Original crafts are made from metal objects. For this, artistic welding and forging are used. The constructions are strong, durable, but it will take a lot of time to build, for example, the same coffee table made of iron. Images and sculptures in the form of roses, dragons, birds are made on the entrance doors, window bars and other things, fusing the wire onto a steel surface.
Types of welding
To create art sculptures at home, do not use semi-automatic, automatic, laser or other complex welding. Popular options:
Gas welding - surfaced with filler wire of different diameters. You will need acetylene or propane. In the second case, the metal heating temperature is lower than in the first. Non-ferrous metals are boiled with argon.
Manual arc - stitch in layers. Slag is removed as it spoils the quality between layers. The metal has a high melting point, but low current and electrodes with a diameter of less than 4 mm are used for this activity.
According to the rules, artistic welding is done with gas and wire, but it can be arc, but it is more complicated. To create a good work experience is necessary.
Options for decorative crafts
Specialists make unique textures on fences, gates, caskets, flower stands. They remake the product to the desired shape. In addition, they forge chairs, hangers, tables, clothing and shoe shelves. At the entrance to the house on the sides of the porch from the fittings are mounted figures in the form of lions and wolves. Steel sculptures imitating climbing plants are made on the metal supports of the arched canopy.
The room is decorated with metal flowers, ornaments are attached to the ceiling, iron strips are attached to the columns, on which ancient hieroglyphs are painted and the craft is painted with a golden color. For gifts make metal animal figures, heart, roses. On these items inscriptions are made for a loved one. In such a case the possibility is not limited. Hiring a professional is expensive, so it's best to learn how to create such masterpieces with your own hands.
Technology advantages
You can make a large number of practical and beautiful steel items. From old nondescript products beautiful figures are attracting the attention of guests. Art metal welding has the advantages of:
Operating duration forged elements;
the strength of a material that is not afraid of mechanical damage and falling from a great height;
additional protective coating will protect the metal from corrosion, moisture, dust and dirt;
a wide variety of options for manufacturing unique metal objects;
You can use not only gas welding, but also arc;
frequent care is not required, it is enough to periodically wipe the surface of the crafts with a rag;
any color can be applied, and chrome dust is added to make the structure shiny.
Forged sculptures 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 charts
Let's find out how to decorate a metal front door. If a beginner wants to engage in this craft on an ongoing basis, then inventory must be bought. If you just want to try your hand, you can rent the necessary accessories from a construction company. Equipment for artistic welding and drawings:
acetylene and oxygen cylinders, hose, torch and filler wire;
glasses with a light filter C2;
canvas gloves;
without cardboard stencil art welding is not done;
pen, ruler, pencil, scissors, stationery knife;
file and grinder with a shallow circle for grinding steel surfaces.
Instead of gas welding, RDS is often used. You will need an inverter, electrodes, mask, hammer to remove slag.
Correct fusion
A proper approach to work will facilitate the task. Make a plan, which indicate the scheme, sketches and the amount of material. Step-by-step deposition:
Come up with an image or find it on the Internet, a book. It all depends on the preferences of the wizard.
The original photo of art welding is transferred to a cardboard sheet. In order not to draw by hand, there is a way to help you get things done. A thin landscape sheet of paper is applied to the monitor with a picture, and a pencil draws light lines around the lines.
The blank is placed on a cardboard and fixed with glue. Unnecessary parts are cut with scissors or a clerical knife to make a stencil.
The cloth is attached with tape to the door in the center. In the installed stencil, the inner spaces are surrounded with chalk. The thicker the line, the better, because you have to look at the outline through darkened glasses.
Steel is wiped off from dust. A filler wire is fused along the borders and throughout the print area. Do volumetric sculpture. Metal is deposited on top of the primary layers where necessary. If it is a dragon, then the head, trunk, tail thicken.
The work is brought to a finished state. The rough surface of the product is smoothed to a smooth state by the grinder and files. The last tool is suitable for hard to reach areas.
Additional detail will enhance the aesthetics of iron sculpture. At the end, they are painted in various colors - black, brown, treated with silver.
Safety regulations
Many welders suffered from negligence during welding. It is strongly recommended that safety precautions be followed, otherwise injuries may result. To make art welding with your own hands, you need to know the safety rules:
Check the health of the equipment. Does gas pass through the valves?
See if hose clamps are tight.
Clear welding goggles dust. Mittened holes are unacceptable. You need to work only in overalls.
Do not touch red-hot metal with bare hands - a burn is guaranteed.
Try to keep your head a little away from harmful fumes emanating from iron.
It is impossible to use electric arc welding in wet clothing, electric shock will occur. Use a mask with a C4 filter.
Remove extraneous and flammable materials from the workplace. Grind cautiously, without palm fingers. Be sure to wear transparent glasses so that a spark does not get into the eye.