From Wrought Iron Bedposts To Fencing

Heavy metal objects make for exceptionally stabilizing bookends. Even for beginning crafters, items as simple as hand weights, antique irons, even cast iron skillets are fun to paint, decorate, and adorn the bookshelves. There are other heavy metal cast-offs also making their way into popular crafting circles. Portions of wrought iron fence, knobs, decorative metal headboards, even lawn statuary, have become effectively used in recent years, providing both weight and a unique work of art. When choosing to adapt existing heavy metal for bookends, you will need some basic Professional Grade Tools to cut through metal and build your special creations.

Cutting Away The Gem

When using any portion of heavy metal regardless of origin, you will need professional grade tools to cut through the metal if it is not already free-standing. While occasionally you can find fun items at junk yards or scrap metal outlets, some of the most breathtaking pieces will need to be cut away from an existing structure. To do this, we recommend using a power saw that can cut through metal quickly and cleanly. Equip Supply has a number of electric saws that provide exceptional cutting precision through a variety of materials. A beginner saw is highlighted below:

• Makita Reciprocating Saw: The Makita Reciprocating Saw is lightweight at approximately 10 pounds and easy to operate. It can be maneuvered conveniently through small spaces, allowing access to metal carvings and portions of fencing, headboards, or lawn decorations. It operates with a 4 position orbital or straight cut rhythm and has a long 1 ¼ stroke action that facilitates faster cuts, reducing operational stress.

Putting Metal on a Pedestal

Once you have the object(s) cut away, you will need to affix them to a base. Base selection is based on preference. You may be interested in using small cast iron skillets. Many individuals turn them upside down so the bottom of the skillet is host to the metal object. Some crafters like to affix wrought iron pieces to masonry. Stone tiles or corner molding masonry make perfect bases for this. Still other crafters choose heavy distressed wood from old barns to use as a base.

To affix your metal to its base, you will need a heavy duty adhesive. Lighter weight metals may be applied with super glue. However, if the metal item you will be affixing is fairly heavy, we recommend using strong adhesives such as that used for flooring. Choose either water based or urethane adhesives that can be applied with a paintbrush or trowel. Some crafters choose floor adhesive in a tube for an even easier application. Finally, if your cut metal object has jagged edges you will need to file them smoothly with a simple metal file before gluing.