Reply to Thread

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by VaughnT

Keep your eyes open for marketing opportunities. Even if it's just a landscaper's conference, it can be good to get your pieces out there where customers could potentially see it.

Do you have your own website yet? You should. Even if you're not selling the product, it gives you a portfolio that possible customers can look at. The pictures you've posted all along this thread would be great material for it and really give customers a sense of what's invested in making the thing they're interested in. And, if you're giving people business cards like you should, it's really important for them to have easy access to pictures of your awesomeness. Makes you look like a trustworthy source because they can see you're invested in doing this stuff.

And you're right to think about the pricing in that way. That's one of the things that makes pricing so very difficult especially when you're first starting out and trying to acquire gear. It's a slow process to build up.

Now hurry up and make the next great thing!

Keep an eye on the totem pole thread. Now that vacation is over and I got some practice in, I'm starting on the second piece of it tomorrow.

I have a web domain, I just need to pony up for hosting so it's live. Business cards are a great idea as well - so much I haven't even thought of.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

... Facebook marketplace, Offerup, and Craigslist I can't really think of another way to promote my stuff commercially. ...low inventory and quality of product. If there are ever swap meet type festivals or something... When it's all said and done, I look at it like this: I paid for my welder and 1/3rd of my carport. ... welding and creating - all my projects I'd classify as practice, therapy, or fun. And a second one would be MUCH, MUCH easier, now that most of the learning is done! Plus I have great promotional pics now.

Keep your eyes open for marketing opportunities. Even if it's just a landscaper's conference, it can be good to get your pieces out there where customers could potentially see it.

Do you have your own website yet? You should. Even if you're not selling the product, it gives you a portfolio that possible customers can look at. The pictures you've posted all along this thread would be great material for it and really give customers a sense of what's invested in making the thing they're interested in. And, if you're giving people business cards like you should, it's really important for them to have easy access to pictures of your awesomeness. Makes you look like a trustworthy source because they can see you're invested in doing this stuff.

And you're right to think about the pricing in that way. That's one of the things that makes pricing so very difficult especially when you're first starting out and trying to acquire gear. It's a slow process to build up.

Now hurry up and make the next great thing!

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

NOW you tell me!

Besides Facebook marketplace, Offerup, and Craigslist I can't really think of another way to promote my stuff commercially. I'm nowhere near at a level to participate in a "real" art fair, low inventory and quality of product. If there are ever swap meet type festivals or something around here again, I'd dip my toe into that pool, if nothing else to get a feel for how it all works. (Hopefully this fall there might be some again - summer isn't the festival season around here).

When it's all said and done, I look at it like this: I paid for my welder and 1/3rd of my carport. Like you said, I could buy stupid-expensive golf clubs and play the same as with my current 30yr old set on too-expensive courses. But welding and creating - all my projects I'd classify as practice, therapy, or fun. If nothing else, it was satisfying to be told this is impossible, but pulling it off in the end.

And a second one would be MUCH, MUCH easier, now that most of the learning is done! Plus I have great promotional pics now.

If you put a nice brass or aluminum tag on it, some ****bag scrapper will work all day to get that tag off and get his fifty cents.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by VaughnT

.I would recommend that you buy some nice metal tags that you can rivet onto your work, marking them as yours so the legions of fans soon to be flocking to your door will have some provenance.

NOW you tell me!

Besides Facebook marketplace, Offerup, and Craigslist I can't really think of another way to promote my stuff commercially. I'm nowhere near at a level to participate in a "real" art fair, low inventory and quality of product. If there are ever swap meet type festivals or something around here again, I'd dip my toe into that pool, if nothing else to get a feel for how it all works. (Hopefully this fall there might be some again - summer isn't the festival season around here).

When it's all said and done, I look at it like this: I paid for my welder and 1/3rd of my carport. Like you said, I could buy stupid-expensive golf clubs and play the same as with my current 30yr old set on too-expensive courses. But welding and creating - all my projects I'd classify as practice, therapy, or fun. If nothing else, it was satisfying to be told this is impossible, but pulling it off in the end.

And a second one would be MUCH, MUCH easier, now that most of the learning is done! Plus I have great promotional pics now.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

I can't deny, the pics make me conflicted on pricing. It looks epic, but I had it listed for 8 months or so and he was the first person to even contact me about it.

Doesn't matter how long it takes, honestly. It's not like it's a consumable that'll be ruined if it sits outside for a couple years.

A lot of the work, sadly, is in developing your contacts and learning where it's good to advertise. If you just put it in the local paper, expect to get no hits.

Pricing it cheap might get you a quick sale, but it also helps create the bad habit of under-valuing your work. You might think you're just tinkering and having fun, but that doesn't mean you need to go broke doing it. If that's your goal.... take up golfing or boating.

