Hello all, good to meet you! I am new to SLM and am waiting on an induction in the welding workshop which I understand may take a while (or not if I’m lucky!). I’ve only done a 3-day welding course at London Sculpture Workshop in Woolwich so I would appreciate feedback on this project.
I would like to make a large gate-like structure that follows a musical score and holds thick ceramic “tiles” in place like so:
The form/design of the gate structure is flexible but would like some decorative level like the sketch as it is inspired by the gates around public parks and other properties in the UK:
The scale would be proportionate to the tiles which are each approximately 9x9 (1-2cm thickness). It would be a wall-based structure but could also be interesting to create to allow for free-standing installation as well.
The welding and shaping of components is something I can begin thinking about on my own but I would love some suggestions on how to hold the ceramic components in place. A claw-hold (prong-setting like in jewelry) seems the obvious and perhaps easiest considering the tiles are all unique shapes.
Also, any thoughts on sourcing a gate?? I had a quick look and they’re expensive to buy but also available secondhand. I suppose this could also mean securing the tiles with a structure that is screwed on rather than welded (but I would still need an induction in the metal workshop to work with other tools).
I am also wondering if someone is inducted an available to help me execute this project and able to provide an approximate quote.