this kangaroo sculpture looks as if it might tip over, but in fact is very stable.
updated 11/9/23 with the boxing kangaroo video and 5/23/23 when added to iss
my kangaroo ice luge design
Note: I originally called this sculpture design “roo luge.” It’s cute and all, but it screws over the Ks in my design list. Also, “kangaroo ice luge” is much better for SEO, since nobody looks for “roo luge.” Probably 3 people look for “kangaroo ice luge,” but 3 is more than zero 😬
This design was the result of a client’s request for a kangaroo luge for a travel industry party with an Australian theme. Using a photo with a similar pose for reference, I generated the design and planned the luge track (2nd drawing). The luge tubing was added from the back, using the same technique detailed in the Stars luge design.
The design is intended to be dynamic and one of the ways that it achieves that is that it looks as though it’s about to fall over to the right. Instead, properly carved, the sculpture is actually quite stable, as long as not much ice is taken from the base. (However, should you somehow end up with a sculpture that is not stable, it should not be used!) The basic design process is another example of the Core Design concept, in which smaller ice components are added to a larger foundation component. The sculpture was transported without the tail and the tail was added onsite (aluminum welded). An extra tail was carved in case anything went wrong.
This sculpture drips some from the tail and from the chin, but if it’s carefully placed diagonally in a standard rectangular Glo-Ice tray as in the photo, they should be contained. It could be problem with a smaller tray though!
The drawings and diagrams below should be enough to explain the carving and assembly of the kangaroo ice luge. All three welds were done with aluminum for strength and appearance. Incidentally, the carving in the photo was done without a template, but the design below was used for reference. This accounts for some of the minor differences between design and sculpture.
I think it’s possible to sculpt this piece so that it would fall forwards. But as long as you keep the weight in the base and make the head and neck light, it’s going to be pretty stable, since the center of gravity is still under the back legs.
kangaroos are cute but tough! Don’t let a kangaroo catch you alone at night in a dark alley! 😉
with the kangaroo ice luge, you’d likely want to cut the luge tubing in from the back of the sculpture. But it would be possible, but difficult, to drill a hole through the sculpture.Â
in case it’s not clear, the small piece of ice in the template above is basically the kangaroo’s toes on his back feet.
different design approaches
Well, you COULD just make my kangaroo ice luge into a regular ice sculpture. All you have to do is forget to add the luge tubing. Other than that, it’s a fairly specific design. I guess you could also incorporate a logo or message.
how would it work on a CNC machine?
How often would you sculpt a kangaroo ice luge? Probably not too often. That’s one question that you need to ask before programming some designs on the CNC: how much does using the CNC benefit my work? Since it’s probably a one-time sculpture, is it quicker to just hand sculpt it rather than program it? Or does it help to just cut the basic shapes? (That is, if your CNC can handle a full block of ice at least.)
for more info and some guidelines
If you have any questions about my kangaroo ice luge design, email me or comment below. (It might not let you though.) 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 facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!
