A welding project: a Calder standing mobile

[carbon]

Hey everyone, I'm pretty excited to document my sculpture here. It's inspired by Alexander Calder's standing mobiles...sorta like his mobiles (which he invented) only with a base instead of hanging from the ceiling.

A Calder standing mobile:


So, I had worked with an oxy/acy torch and a MIG 17 yrs ago, but with only the most basic training. I'm taking a class now, and it's really fun.

But, anyhoo, here's the start of the project:


It's called "The Seal." It's 10 gauge steel. I have to add supports so it can stand, smooth off the rough edges, add a mobile, and paint it. I'm using an oxy/acy setup to cut and weld. Not a super tough thing, but it's my 3rd welding project in my life, and 1st one since 1993.

I'll keep you updated on the progress!

[bert the welder]

Cool!
Free standing "mobiles" are called "Stabiles"
http://www.stabiles.com/
Good luck and keep us posted!
Bert

[carbon]

Stabiles are technically a standing mobile without the mobile. Like the image on the link you provided, or here.

But hey, thanks for your support, man!

[carbon]

Update: Pretty much smoothed out, MIG welded (I wanted to oxy-weld it, but my instructor wanted MIG. I wanted to learn MIG anyway, so...)







Welds need to be grinded; they're messy, as to be expected as this is my third welding project. Then I have to fashion the mobile that will hang from the 'snout.' And then painting...