Autumn leaf table

[Scratch]

I posted pics of some leaves in the file sharing section a while ago, this is what I used them on. I also used the hand torch of the plasma to create the "bark" for this project.
I wanted to build a coffee table, made of "sticks" with big fall colored leaves as the table top. After I cut out the leaves (which I didn't get a pic of) and arranged them into the top configuration I wanted, I started on the "stick" legs.

I took solid round 1/2" and 3/4" HR steel bar.

autumn1.jpg

Then used the plasma torch to gouge the bark into them.

autumn2.jpg

Here's the rough look of them still hot from the torch.

autumn3.jpg

This is what they look like after I carefully use the "Wheel of Pain" (wire wheel grinder) on them. It aslo shows some spots that I may have missed during the "barking" process.

autumn4.jpg

Here's some "sticks" all cleaned up and ready for the next step.

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A closer view of the bark.

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[Scratch]

Here in the anvil, I'm bending them into natural shapes.

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Here's some branches with some natural looking bends in them.

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I would rough cut the ends with the plasma torch also.

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It made for a nice looking "beaver-chewed-like" end on them I thought.

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Then I also made a bunch of smaller branches from the 1/2" stock.

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And welded them on with the MIG.

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Then brought them back to the cutting table and "barked" up the welds, and cleaned them up with the wheel of pain again.

autumn13.jpg

I thought about building a small fire with them but the weather was nice enough that I decided not to.

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[Scratch]

After all the sticks were built, I welded them together, and finished them in Japanese Brown and clearcoat.

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Here's some finished pics with the leaves on in place. I think I'm also going to give them a few coats of Envirotex to make them more durable... I think....

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[fitzy]

that is amazing thanks for sharin . now on barking them did you use the gouging setting or did you just turn it down all the way just courios would like to try it myself thanks

[CPK_Jim]

WOW, that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! True plasma art!!!!!!!!!!


Jim

[KenTexFabrications]

A MASTER in the trade! Really nice work.

KenTexFabrications

[admin]

WOW. I feel like a loser after seeing that.

Admin

[Scratch]

that is amazing thanks for sharin . now on barking them did you use the gouging setting or did you just turn it down all the way just courios would like to try it myself thanks

Thanks for the compliments everybody. Glad you like it!
I used a TD 151 set to cut, using my old junk cutting tips that are too wore down to cut by CNC accurately. I think I set it to around 50 amps. I'm pretty sure I tried with it all the amps set all the way down, but it wasn't cutting deep enough so I kicked it up a notch or two. I love putting some sort of texture in my work.

[fitzy]

thanks for the advice i'll give it a try and see how it comes out. dayy,weeks,months,years maybe we'll figure it out thanks again
fitzy

[cambo]

that table look awesome. i have a question about what you coated the leaves with i'm kinda new i the business and i have been trying to find something like that. the old flat black paint just isn't getting er any more.any help would be awesome thank you.

[Scratch]

that table look awesome. i have a question about what you coated the leaves with i'm kinda new i the business and i have been trying to find something like that. the old flat black paint just isn't getting er any more.any help would be awesome thank you.

Thanks cambo! I used Patinas from Sculpt Nouveauhttp://www.sculptnouveau.com/ I think I used Dye Oxide red, Dye Oxide Orange, and Universal yellow. I sprayed a clear coat over them. On the log frame I used Japanese Brown with a clear. They're great to work with, will answer questions, and they have a sample kit that has all their popular patinas.

[cambo]

thank you scratch, i am going to order that kit and give them a try. No more flat black I'm pumped thanks again.

[Scratch]

thank you scratch, i am going to order that kit and give them a try. No more flat black I'm pumped thanks again.

Make sure you get one called Japanese Brown. It is by far my most requested finish!

[Complete_Loser]

Thats amazing!
How many hours you got in that?

[Scratch]

Thats amazing!
How many hours you got in that?

Thanks! I can't remember, but I think I have around 6-8 hours in it.

[tm america]

Very awsome work.. looks just like the real thing