Of course, on the flip side of that argument --- the more time you spend advertising and trying to get your name known, the more you have to charge if you want to recoup all those little expenses like driving to fairs. In the end, it could be said that you break even since you didn't spend a grand traveling and entering shows.

it's a tough balance, that's for sure. Slow and steady wins the race, and you can bet this fella's instagram pictures will get you a lot more attention in the future. I would recommend that you buy some nice metal tags that you can rivet onto your work, marking them as yours so the legions of fans soon to be flocking to your door will have some provenance.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by SweetMK

Hey, Shootr,, I might have missed it,, what did you use for the pivot in the windmill??

It's a return roll from a conveyor system. Turned vertical, drilled the holes, and welded to the post. Where I work we supply these to the mines and rock yards.

Attachment 1727863

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Hey, Shootr,, I might have missed it,, what did you use for the pivot in the windmill??

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

These are great pics.

It reiterates my advice on your pricing

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I can't deny, the pics make me conflicted on pricing. It looks epic, but I had it listed for 8 months or so and he was the first person to even contact me about it.

My fit and finish still need a great deal of work/practice. I did look for a paint pen but of course, the black was sold out at 3 places around here - so like you, my shaky hands did their best.

I know good tools can only do so much, but a new ESAB helmet with 2.0 cheater and a headlight will hopefully make things easier to see and my skills will improve.

This weekend will be just practice - I need to dial in both mig and stick and make some quality improvements.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

The nautilus buyer sent me pics of his installation:

Attachment 1727825

I'm like a proud papa lol!

These are great pics.

It reiterates my advice on your pricing

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

The nautilus buyer sent me pics of his installation:

Attachment 1727825

I'm like a proud papa lol!

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

I like rust - that patina'd very nicely in my opinion. Thank you for posting the extra pictures, my questions are now answered lol!

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

I remember you posting this a while back - it came out so awesome! Do you happen to have any closer pics of the tail, body, and head? The missus saw it and went nuts - I have to try and build her one.

As requested. Some pics.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

I remember you posting this a while back - it came out so awesome! Do you happen to have any closer pics of the tail, body, and head? The missus saw it and went nuts - I have to try and build her one.

I'll make some tomorrow (its close to midnight now over here), but it has been sitting on the front lawn for quite some time now and has a good amount of rust on it.
I love the patina, but not everybody does.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by E T

Good to see You sold it for a good price and thanks for the inspiration it gave me to make my seahorse.

I remember you posting this a while back - it came out so awesome! Do you happen to have any closer pics of the tail, body, and head? The missus saw it and went nuts - I have to try and build her one.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Good to see You sold it for a good price and thanks for the inspiration it gave me to make my seahorse.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Congrats on the sale.


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Attachment 1727640

Alas, much like life itself, the Nautilus project has come full circle. Today it's new owner picked it (and the windmill) up to go to their new home. Yes, I cleaned up and redid the booger welds, as well as a good scotchbrite scrubbing and new clear coat. I must admit it is all very satisfying - $700 for the nautilus (plus $50 for the windmill), and the customer felt it was worth driving 250 miles round trip to get it. Now the front yard is bare again, I has a sad, but eventually the totem pole will rise to take their place.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by BD1

It got to the point where knee replacement was necessary. The first couple weeks for me were painful . The pain I had is gone, now therapy is complete.

I agree with you. My wife had both knees replaced, otherwise she was wheel chair bound. Yes, there is a painful period post surgery but the big difference is that with the surgery the pain is usually short lived, but without it the pain only gets worse. Same for the two shoulders she had replaced as well.

Now if I could only get her a brain transplant................................

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

It got to the point where knee replacement was necessary. The first couple weeks for me were painful . The pain I had is gone, now therapy is complete. I did buy a exercise bike just for therapy . That makes a huge difference !
Getting your body in a comfortable position is a big help. Sometimes resting on a 2x4 or 4x4 helps. The little elevation can help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by BD1

I know the feeling of getting old. My second knee replacement is three months old and first right months .
Instead of kneeling, lay down instead. I've welded many times like that. You may find it better for body positioning and control. The old days working it wasn't a option sometimes. [emoji23]
Your project is a success and you should be proud. Believe me, a, quality machine will definitely help especially at 220 volts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Unrelated story: My mom has crappy knees - both replaced and she does well now. I've dislocated mine several times each from various activities and stupid stunts. Can't run a lick either - but somehow, someway I can ride a bike forever. Got into riding years ago to lose some weight, entered a few charity rides, never an issue with them. I'm hoping that bodes well for the future - maybe I'll be lucky if I do as you do and stay off of them and lie down instead. Good tip!

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Shootr

If you look closely, I had my knee pads on when doing this haha!

Great observations - A more complex base is just too much beyond mine and my current equipment capabilities. Pretty sure a HF FCAW isn't rated anywhere close to properly welding to 3/8" plate. The flexibility/springiness of the i-beam also makes me nervous to go any taller - at least with this first effort. I was sticking to whatever single pass I could, as there is conflicting information about single pass vs. multi pass abilities with flux core wire. Hence the pre-heating of the plate with a torch, then the "Linger on the plate, slowly drag up to the beam - repeat" method I used.

For a 55 year old body, my flexibility is surprising intact - until I feel it the next day - but that's what the hot tub is for. Only 8' ceiling in the garage. I'm just happy to have a hoist now!

