Scrap metal art or projects

[Shootr]

I can see a clock being more practical, and if doesn't sell as it is - I may go ahead and submit - but it's ART maaaaaann!

[psacustomcreations]

I can see a clock being more practical, and if doesn't sell as it is - I may go ahead and submit - but it's ART maaaaaann!

What would you price it as an art piece or sculpture?
What would you price it as a clock?
I have an idea of my prices, but am curious of your thoughts.

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[Reebz]

PSAcustomcreations
this thread has been very inspiring to me, so much so I'm getting out of some of the gym equipment and moving into art/furniture.
Lis2323 you too have been a gem.
Shootr I love the build it gave me some ideas

[Shootr]

What would you price it as an art piece or sculpture?
What would you price it as a clock?
I have an idea of my prices, but am curious of your thoughts.

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I really try to eliminate the emotional part of making the piece (creator complex lol?) when I take a stab at pricing stuff. In a gallery or having some kind of recognition - I can't see it going for less that $300 as an art piece. As a post on local sales sites, I'll be lucky to see $150 (as a clock or a sculpture). I'm starting to put a website together to at least give the illusion I am a creator.







The bar table is down to $175 and I still have yet to have a single inquiry on it.

[Lis2323]

.

The bottom photo is an extremely cool perspective IMO.


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[psacustomcreations]

PSAcustomcreations
this thread has been very inspiring to me, so much so I'm getting out of some of the gym equipment and moving into art/furniture.
Lis2323 you too have been a gem.
Shootr I love the build it gave me some ideas

Thank you for the kind words.
Here are a few questions I would throw out for you to think about.
Are you looking at crafts or more towards fine art?
Each has a market and can be financially rewarding. Look at the beginning of this thread versus now for my changes in style and growth.
Where and how will you sell? This is a different set of customers compared to gym equipment and comes with its own set of challenges. Especially with lock downs, art show or festival cancellations.
I assume you are set up to receive various forms of payment and have a business license. If not, it is a good idea to get one. You will be in the public sphere and it is easy to track you and get in a jam.
Pricing of work is a whole other long conversation, if not multiple conversations. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I may not have the answers, but am always will to help.
I tried to offer some advice throughout this thread. That may still be valid, but in this strange new world, you will need to be flexible and responsive.

[Reebz]

Thank you. I have questions and will post on this thread or via PM. The gym sales where all by word of mouth and I did it for years. Too little profit, too much time, and little reward. People love what I made and that felt good but it was simply not satisfying. I will still make weird stuff but few squat racks. I imagine crafts, furniture, yard art maybe try fine art. Plus I love bead rolling. I will get back to you soon.

[Lis2323]

Thank you. I have questions and will post on this thread or via PM. The gym sales where all by word of mouth and I did it for years. Too little profit, too much time, and little reward. People love what I made and that felt good but it was simply not satisfying. I will still make weird stuff but few squat racks. I imagine crafts, furniture, yard art maybe try fine art. Plus I love bead rolling. I will get back to you soon.

PM just sent Reebz


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[psacustomcreations]

A friend of mine (who is not in the Army) has a young son that loves playing Army and for some reason is enamored with the Higgins Boats or landing crafts of WW2. She had bought him a plastic one from Amazon, but were disappointed. I was asked to make a better version.
My hat is off to fine detail sculptors and artists like Richard Ferguson and PatriceL who used to post here. Small stuff like this is difficult for me.
I bought the same cheap one from Amazon and used that as a template.

[psacustomcreations]

A few more pics.
I was trying to make it so it floated, so the rear area, are below the main deck and then the square next to where the pilot stands are hollow and sealed by welding both the inside and outside of the seams. It kind of floats.

[bead-boy]

That will be his pride and joy showing it to others. But should have made it big enough for the kid to sit in. With pedals connected to a prop. Then the kid would REALLY be impressed

[Reebz]

That is very very cool and you should be proud. Helping a kid.

[Shootr]

What would you price it as an art piece or sculpture?
What would you price it as a clock?
I have an idea of my prices, but am curious of your thoughts.

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I really try to eliminate the emotional part of making the piece (creator complex lol?) when I take a stab at pricing stuff. In a gallery or having some kind of recognition - I can't see it going for less that $300 as an art piece. As a post on local sales sites, I'll be lucky to see $150 (as a clock or a sculpture). I'm starting to put a website together to at least give the illusion I am a creator.



The bar table is down to $175 and I still have yet to have a single inquiry on it.

I didn't know if you saw my response regarding my pricing estimations and expectations. Do you think I'm in the ballpark or a little too proud of what I've done so far lol? About all I base my guesses on is from what I see in local galleries, art fairs - stuff like that. How much skill and craftsmanship some things must take vs. other pieces I see that I know I could produce - but with price tags that make me roll my eyes.

