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Working with nails?

gmtkyfcs - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 10:03am
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I have a great idea for a sculpture made out of nails. I am new to working with metals and welders, so I am unsure as to what would be the best type of welder for such a job. The project will take many small welds that will connect nails that range in size from 1 inch to 8 inch. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
JRB


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gmtkyfcs's picture

I actually have a Miller

gmtkyfcs - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 10:40am

I actually have a Miller Matic Syncrowave 180 SD that I am able to use on this project if it turns out to be a good fit.


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visitor's picture

I think a tig welder such as

visitor - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 11:15am

I think a tig welder such as your syncrowave would be perfect.

To inspire you, I might advise you to look at the work of John Bisbee, who pretty much RULES when it comes to sculpture made from nails.

http://www.bowdoin.edu/news/archives/1academicnews/004736.shtml


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gmtkyfcs's picture

Thanks for the info and I

gmtkyfcs - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 12:41pm

Thanks for the info and I appreciate the link on John. He does do some pretty amazing pieces (or tons).


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gmtkyfcs's picture

What about a Miller MIG 175?

gmtkyfcs - Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 2:38pm

What about a Miller MIG 175? I also have access to that machine as well.


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Frank Castiglione's picture

Try Both

Frank Castiglione - Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 3:29pm

Hi gmtkyfcs,
It sounds like a perfect opportunity to try both and compare them.
Frank


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visitor's picture

TIG

visitor - Friday, August 14, 2009 - 9:00am

I too have done art that has dealt with many small pieces of metal ranging from nail to small bolts and nuts and I found that TIG was the best machince for the job.


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eligius1427's picture

Hi JRB, I'd suggest a MIG

eligius1427 - Sunday, August 16, 2009 - 9:18am

Hi JRB, I'd suggest a MIG machine for your project. Although the TIG machine would have much smaller and nicer welds, it requires the use of both hands, which can limit it's usefulness to 2D. With the MIG machine you can hold the nail in place with one hand and spot weld it with the other. Limitless configuration although you might not be able to use really thin nails.

Here is a link to another artist using nails as his primary medium. http://www.weldart.com/

Let us know what you decide and how it worked.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE


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