Under construction: L. kempii

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I thought I would document this sea turtle build. Originally, (years ago) I intended this to be a snapping turtle. The carapace (upper shell) was to highly domed for the sea turtle project, Lepidochelys kempii. The first pic shows most of the project materials (all stainless steel). Pic 2 shows the affects of a little "heatin & beatin". This was necessary, as Kemp's  Ridley has a much shorter domed carapace. The carapace in this species of sea turtle is nearly round, so (pic 3) material was added to the sides. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Next, it was off to the plasma cutter, to trim the excess material. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:The perimeter "scales" are called marginal scutes. These ( stainless steel) "scales" were cut and fit with a cut off wheel mounted to a die grinder, then fused in place. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Once all the scutes were in place, I began to tig 'em. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:The next step involved tigging between the scutes to refine their shape. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Refining the nuchal scute and adjacent areas. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Refining the supracaudal (rear) scutes. This is as far as I've gotten with this project. over the next few weeks, I will post updates on this thread. So if this interests anyone, stay tuned!  Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:I for one will be watching as I think you guys are www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Impressed as always grump! Cant wait to follow the progression! You are definately one of a kind bro!!!! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Thanks guys! I do enjoy sharing, and I invite all questions, ideas, and critiques.http://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:nice work on that big fella jeff i enjoy seeing it taking shape.....thanks for sharing...
Reply:Definitely interested, please keep those pics coming.This looks like it is going to be another outstanding grumpycricket production.
Reply:Awesome project, what size guage is that material?
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Just outta curiosity Jeff, do you do all your welding at work or do you have a home shop/studio too?After I got the welding bug back in the late '90's, I quickly realized I didn't want to be dependent on my employers machinery so I started buying my own.... And buying, and buying, and buying........ It's actually how I started doing the buy & sell thing. Primarily to get better machinery for myself. I never imagined it would end up becoming a full time living for me. Just wondered......Love your work man.
Reply:I'm the only tool & die weldor there, and for 21 years. I'm hoping they like having me around. From time to time, bosses will ask to see the latest project, and it becomes "show & tell" time.http://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Excellent!When you retire, maybe they'll let you take the welder with you!!! Syncrowave by the looks of it in one of your FB pix.Got that boxed up, shoot it out tomorrow
Reply:I am blown away.So much detail, very enjoyable to look at. Cool.PlasmaCam CNC cutterLathe and Band SawClamps
Reply:For today's installment, I added the lateral scutes. I plasma cut the shapes from 1/8th inch stainless steel. Next, I cold formed them with a ball pein hammer. I placed and fused each piece, a bit like an elementary jig saw puzzle. In a few spots, I clamped and tacked the individual "scales". Now the carapace is roughed in. What follows will be many hours of refining, and sanding to 400 grit. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:I am impressed with your ability. richey
Reply:grumpycricketIt's all about the plastron.Opus
Reply:Originally Posted by raider12Awesome project, what size guage is that material?
Reply:Originally Posted by OPUS FERROgrumpycricketIt's all about the plastron.Opus
Reply:In pic #1, I had to do a little heatin & beatin to get the contours right. In pic #2, I welded the perimeter of each scute (scale). The next step is to tig the gaps to achieve uniformity. Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Found the old snapping turtle head. Tig'd this up a few years ago, in stainless steel. Now to make it look like a sea turtle!  Attached Imageshttp://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Looking freaking awesome Grumpy! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been CowboysI will be honest, at the beginning of the thread it looked like scrap metal. By the end of all the pictures it looks great. Once seeing more then just the rough shape I was able to see it. You really made it come to life with your vision.Great job. I am just curious, do you do this as a hobby or a side busniess or something else? Either way its great.PROUD   AMERICAN
Reply:Originally Posted by Fletcher94I will be honest, at the beginning of the thread it looked like scrap metal. By the end of all the pictures it looks great. Once seeing more then just the rough shape I was able to see it. You really made it come to life with your vision.Great job. I am just curious, do you do this as a hobby or a side busniess or something else? Either way its great.