My Latest ‘Art Project’

Whilst bored on a conference call I sketched this
[url=https://flic.kr/p/WjEyC5]20170703_151703[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

At the weekend I found myself at a loose end so thought I would try and turn the sketch into something physical. This meant getting some steel, some tools and a tape measure
[url=https://flic.kr/p/WbBeSZ]20170703_151724[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/WbBeXD]20170703_151746[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

Clearly for skillful crafts such as complex metal working you need all of the correct implements to allow the different radius curves to be formed. Having looked around the garage for a suitable anvil style bending work bench thingy I clamped an old motorbike silencer into the vice and began.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/WbBnq4]20170703_151802[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

The results were surprisingly successful and the tree started to take shape.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/V9CASz]20170703_151810[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/V6PE39]20170703_151958[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/V6Q8sQ]20170703_153451[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

Now I simply had to clamp it all together and weld it. Simply!?!? why did I use round rod? It spins in the clamps so the branches point in all directions which is not ideal when you want something to lie flat against the wall. Also you are trying to weld into the valley between the rods which is not as easy as I had hoped.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/V6Q7Yy]20170703_154718[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Wof2Pp]20170703_164856[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

The welds weren’t pretty but they held and looked a lot better when the slag was knocked off and they were ground down a bit. They will be on the back of the piece facing the wall so should be hidden anyway.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/W8nLUW]20170703_170924[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

Turned around so I was welding from the back again I added some of the smaller branches. More to welds to grind down and then add the finest branches but ran out of time at this point. Blurry photo hides the worst of the welds
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Wop6qK]20170703_175626[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

Nice!

Nicely done, I always enjoy your threads.

Once I have the rest of the branches attached it should be a lot ‘fuller’.

I am currently thinking of powder-coating it a bronze/gold colour and then possibly using enamel paint to highlight some of the branches and add visual interest.

Then either stick it on a wall somewhere or stick it on ebay I guess

One picture update now it is all welded up and awaiting cleaner and prep for paint. Need to get a cost for powder coating before deciding on the final finish.

The major breakthrough is that it is the first piece I have created that MrsWCA thinks she will give house space to!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/VjtRis]20170710_132715[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

Shame you made it back to front, will you have to do it again…?

The original sketch was showing the back of the tree…

Finished result is nice!

Is it Marylin Monroe? Bob Marley?

[artistic flounce]Sometimes I feel my true artistic integrity is not being respected[/artistic flounce]

😀

DezB – Member
Finished result is nice!

Is it Marylin Monroe? Bob Marley?

Groot, of course!

One of the nicest carpet beaters that I have ever seen.

Like

A late update, it turned out okay. Okay enough for MrsWCA to suggest we actually mount it on the wall rather than eBay!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/XCU39z]20170812_102827[/url] by WCA!, on Flickr

No, it is not yet mounted on the wall. Yes the grass needs attention. etc

Great for drying clothes aswell!

Great for drying clothes aswell!

…and taking children’s eyes out! 😀

Okay, spent the weekend putting the tree against various walls on the house and can’t find anywhere it really fits and looks okay.

130cm high and 160cm wide and poweder coated.

Anyone want it?

Make me an offer.

Based in Southampton.

Er, a tree with no leaves wouldn’t get blown like that, so I don’t find it very realistic. For that reason, I’m out.

a tree with no leaves wouldn’t get blown like that,

It was autumn when I welded it 🙂

It was autumn when I welded it

Well played, Sir. Well played.

thegreatape – Member
Er, a tree with no leaves wouldn’t get blown like that, so I don’t find it very realistic. For that reason, I’m out.

A tree shaped by the wind over many years?

It’s a lovely thing you’ve made there WCA!

It’s a lovely thing you’ve made there WCA!

Praise from a real welder?!?!?

Happy days

I’m not up with modern trends – is it a pampas grass substitute ?

Sold!

Some inspiration