Hi Guys
I’m looking for some advice on the best approach to fabricating something.
The attached image is of a structure that I built using some thin wooden skewers and a cheap plastecine type material for the joins. I’m now looking to replicate this structure in metal form, but I’m unsure what the best approach would be. In terms of materials I’m looking to use something quite inexpensive – probably steel rods about 3-4mm in diameter (but I’m open to any suggestions, particularly for reasonably priced places to purchase in the UK).
I’m quite the novice when it comes to welding. I’ve done two or three days MIG and TIG welding while at college a few years back, however my technical knowledge of this is bad, and although I could potentially hire some equipment the space and cost could be a barrier for me (overall I've got a budget of about £100 for this, ideally). I am intending on putting in the time to learn this properly in the future, however time isn't on my side for this project.
One approach I had considered was using a cheap propane torch and some plumbing solder to construct the joins, however I’m not certain if this is feasible and appropriate, for example what would be the strength limitations for the joins? I did try something similar before using a cheap soldering iron with some thinner rods, and although the structure did hold together on the whole it was fragile. I need to transport this structure 200 miles in the back of car soon so obviously a strong construction is vital.
If anyone can share some expertise on how best to approach this it would be much appreciated.
Many thanks!
I’m looking for some advice on the best approach to fabricating something.
The attached image is of a structure that I built using some thin wooden skewers and a cheap plastecine type material for the joins. I’m now looking to replicate this structure in metal form, but I’m unsure what the best approach would be. In terms of materials I’m looking to use something quite inexpensive – probably steel rods about 3-4mm in diameter (but I’m open to any suggestions, particularly for reasonably priced places to purchase in the UK).
I’m quite the novice when it comes to welding. I’ve done two or three days MIG and TIG welding while at college a few years back, however my technical knowledge of this is bad, and although I could potentially hire some equipment the space and cost could be a barrier for me (overall I've got a budget of about £100 for this, ideally). I am intending on putting in the time to learn this properly in the future, however time isn't on my side for this project.
One approach I had considered was using a cheap propane torch and some plumbing solder to construct the joins, however I’m not certain if this is feasible and appropriate, for example what would be the strength limitations for the joins? I did try something similar before using a cheap soldering iron with some thinner rods, and although the structure did hold together on the whole it was fragile. I need to transport this structure 200 miles in the back of car soon so obviously a strong construction is vital.
If anyone can share some expertise on how best to approach this it would be much appreciated.
Many thanks!
looks like a labour of love to me.