Welding tribute to my dad.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

It's about 4.5 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, 35 pounds. Made with recycled 18-22 gauge sheet steel. Used a plasma cutter, Lincoln MIG welder, and a grinder for most of it. Has GRH (Dad's initials) on the keel. Took about 3 weeks class time. It is NOT waterproof in the least.

Backstory...my recently deceased father loved fishing. He USED to have a wooden driftboat but he sold it for a 386 computer back in the day. Before he died one of his dream purchases was a drift boat. Unfortunately he never got around to it. Being in a welding sculpture class and having an assignment to create a "vessel" it was an easy choice for me deciding what to make.

I'm mostly happy with it. It was however a learning experience and I didn't anticipate having such difficulty with heat warp. I ended up having to fill in a lot of gaps with excessive metal. I'm not thrilled with how the "seats" came out as they ruin the shape and I probably shouldn't have grinded so much of the outer surface. Other than that I accomplished what I set out to do and I'm pretty proud of it.

[gmac708]

You make me proud to be a father and I'm sure your dad is smiling too...good work kid

[hachiroku781]

You sir have done a wonderful thing. It really is the thought that counts and you poured your heart into this whole project. For a man who loved fishing it is a perfect tribute. Recently my buddy lost an innocent friend due to violence and he has taken it upon himself to have his friend live on by starting up a youth program to get kids educated about being morally mature and staying away from gangs and drugs. Its always a good thing when people allow for the deceased memories to live on.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

good work kid

I'm 24

[hachiroku781]

shhhh Gmac is senile.

[sldewyz]

thats awesome man. im sure your dad is proud of u.

[Red coupe]

Very nice man.

I hate mig welders.

[gmac708]

I'm 24

sorry...related to my children and "kid" slipped out. They are still in their teens, Forgive me?!?

[Dattebayo]

Most people who are 40 and up still consider anyone who is 24 a "kid".

[nismofly]

When he was ~70 my grandpa got called "young man" by a lady who had to be 105

Its all in perspective

[AZhitman]

I was born in Alabama - I even call my Daddy "Son".

Very, very cool project.

I know someone who would LOVE to put that out in front of his house as "yard art" - It'll look even cooler once it gets some good rust coverage.

I didn't know you lost your Pops recently, and am sorry to hear it.

[Beancooker]

Pretty cool bro. Nice to see you doing something in remembrance of your dad.

I used to do metal fabrication back when I lived in Texas... Heat warp can be a real PITA.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

Read this as "wedding tribute to my dad."

Was confused when you talked about his death. But I get it now and I'm sorry for your loss.

[s14_girl]

I'm sorry about the loss of your dad, but what an awesome tribute! I'm sure he'd be really proud!

[krimsonviper]

It's a nice piece of work for your dad. Your next project: Storage!

[Red coupe]

Heat warp can be a real PITA.

Stupid f***ing warping & induced stresses

[LayNLow240]

Looks great! Art is never prefect, and welding thin sheet metal is a pain even though I havent done much with thin stuff. I am sure your dad would have loved it, I know mine would if I were to do something like that.

[Red coupe]

What thickness is the sheet metal btw?

[Dattebayo]

What thickness is the sheet metal btw?

Made with recycled 18-22 gauge sheet steel.

[Red coupe]

Sure, anyone can come up with the answers if you read

[Dattebayo]

It's ok, I still love you.

[Bubba1]

Greatl project. Nice work...

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

I just sprayed the inside with some clear enamel. I'm letting the outside rust to make the slats look like real wood. I gave it to my Mom for her Birthday and she stuck it near her driveway entrance (chained of course)

She says she wants to put flowers in it and s***...

[szh]

Good Stuff™!

An excellent way to remember somebody.

Z

[AZhitman]

I just sprayed the inside with some clear enamel. I'm letting the outside rust to make the slats look like real wood. I gave it to my Mom for her Birthday and she stuck it near her driveway entrance (chained of course)

She says she wants to put flowers in it and s***...

Very cool.

[Empty V]

I just sprayed the inside with some clear enamel. I'm letting the outside rust to make the slats look like real wood. I gave it to my Mom for her Birthday and she stuck it near her driveway entrance (chained of course)

She says she wants to put flowers in it and s***...

Wow amazing bro!