Thanks Rich for the log in help. As always,much appreciated!
I an on a brief visit to the San Franscisco area and am looking for some interesting metal art. Any recommendations from anyone?
Rob.

I am working on a small garden gate for some folks. Normally I would paint it per Rich's (and others) suggestions. However, this piece will have a lot of detail which I am concerned will be lost under several coats of paint. I am thinking I would like to do a bronze patina (over the steel) with a powder clear coat on top. The local powder coat people here say I can't do a bronze patina under the clear coat. Does anyone have any suggestions for preserving detail for an outside piece?

Hi Folks!
I am going to make a garden gate for a friend. It will be ~ 4' x 5'. I need to know the best way to secure the hinge pins to the gate post. The post will be concrete block with stucco.
Thanks!

So I have been working on a project using 3/16 sheet steel that involves a lot of complex bends. It is the kind of thing where you rough out the shape of a piece, put in place, tack weld, and finish the bend with a torch, hammer and dolly. I have been using some old cast iron window sash weights that a friend was tossing out. They work great. You can't forge them obviously, but they can be easily ground to shape and polished. The advantage is that they are cheap, long and cylindrical so they fit into tight places, and have a nice heft to back up a hammer. I have seen them at garage sales for a couple of bucks, and it saves the better steel I find for other stuff.

Hi Rich-
A couple of weeks or so ago you mentioned an additive that you used for finishing steel. I believe it started with a "P"? I went to the website and they listed it as a paint additive. Unfortunately I cannot remember what the material was, and I would like to try using it for a project. Do you know what I am talking about? I can't seem to find it in the old posts.