Recently I made a visit to Beloit, WI and while there visited John Sandman who was working on the pattern conversion project. John and I toured the pattern storage lofts. There are literally hundreds of patterns stored in the lofts. It is doubtful anyone had any idea of the number patterns in storage. There were all sizes and shapes. Some were very large while others could be held in one hand. Some were stored in wooden racks and others just piled randomly on the floor. 

For those that may not be familiar with this type of pattern, they are made from wood and used to cast machinery parts. In Beloits' case the machine parts are for the large paper machines they design and build. After the engineers design and draw the part, a pattern maker, using the finished drawing, makes a replica of the part from wood. The pattern is then placed in a mold, the mold filled with sand, the case opened and the pattern removed. Molten cast iron is poured in the void left by the pattern. If one is familiar with paper machinery, various parts can be identified walking around in the pattern lofts. Some parts were easily identified such as gears, roll heads, bearing housings, bearing housing covers, etc. Others defy identity.

The patterns are made from various types of wood such as oak, mahogany, etc. John rummages through the pattern loft and using his artistic talent selects patterns that will make a unique or useful artifact. John built a sanding booth and preparation area to convert the patterns. The art of converting the patterns not only requires an artistic flair, but also a knowledge of wood and wood finishes. The appeal of the finished piece of art is dependent on how the wood grain and variations of color are brought out and enhanced with the finish used. 

The photos below were taken by Luigi Bagnato in the pattern lofts. Unfortunately the lighting is poor and the carbide lights require more photography talent than the average photographer may have. The photos do not do justice to the art works. Many pattern art pieces can be seen displayed in the Beloit Corporation building renovation by the Hendricks Development Group and new tenants and businesses n the Beloit community.