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice.

I know the feeling of getting old. My second knee replacement is three months old and first right months .
Instead of kneeling, lay down instead. I've welded many times like that. You may find it better for body positioning and control. The old days working it wasn't a option sometimes. [emoji23]
Your project is a success and you should be proud. Believe me, a, quality machine will definitely help especially at 220 volts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by OPUS FERRO

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logarithmic_spiral

Another - natural foundational reference is Circinate Vernation . . .

https://www.google.com/search?q=circ...w=1195&bih=974
. . .

Opus, I admit that I have disregarded about 99% of your posts, but the links to the types of spirals were educational, to say the least. Thanks for posting those.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Originally Posted by Kevin Morin

Shootr, neat project, thanks for posting.

I would also vote for a more complex base /attachment form- keeping your circle/pipe segment. I think it helps add visual weight to the base and 'end' the piece into the ground.

The original or inspiration photo of another piece with a similar central content- seems to have lots of planning in their base to more thoroughly compliment the curved form. That wouldn't hurt on this piece, which is why I like the added circle instead of just 'dying' into the plate.

In fact, as I regularly suggest to PSA in his vertical steel sculptures - thickening the base edges would also help give the base a greater sense of mass- so a flat bar rolled (cold forming a 1/8" x 2" flat bar) around the base plate might give a sense of thicker material? Also a series of arcs of similarly flat metal could be used to develop a conic shape to help 'thicken' your base?

The welds shown are cold, and lack fusion along the edges so I think the weld remarks are cautions. But I'd remark your weld position is about the absolute (for me! @ 70!) most difficult position to work in. I'm not sure how much overhead room you have but if at all possible (?) I'd suggest working to get up to bench ht or at least get off your knees to weld? I find that compressing your chest while kneeling reduces the breathing - reducing steadiness and resulting in less that the best you could do?

I think your small power supply would give you better results by practicing some narrow stringers? Maybe on a padding plate? I'd encourage you to avoid wide, "buttered" welds as they're not nearly as strong. I'd ask you to consider 3/16" wide stringer type beads built up along the natural fillet formed between the end surfaces of the original beam end, and the plate? By overlapping these types of narrow, not widened by torch movement, stringer welds- I'm almost sure you'd obtain a stronger, more durable and reliable weld joint?

thanks for posting your project- its encouraging to see problem solving and the results of determination to see a project to the end.

cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK

If you look closely, I had my knee pads on when doing this haha!

Great observations - A more complex base is just too much beyond mine and my current equipment capabilities. Pretty sure a HF FCAW isn't rated anywhere close to properly welding to 3/8" plate. The flexibility/springiness of the i-beam also makes me nervous to go any taller - at least with this first effort. I was sticking to whatever single pass I could, as there is conflicting information about single pass vs. multi pass abilities with flux core wire. Hence the pre-heating of the plate with a torch, then the "Linger on the plate, slowly drag up to the beam - repeat" method I used.

For a 55 year old body, my flexibility is surprising intact - until I feel it the next day - but that's what the hot tub is for. Only 8' ceiling in the garage. I'm just happy to have a hoist now!

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Shootr,

Great project - really enjoyed watching this unfold and also the full disclosure of what worked and what didn't. nice work.

Re: Nautilus out of an I-Beam - Questions on Bending

Shootr, neat project, thanks for posting.

I would also vote for a more complex base /attachment form- keeping your circle/pipe segment. I think it helps add visual weight to the base and 'end' the piece into the ground.

The original or inspiration photo of another piece with a similar central content- seems to have lots of planning in their base to more thoroughly compliment the curved form. That wouldn't hurt on this piece, which is why I like the added circle instead of just 'dying' into the plate.

In fact, as I regularly suggest to PSA in his vertical steel sculptures - thickening the base edges would also help give the base a greater sense of mass- so a flat bar rolled (cold forming a 1/8" x 2" flat bar) around the base plate might give a sense of thicker material? Also a series of arcs of similarly flat metal could be used to develop a conic shape to help 'thicken' your base?

The welds shown are cold, and lack fusion along the edges so I think the weld remarks are cautions. But I'd remark your weld position is about the absolute (for me! @ 70!) most difficult position to work in. I'm not sure how much overhead room you have but if at all possible (?) I'd suggest working to get up to bench ht or at least get off your knees to weld? I find that compressing your chest while kneeling reduces the breathing - reducing steadiness and resulting in less that the best you could do?

I think your small power supply would give you better results by practicing some narrow stringers? Maybe on a padding plate? I'd encourage you to avoid wide, "buttered" welds as they're not nearly as strong. I'd ask you to consider 3/16" wide stringer type beads built up along the natural fillet formed between the end surfaces of the original beam end, and the plate? By overlapping these types of narrow, not widened by torch movement, stringer welds- I'm almost sure you'd obtain a stronger, more durable and reliable weld joint?

thanks for posting your project- its encouraging to see problem solving and the results of determination to see a project to the end.

cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK