Courtyard Gate Installation

Two coats of paint make the flowers look very creamy

This is the rod that holds the smaller gate closed.

To complete the installation I filled the gap under the pads with epoxy grout. The hole will allow any water to drain out.

Well here it is. It makes a grand entrance to the courtyard.

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.