you can purchase from their store. Eric recently launched the new website and he has several things happening over there that my blog readers will be interested in. You have to go check out the great work they have for sale in addition to their design and prototype work.  Also, bookmark the site as you'll want to be sure and follow their work as they are utilizing CAM software to run their beautiful Haas CNC milling machine to make new tooling and prototypes. Make sure to follow Eric and Robby on Instagram as I know they will have frequent updates there.

Eric's been busting his tail to make the business happen so I'm thrilled to see the progress he's making. I haven't seen him as much as I used to, as life has just been speeding out of control for us both. I miss working with Eric out at the Seward Speed Shop or on The Farm; we most definitely miss Eric's family too, as his Mom and Dad have always been special to my immediate family. I miss our super awesome conversations and working together, but I love that I can always keep tabs on what Eric's up to and how he's using his skills to make a difference. Super inspiring to see him "making his way" too; I'm so proud to be able to call him a friend. Now go check out his site and buy a cool hand-stictched wallet or sketchbook cover