August 27, 2007
Just finished with this second step.
This is ahead of schedule but makes it so Karl can keep on his also.
This is the stone piece Michael G made with phase 2 from bpfink added to it.
Luckily I had a diamond hole drill for granite so was able to make a very precise hole shaft in the bottom so an exact copper pipe fitting recesses in about an inch plus. It is very stable but also removable and when all done the pipe goes down through the base and could be infused with a dab of epoxy to permanently lock it on in place when all are done working on it.
Will pass on further thoughts on this if wanted.
The base is copper and the additions are all in copper box brake built and welded firm as a unit..
The beauty of this fastening to stone secures it but it can also be removed while welding or finishing or whatever is to come next.
The bent wires below it are able to also be pushed up to it to make the apparent fit perfect.
You do not want to weld with the stone on, or spray with whatever or do the next steps with that sort of fine polished restrictions.
Michael did an absolutely beautiful job and I wanted to protect it during the next stages.
The copper is self patinaed with heat and does not have any finish on it yet.
That can come at the very last steps.
I considered adding a jar of Incralac copper sealer but since this may have to be mailed at some point it would be prohibitive to be sending it through those mailing sources each time. I have it if wanted later.
All the welds were done with a copper / silver alloy rod so it is done like soldering but at very high heats and no fluxes.
I also added a plywood base insert but it is not put in place yet. At some point it will need to be there for better final stability but it would prevent any more welding or work into that base so it is being sent separate as pieces.
It is also cut slightly undersized so a final filler adhesive such as Gorilla Glue or silicone caulking or Bondo fiberglass body filler would be my last choice as it is being finished and locked into the base.
I am also sending along (see last photos) an extra length of heavy copper twisted wires, copper pipe sections used to hole it in place and a test piece not used that may be of help trying to discover or play out possibilities, or to also use???
My second stage thoughts are:
The wires extending out from the two sides are open for change. Re bend as desired and use to also support or alter or do whatever you are going to do with them. It is also the reason I added spare extra wires if one wants to mimic or add or contrast with the same media bodies.
It in your hands now.
Have a ball.
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