I'm not trying to make a living making the stuff I make - it's like all those projects I did in school, brought home, then mom had to figure out where to put another ceramic turtle! I'm afraid my house/yard will become one of those over-crowded exhibitions that crazy old people seem to have.

I'd be happy to recoup what I have into them, which is rarely very much. The bar table was about $50, the latest piece was $35 for the cymbal, the rest is junk. I try to heed your advice, not price my stuff like I don't value it, but I also get the feeling sometimes I'm not realistic in what others would value it at.

Anyways, wanted to get your feedback on the answers to your questions. Thanks man.

[bcguide]

A wood heater i build for a friend.

[psacustomcreations]

I didn't know if you saw my response regarding my pricing estimations and expectations. Do you think I'm in the ballpark or a little too proud of what I've done so far lol? About all I base my guesses on is from what I see in local galleries, art fairs - stuff like that. How much skill and craftsmanship some things must take vs. other pieces I see that I know I could produce - but with price tags that make me roll my eyes.

I'm not trying to make a living making the stuff I make - it's like all those projects I did in school, brought home, then mom had to figure out where to put another ceramic turtle! I'm afraid my house/yard will become one of those over-crowded exhibitions that crazy old people seem to have.

I'd be happy to recoup what I have into them, which is rarely very much. The bar table was about $50, the latest piece was $35 for the cymbal, the rest is junk. I try to heed your advice, not price my stuff like I don't value it, but I also get the feeling sometimes I'm not realistic in what others would value it at.

Anyways, wanted to get your feedback on the answers to your questions. Thanks man.

I was holding off on commenting because I was trying to think about both items. I will try to be honest since I expect others to do the same for my work. I know some of my pieces work or look complete and also know that sometimes, they do not. Stepping away from them a bit or outside help or advice is needed to make them pop.

Bar Table - The offset piece of glass does not do it for me. Something about that piece of glass on the set up just doesn't work. I like nearly everything else. The top plate looks great with the railing and space for shot glasses but it needs to be three times larger. Your last couple of pics in that thread show a very specific use. They are nice and clear pics which are better than many of my pics. Since the table seems to have a specific use, your market is also very specific. Because something doesn't jive with me on this item, my pricing for it is still in the $250 to $350 range at a gallery. If I were to take this to some of my art shows, I would first be worried someone would bump into it, second that outside, they would think that they would not see the glass and try to set something down and miss and drop it.

Arch with Cymbal - I like this and think it is a very clean design. Because of that, it has a much wider appeal. You have posted a few pics of the front of your house with some items seen and it has a clean look to it. I would take a few pics of this piece in front of the house. That might also give you a chance to see how stable it is. Customers will look at it and wonder if the wind will knock it over. In a gallery setting, I would probably price this in the $500-600 range. At some of my art shows, I would probably be in the same range but would be willing to drop 10%. I do not think many people will realize it is a drum cymbal and will like the texture of it. Some will think it is the lid for a wok or other type of pan because of the hole in the center. As I think about it, I would maybe see if there is something you could put in the center to hide the hole and avoid questions. Maybe a contrasting stainless ball or colored stainless ball on each side. Just use a threaded nut insert and small piece of threaded rod from a screw so they are held in place. Once it has something in the center, I would then revisit the price. Hiding that center hole will add just the right touch to make it complete. The stainless balls are a quick, easy accent, but I also know sometimes they might be a crutch for me.

In regards to local online sales, I don't post my art items on Facebook so can't comment on how those will do. Part of that is a function of how much time I have, and part of that is because many art pieces or sculptures need to be seen in person for the full effect. I think a website shows more professionalism. Facebook marketplace just seems like another version of Craigslist, and who buys higher end art off Craigslist or Facebook?

[whtbaron]

A wood heater i build for a friend.

I like those "feet"... I might steal that idea some time...

[acourtjester]

I welded up some low profile clamp/hold downs for my CNC router table's spoilboard. CNC plasma cut the base parts the others parts are flat stock, and 3-D printed the knob tops. There are 2 fixed and 2 adjustable clamps all have the see-saw hold downs. The bse is 1/4" so the wood will stay 1/4" off the spoilboard so I can rout through the wood without hitting the spoilboard.

[ronsii]

A wood heater i build for a friend.

Nice Looks like it would heat a lot of wood

[Shootr]

I was holding off on commenting because I was trying to think about both items. I will try to be honest since I expect others to do the same for my work. I know some of my pieces work or look complete and also know that sometimes, they do not. Stepping away from them a bit or outside help or advice is needed to make them pop.

