metal owl

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Was trying to figure out what to get the girlfriend for Christmas and realized she has a thing for owls. Searched around on google for ideas and found this. I said I can probably do that. Here is what I ended up with. Took me forever to cut that 3" steel disc with my portaband, and the sheet/washers were zinc coated which sucked. Wish home depot had plain washers and sheet when I went. Attached ImagesLast edited by chrisbmx68; 12-16-2011 at 09:34 AM.
Reply:Nice work. What are the eyes made from ?
Reply:the big circles were just 18g sheet that I hammered into bowls using a ball peen and the open end of an alternator pulley. The little circles were chunks of the round bar that i heated up with the O/A and pounded flatter then melted the edges so they were roundedLast edited by chrisbmx68; 12-16-2011 at 10:13 AM.
Reply:That is great.I wonder how freeze plugs would work for the eyes?
Reply:Really nice. True spirit of Christmas when one makes a gift. Attached Images
Reply:That is very cool.(Retired) Professional firefighter, amateur everything else I try to do...Oh yeah:  Go Big Red!   (You know: one of the 12 members of the Big 10 cuz we left the 10 members of the Big 12...)
Reply:chrisThat is too cool I love the way its done. In regard to the plated washers, get a bottle of muriatic acid and a glass dish and let them soak until the bubbles stop, they will be clean.I use this method on bolts,nuts and washers I need to weld. Just be sure you use rubber gloves and a good mask the fumes are a killer. I normally flush with running water for a few minutes. A quick buff with a wire wheel will restore the shine.
Reply:Thanks for the tips for stripping the plating I will have to use that next time. Been debating painting it or not I think I should at least color the eyes black and maybe try to dust the body with like a bronze, but I think it mostly looks good raw.
Reply:I saw a project on here a couple weeks ago... picture frame maybe? I cant remember. Anyway the creator got his piece super hot, im assuming with a torch, then rapidly cooled it in some oil. The color turned out awesome! Something maybe to think about.