maybe not the clearest ice block I’ve ever used, or it has some snow on the back still. I can’t remember. But sometimes frosty looks pretty good and I like this star ice luge pic. Well, all except for the makeshift funnel 😬
a star ice luge design
updated and expanded some 6/20/23 when added to iss
Instead of the many stars in the stars luge design posted last April (April 2007 that is), this design has only one star. The star isn’t symmetrical and is distorted somewhat. The drawing and the photo show some small differences and these arise partly because I initially freehand carved the original sculpture without a template. This design was based on that sculpture. Sometimes the process seems to be backwards: the sculpture comes before the “design.” Actually, though, the design did come before the sculpture, it just was never put to paper before it went to ice.
There is nothing particularly challenging about this design, but the basic process of adding tubing to the sculpture needs to be followed. Also, note that the tubing track does not turn very fast (avoiding kinks in the tubing) and the track always goes down so that liquids flow through as efficiently as possible. At the exit point, it’s better if the tube points more down than to the side so that it’s easier to get the drink to flow into a glass. Also, despite the points on the star, notice that the meltwater will flow primarily to the base of the sculpture and not drip outside the tray.
this star ice luge is a simple, straightforward tube luge with a basic, flexible design theme that works for many kinds of events.
design alternatives
So what kind of design variations world work for a star ice luge? Well, number one, it doesn’t have to be an ice luge. You could use mirrored versions of this to flank a food display, for example.
Another possibility is adding a message or logo to the center of the star, instead of the v-cuts in the design.
to CNC or not to CNC?
My original design is a little tight for a CNC version, but it’s a simple fix really. Just make it slightly smaller and space things out a bit more. The next time I work on this post, I’ll update the design a bit to work better for a CNC. I’ll add a mirrored version for backside engraving as well.
Interestingly, when I inevitably work up a CNC design version for my star ice luge, it’ll become a virtual design, kind of like the virtual design that it was in my head when I first sculpted it. The biggest difference this time around will be that I’ll be able to send out a file of the design. I tried to send out my mind’s eye design telepathically once, but all that happened is I got a headache 😜
you can see from the template that my star ice luge is kind of a short sculpture design. Luges need to be, so that the bartender can reach the funnel if they’re short themselves. And don’t forget the little weld for the star point. Easy little welds like that give you a larger sculpture than you can otherwise fit in the block. Use the aluminum welding method for a harder to see weld.
for more info and some guidelines
If you have any questions about my star ice luge design, email me or comment below. (It might not let you though if it’s been a while.) If you would like to use this ice sculpture design or any other design on this site, please check the design usage guidelines. The design collection page lists designs on the site.
You might also find photos and info from this entry on the ice sculpting secrets Instagram and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!
