ring luge at a martini bar in New Orleans



*updated 1/19/12

Several years ago, I designed this luge to be "something different" for a frequent client. Since then, I've carved it many times. The basic idea is simple, and the same as any luge: pour a liquid in one end, it comes out the other end.



The key to this design, and what makes it unusual, is the plumbing. The liquid poured into the luge splits, flows down on both sides of the ring, and comes back together to exit the bottom spout, into the guest's waiting glass. The plumbing consists of a "funnel," four lengths of clear tuding, and two "T" fittings that first split, then reunite the liquid. A photo of the plumbing before it’s added to the luge is shown below. Below that is a pic of the "T" connector that makes it work.




the "T" tubing connection for splitting and rejoining the ice luge track

The design of the ice portion is straightforward and is made up of the ring, two support legs, a base, and embellishments that include the luge entrance and exit. This sculpture doesn't require a full thickness block and can be cut from a 4-5 inch thick slab. The ice and the plumbing are combined by cutting a track in the back of the sculpture, drilling the entrance and exit so that they line up with the track and then carefully fitting the plumbing in to the cut path. (See the graphic below.) The plumbing is frozen into the sculpture by packing wet slush into the track over the tubing and freezing it solid.



When the sculpture is displayed, it helps if the liquid poured through the luge is colored, so that it's more visible as it flows around the ring. The center of the ring can be cut out and left empty, or some sort of floral or other decoration can be placed in the center. Or, if you choose not to cut out the center, there's just enough space for a small logo or names.


P.S. Believe it or not, it didn’t first occur to me that this design could easily be adapted into an diamond ring design that would be perfect for weddings. Probably that was because it’s first use was at a birthday party. Later, however, you’ll see a diamond ring luge design on this version of the site; currently the design is hosted on the .com version.



If you have any questions about this piece, email me or comment below. 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 carving secrets facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!

Tags: luge, weddings