Making some "log" welds in HS Shop Class

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I have an abundance of 1/2 and 3/4 mild steel left over from lathe projects over the years.  We finally found a use for all of the short pieces and came up with "Log " paperweights and desk sets.  I made a pattern for an axe on the Plasma cutter and then the kids were turned loose with free reign to create whatever they wanted as long as it was within the logging theme.  Here are a couple of examples of what they are making.  We used wire feed on the logs and 6013 on the tubing.  It was hard to get them to put bad welds on the steel to get the log effect.  I guess I did actually teach them something!  We put everything together with hidden tack welds and then sandblasted and rusted the metal with vinegar and a bleach solution.  After it dried a few coats of clear and this is what the finished product is looking like. Attached Images
Reply:It looks like they earned an A+ to me.Sent from under a Miller welding helmet
Reply:ditto on the A+. very nice. very realistic.
Reply:That's a very cool idea
Reply:Awesome!
Reply:I really like those.  What is the scale?
Reply:Nice!Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Originally Posted by ifallswelder........then sandblasted and rusted the metal with vinegar and a bleach solution.
Reply:Made a "Stump" Pencil holder today, the kids are really taking this and running with it.  We adjusted our rusting solution to straight bleach, no more mixing with vinegar.  Thanks for the heads up Rock Knocker. Attached Images
Reply:Nice creativity and use of extra material. Must be hard for someone to lay down bad beads after preaching how to do a good weld.I am glad to see that there are still shop classes that show real life skills and allow students to be creative. When I graduated HS our shop class was 1 of 2 left in the county. They were phasing out all the other "hands-on" courses because they were trying to push everyone to college. Last year there was an incident involving a drill press and I'm pretty sure they got rid of shop class after that.Hats off to youBtw, what state are you in?TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Nice Work those are bad ***Miller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:That's awesome. I wish I'd had welding in HS. All I had was wood shop.  I didn't start welding until I was 21. :/  cool idea!Millermatic 211 Miller Blue Fire 140@swiftwelding on Instagram