plans for stakes, anyone?

[ol3m3]

getting started in art metal and looking for plans for a set of sheet metal stakes, and any suggestions on their fabrication.

Thanks

O M

[Overkill]

First, figure out what you are going to mount them in. Just needs to be a solid surface. Some folks used tapered holders like Pexto did, others just use 2" ID DOM (trailer hitch stock) available at Harbor Freight. Then make the insert piece. Weld any old thing you find that's good hard metal and the right shape to the top.

I've got a round topped trailer hitch ball on one, safety cap from oxy acet set on another, bowling ball on another - then you have the T dolly's - just a piece of round rod stock welded on the top of a holder. Can be straight or curved, round ends or flat.

Everything is cleaned up to a degree before being welded to the stakes. Scrap yard, yard sales, swap meets are all good places to pick up chunks of this and that for the tops.