Bar Table - The offset piece of glass does not do it for me. Something about that piece of glass on the set up just doesn't work. I like nearly everything else. The top plate looks great with the railing and space for shot glasses but it needs to be three times larger. Your last couple of pics in that thread show a very specific use. They are nice and clear pics which are better than many of my pics. Since the table seems to have a specific use, your market is also very specific. Because something doesn't jive with me on this item, my pricing for it is still in the $250 to $350 range at a gallery. If I were to take this to some of my art shows, I would first be worried someone would bump into it, second that outside, they would think that they would not see the glass and try to set something down and miss and drop it.

Arch with Cymbal - I like this and think it is a very clean design. Because of that, it has a much wider appeal. You have posted a few pics of the front of your house with some items seen and it has a clean look to it. I would take a few pics of this piece in front of the house. That might also give you a chance to see how stable it is. Customers will look at it and wonder if the wind will knock it over. In a gallery setting, I would probably price this in the $500-600 range. At some of my art shows, I would probably be in the same range but would be willing to drop 10%. I do not think many people will realize it is a drum cymbal and will like the texture of it. Some will think it is the lid for a wok or other type of pan because of the hole in the center. As I think about it, I would maybe see if there is something you could put in the center to hide the hole and avoid questions. Maybe a contrasting stainless ball or colored stainless ball on each side. Just use a threaded nut insert and small piece of threaded rod from a screw so they are held in place. Once it has something in the center, I would then revisit the price. Hiding that center hole will add just the right touch to make it complete. The stainless balls are a quick, easy accent, but I also know sometimes they might be a crutch for me.

In regards to local online sales, I don't post my art items on Facebook so can't comment on how those will do. Part of that is a function of how much time I have, and part of that is because many art pieces or sculptures need to be seen in person for the full effect. I think a website shows more professionalism. Facebook marketplace just seems like another version of Craigslist, and who buys higher end art off Craigslist or Facebook?

This is great - I really appreciate you taking the time to detail your thoughts and help a brother out!

I'm hearing you on the bar table top size. I was referencing others that are at my local establishment, they just tuck in between two chairs giving a patron a closer place for an ashtray and/or beverage. I also figure if I'm really going to try and sell this stuff I should put some energy into staging and presenting them better (hence the props and backgrounds). As you say, it's marketed (currently) at a very specific audience and with cigars and whiskey booming in popularity it seems like a good demographic to target.

The good thing is if in a year, it's still hanging around, I can remodel it since everything extraneous is just bolted on.

I really appreciate the kind words on the cymbal piece - as a former percussionist it makes me smile to incorporate something like that in a piece - even if most don't realize what it is. I agree - that particular style cymbal has a unique look. It is still just held in with friction and gravity so if it gets into the wind it'll pop out. I want to secure it in the steel, but not sure how folding the edges over would look. I still kind of like the pin idea - cut the grooves enough for the edges to rise proud of the steel surface, drill a hole in the cymbal edge, and put a brass pin through it.

I was looking at drawer knobs and the like to fill the center hole - I want it double-sided because I like it not having a "front" and a "back". Haven't found anything that was jazzing me up too much. Do you have a source for the sphere's you use? I had an extra clock mechanism laying around and threw it in to see - still not a fan of it being a clock lol.

I think the website will be a benefit over the longer term. It's so easy and cheap to set up these days but nice to have a something polished that people can check and see more of what I'm about.

Sincerely, thanks again for your time and help.

[psacustomcreations]

This is great - I really appreciate you taking the time to detail your thoughts and help a brother out!
Do you have a source for the sphere's you use?

.

A friend and I made a bulk purchase of the spheres at the end of 2019 from this place. We were over $1500 by the time it was all said and done.

https://verycoolstuff.us/gazing-globes-stands/

[Lis2323]

I used pieces of scrap plate and 2” square tube stubs to make bench vise vertical receivers.








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[coecoe13]

As a new member and a new welder I just wanted to post a quick thank you for the inspirations and a say how impressive all the projects are. Thanks.

[psacustomcreations]

As a new member and a new welder I just wanted to post a quick thank you for the inspirations and a say how impressive all the projects are. Thanks.

Feel free to post photos of your work or any questions you might have. As you can see, we sometimes stray off topic, but as long as it is not politics, have at it.

[Lis2323]

As you can see, we sometimes stray off topic, but as long as it is not politics, have at it.

And thank you for that, Pat!


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[psacustomcreations]

I started out making a three dimensional, flame inspired abstract sculpture. It kept looking like a goose as I smoothed out the curves so I just went with it.
Now I need to decide on a finish. Suggestions are welcome.


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