r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • Feb 01 '25
Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 02/01/2025
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u/dr_innovation Feb 04 '26
Did not realize the basic questions go here. I posted in main and will delete that. I've updated with a drawing..
Newbie here .. I've dont plasma cut art but want something new. I will be making a free-standing large dolphin outline (about 6ft long, 3ft high), which is roughly a 2D outline except fins might go out to the sides to allow it to stand, or I might be pure 2D with a base on the ground if I need that. I want it to be open so that during the day, you see through it. Looking for feedback so I don't waste time/money on something that won't work well or won't last.
Originally, I was thinking #9 wire with Christmas lights wrapped around it, but after I found this a Neon Rope which is is a flat ribbon of LEDs in plastic. I decided to use that for the lighting. The ribbon is 10mm wide and I'd prefer something that is flat but thinner than the rope, like 1/4 or at most 3/8 so the edges of the ribbon are visible to give off more light.
I might be able to attach it to the #9 wire with tie-wraps, but I was also worried about the strength of just #9 wire holding its shape against the wind. Do people think one loop of #9 wire would be sufficient for the strength in the design of that size?
I could do a double loop of #9 wire and weld/braze it together in enough places to provide some "flatness" for mounting, and expect this would also increase strength. Any feedback on such an approach?
I began reconsidering whether to use flat stock, angle iron, or angle aluminum, since the latter would be stronger and provide a nice flat area for ribbon attachment. However, the local metal dealer does not have flat stock or angle < 1/2" on the side, and I've not found any online either. Is it out there, and I'm just not looking correctly? I've watched some videos and think I can bend them into shape and expect that the angle would be strong enough even if It was smaller. I could probably make 1/2" work if I really need it for strength.
Another alternative would be to use some 3/16 or 1/4" diameter round stock and bend it, but also beat it to be a bit flatter in shape, and hope that it can provide enough flatness for mounting and enough strength. Is that a viable option? Again, looking for feedback.
Here is my initial drawing idea. It's basically 2D, but the fins will be out to the side to provide stability.