Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Cutting metal for Funky Fish

©2016 Barry Smith 
You may remember the blog post I did on the Flying Funky Fish in July. I have been asked if I had them for sale. I thought before I put them up into the shop (which is a bit empty at the moment) I should make a few more.

I have been using the curved sides of a couple of old and large brass jardinieres for the bodies of the fish. I particularly like the curves that have stripped or diamond patterns on them  - reminds me a bit of the markings on some fish.

Anyway I got the angle grinder out, put in a fine reinforced cutting disc and cut the top section off the jardiniere (fancy name for pot plant pot).

©2016 Barry Smith 
©2016 Barry Smith 
I cut 5 fish bodies from the top section. In the past the jardiniere had been coated with varnish so I had to burn that off - interesting green flames. Of course it annealed the metal at the same time.

©2016 Barry Smith 
©2016 Barry Smith 
The metal was curved in the wrong direction so while it was soft from annealing I bent the pieces spot they curved the way I wanted them. But you can see they are pretty messy at this point. So over to the grinder and polisher to give them new life.

©2016 Barry Smith  - Funky Fish bodies in the rough
©2016 Barry Smith - Funky Fish bodies on rust
Interestingly enough as I was fossicking around in the metal pile I found a few other fish bodies I had cut months and months ago. So they got a grind and polish as well. Love the small one.

©2016 Barry Smith - Some other Funky Fish bodies that were hanging around
Now it is a matter of setting aside time to add fins, tails, gills etc.

2 comments:

  1. Loving your Funky Fish, B! I've always been drawn to fishy shapes and those finished items are delightful. I'm sure they'll do well in the shop.

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    Replies
    1. Hi C - not sure when I will get to take the next step on these - I have a couple of commissions; and of course there is the need to make stock for shops in the lead up to Christmas. Peace. B

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.