Original crafts are made from metal objects. For this, artistic welding and forging are used. The structures are strong, durable, but you will have to spend a lot of time building, for example, the same iron coffee table. On entrance doors, window bars and other things, images and sculptures in the form of roses, dragons, birds are made by fusing wire on a steel surface.
Types of welding
To create artistic sculptures at home, semi-automatic, automatic, laser or other complex welding is not used. Popular Options:
- Gas welding - surfacing with filler wire of different diameters. You will need acetylene or propane. In the second case, the heating temperature of the metal is lower than in the first. Non-ferrous metals are boiled with argon.
- Manual arc - sutured in layers. The slag is removed as it spoils the quality between layers. High melting point of the metal, but low current and electrodes with a diameter of less than 4 mm are used for this activity.
According to the rulesartistic welding is done with gas and wire, but arc welding is also possible, but it is more difficult. It takes experience to create good works.
Variants for decorative crafts
Specialists make unique textures on fences, gates, caskets, flower stands. They remake the product to the desired shape. In addition, chairs, hangers, tables, clothing and shoe shelves are forged. At the entrance to the house, on the sides of the porch, figures in the form of lions and wolves are mounted from reinforcement. Steel sculptures imitating climbing plants are made on the metal supports of the arched canopy.
The room is decorated with metallic flowers, ornaments are attached to the ceiling, iron strips are attached to the columns, on which ancient hieroglyphs are painted and the handicrafts are painted with golden color. For gifts, they make metal figurines of animals, a heart, roses. On these items, inscriptions are made for a loved one. In this case, the possibilities are unlimited. It is expensive to hire a professional, so it is better to learn how to create such masterpieces with your own hands.
Advantages of technology
Numerous practical and beautiful steel items can be made. From old nondescript products create beautiful figures that attract the attention of guests. Artistic metal welding has advantages:
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duration of operation of forged elements;
- strength of a material that is not afraid of mechanical damage and falling from a great height;
- an additional protective coating will protect the metal from corrosion, moisture, dust and dirt;
- a wide variety of options for making unique metal items;
- you can use not only gas welding, but also arc welding;
- does not require frequent maintenance, it is enough to periodically wipe the surface of crafts with a rag;
- you can apply any color, and to make the design shine, add chrome dust.
Forged sculptures will fit well into the interior of the mansion, the rooms of which correspond to the Scandinavian style and are decorated with stone, leather, wood and iron.
Tools and schemes
Let's learn how to decorate a metal front door. If a beginner wants to engage in this craft on an ongoing basis, then the inventory must be bought. If you just want to try your hand, then you can rent the necessary supplies from a construction company. Art welding equipment and blueprints:
- acetylene and oxygen cylinders, hose, torch and filler wire;
- glasses with C2 filter;
- canvas mittens;
- artistic welding is not done without a cardboard stencil;
- pen, ruler, pencil, scissors, stationery knife;
- file and grinder with a small circle for grinding steel surfaces.
Instead of gas welding, RDS is often used. You will need an inverter, electrodes, a mask, a hammer to removeslag.
Correct deposition
The right approach to work will make the task easier. Draw up a plan in which they indicate diagrams, sketches and the amount of material. Staged welding:
- Come up with an image or find it on the Internet, a book. It all depends on the preferences of the master.
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The original photo of artistic welding is transferred to a cardboard sheet. In order not to draw by hand, there is a way to help deal with the matter. A thin landscape sheet of paper is applied to the monitor with a picture and the lines are traced with a pencil with light touches.
- The blank is placed on the cardboard and fixed with glue. Use scissors or a clerical knife to cut out unnecessary parts to make a stencil.
- The canvas is taped to the door in the center. In the established stencil, the interior spaces are outlined with chalk. The thicker the line, the better, since you will have to view the outline through darkened glasses.
- Steel is wiped from dust. Filler wire is welded along the borders and over the entire area of the print. Make a three-dimensional sculpture. On top of the primary layers, metal is deposited where necessary. If it is a dragon, then the head, torso, and tail are thickened.
- The work is brought to the finished state. The rough surface of the product is cleaned to a smooth state with a grinder and files. The last tool is suitable for hard-to-reach areas.
Additional detail will enhance the aesthetics of the iron sculpture. At the end, paint with variouscolors - black, brown, treated with silver.
Safety rules
Many welders suffered from negligence during welding. It is strongly recommended that you follow the safety precautions, otherwise you may be injured. To make artistic welding with your own hands, you need to know the safety rules:
- Check the he alth of the equipment. Does gas pass through the valves.
- Check if the hose clamps are tight.
- Clean welding goggles from dust. Holes in gloves are not acceptable. You need to work only in overalls.
- Do not touch hot metal with bare hands - burns are guaranteed.
- Try to keep your head a little away from the harmful fumes emanating from iron.
Do not use arc welding in wet clothes, electric shock will occur. Use a mask with a C4 filter.
Foreign and flammable materials should be removed from the workplace. Grind carefully, without putting your fingers under the wheel. Be sure to wear transparent glasses so that a spark does not get into the eye.
