On Site Work

Before I took the gate to the jobsite I had to make the latch. This is an example of how I use my drill press as a milling machine. Don’t try this at home.

I use UHMW for the latch catch because it’s self lubricating and won’t scratch the paint off.

There is one more thing to make before I go. The round stock with the fancy end will hold the smaller side of the gate in position while the bigger side is open.

Before I weld the base plates to the posts I use them for a template to drill holes in the concrete for the bolts.

That was fun now what?



The two brackets at the top of the posts took a while to figure out. There are many different angles because the buildings don’t line up and the siding is beveled.

I wish it was done, and so does my client, but off it goes to get powder coat paint. Just one more week to go before I’m finished.

Flowers from the Garden

I use paper templates to lay out the sheet metal flower blanks.

This is what they look like after the first stage of forming.

After the first heat I form them into their basic shape.

Then I start hammering and reheating them until the final shape materializes.

 

The first flower is formed and Vulcan inspires a burnt offering of sage while the part is still hot.

The scent of sage mixes with the smell of welded iron and the flowers with their stocks become one with the gate.

The King of flowers nods his head in approval.

And his subjects wait for the day they will be picked

Spring is here and iron flowers are growing in the garden.

Gate Progress While Mentoring

I’ve been mentoring a Forest Grove High School student for his senior project. He wanted to build an iron and glass table so I taught him how to forge, weld, and then guided him through the rest.

He did a great job and I really like how it turned out. If you’d like to see more check out this video on Youtube.

As I welded the gate together I enjoyed watching the patterns of arc weld spatter on the floor.

The parts line up like little soldiers marching up and down hills.

Tomorrow I’ll start forging the flowers and vines that go in the open areas of the gates.