Simple Metal Christmas Tree
by Jean-Louis M in Workshop > Metalworking
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Simple Metal Christmas Tree
Hello !
I built a slim Chrismas tree in wood, but it fell apart after 3 years, so i wanted to build something more durable.
I used rebar, because it's cheap and i had some bought for a never made project.
The dimension are fixed by the lenght of the rebar. The decoration is not provided !
(Also it's my first Instructable, and pardon for mon english)
Supplies
Supplies :
1 rebar per tree.
Black Paint
A sharpy or some chalk
And for the tools :
Something to cut the metal (i use an angle grinder)
Something to lay your plan on (i have a big metal plate, card board is fine)
Something to hold the rebar for bending (i'm lucky to own a blacksmith vice, an anvil and an hammer)
Something to weld (i use a stick welder)
Cut and Tape
I cutted the rebar in two part of same length. Then, taped them together. I prepared three pair because i want to gift some to my family and friends.
I taped the two half together, to be able to bend them together and to have a symetrical tree in the end.
Design and Plan
I draw on my support (i used chalk on metal) the general shape of my tree. if you look closely you can see i initially drew with a pencil more rectilign shape, its the initial design used to make the tree you see on this photo.
It might be the longest step : you want the line of your tree to be shorter than the length of your rebar but also the tree to be as big as possible.
Bend and Bend
I used some chalk to mark the place where i want to start to bend. Then with some trial and error, i was able to get close to the right angle.
In the process, the rebar get all twisted, i will fix that later.
Make It Flat
With some persuasion, and after getting rid of the tape, i got it flat.
Cut and Weld
I cutted and prepared (made some champfrain) the two spots then welded them.
Paint
I paint one layer of black paint. i will come back for a second one seeing the photo with flash.
Decoration Amelioration
I used some rope instead of Christmas tinsel, and some fairy lights
I plan, for some of my futur trees, to weld 10cm of rebar in the bottom to be able to stick the tree in the ground, for an outdoor decoration.
I think that, when the tools are prepared, i can make one tree in less than 45minutes, so i plan to make 5 of them for friends of family.
I hope you found some help or ideas in this instructable.
Be safe while using angle grinders, welders and paint.