Turning Scrap Steel Into Yard Art

[mbauer]

Hi Everyone,

Bought a scrap 250 gallon propane tank. It was scrapped by the local propane supply company. I found it at a local scrap yard.

Instead of letting them smash or cut it up and send overseas, I bought it and then cut it up myself.

Here in Alaska it is a favorite pastime to have friends over, and sit outside around a fire ring, while swapping stories and enjoying liquid refreshments.

I cut the tank up and created original Alaskan Art work for people's yards. Here are a couple of the completed Fire Rings I'm trying to sell.

These were cut out using stencils I made from photos in AutoCAD. Using a acetylene torch to hand cut the figures in the 3/8" thick steel rings.

Over all ring dimensions are 37" Diameter by 20" high.

Here are the photos with what they are in case the cut-outs don't make sense.

Brown Bear fishing:


Caribou running:


Eagle in Flight:


Lynx Head:


Lynx & Moose:


Polar Bear Jumping from ice to ice:


Big O'Bear Paw:


I enjoy watching metal burn while recycling scrap steel into Yard Art!

Mike

[gotham]

Wonderful work, very atmospheric

[Knife]

Very nicely done. Hope it sparks years of comradely. The stories that will be told around it . . .

[SCEtoAUX]

Looks like a good place to gather 'round for some jawin' and drinkin'.

[Don Boose]

Skillful and artistic cutting torch work.

Don

[mbauer]

Thanks for the comments!

Don, still learning the torch skills. Found out real quick if I don't keep it completely vertical, any angle and the pieces won't release from the ring....

Another thing that was a quick learning point: remove the old paint first. The lines if over the paint will disappear real fast when the paint burns off.

Sold the first one two hours after listing it, last night!

Now need to cut more. Was wondering if they would sell or not.

Guess what I'll be doing this weekend...

Mike

[papermate]

Very artistic and very Alaskan.

One dumb question though, how can you be sure that the propane container is really empty
before you cut it up with a torch? Looks dangerous to me as I have never had that experience.

Papermate

[Gil]

Mike,

Great recycling idea. One idea to draw attention is to cut a continuous design pattern from the vertical sides. Could be something like the outline of a forest or stars at night or both. If the pattern doesn't leave enough metal for support I'd suggest taking a heavy duty screen and line inside with it making it high enough to prevent logs and embers from tumbling out.


-Gil

[airdave]

Nice one Mike.
In my neck of the woods, everyone saves the drums from old clothes dryers.
You know, with all the small holes in them.
Everyone shows up at the campground with one in their pickup truck! lol
They have full bottoms too, so the entire fire and ashes is contained.
Makes it more mobile.

But I like your idea.
Something more permanent and decorative for your backyard Fire pit.

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by papermate

Very artistic and very Alaskan.

One dumb question though, how can you be sure that the propane container is really empty
before you cut it up with a torch? Looks dangerous to me as I have never had that experience.

Papermate

The propane company removes all of the plugs from any openings. Then after they do that they take it to the metal recycle yard (scrap yard).

Mike