How to Build a Funny Metal Cow Sculpture

Start simple with your metal sculpture and someday you install a major instillation.

Holy cow, you've decided that you want to express your artistic flair by creating a funny metal cow sculpture. Sculpting metal is a labor intensive art, but as with everything, it's best to start with an easy project such as this to help yourself learn some of the basics of the craft. Making this 8-by-19-inch "Holy Cow!" sculpture will teach you the basics of using metalworking tools.

Things You'll Need

• Butcher paper
• Pencil
• Permanent marker
• 8-by-10-inch sheet of 1/4 inch steel
• 10-inch piece of 2-by-4
• Two five-inch-long pieces of 2-inch wooden dowel
• Hacksaw
• Wood glue
• Power drill
• Metal-cutting drill bits
• Blowtorch
• Safety equipment
• Shammy cloth
• Metal polish
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Build the base for the sculpture.

   First, drill a 2-inch hole in the 4-inch side of the 2-by-4 that is 2-1/2 inches from one end. Drill another 2-inch hole on the same side that is 2-1/2-inches from the other end. Put a dab of wood glue into the holes and wiggle the dowels into them. Allow to dry.

   Once dry, cut 1/4 inch wide, one inch deep horizontal slots into the wooden dowels. This makes the base which the cow sculpture will sit in.

2. Create a "holy cow" template. Draw the design for your single, flat piece sculpture on butcher paper and cut it out. Make the silhouette of the cow simple, as it will be easier for you to create if this is your first time working with metal. Draw a circle in the middle of the cow's body (this is the hole in the "holy cow"). Cut the template out with scissors and trace the outline onto the steel sheet with a permanent marker.

3. Cut the silhouette and hole out of the steel using a blowtorch. Pull the sculpture piece out of the larger sheet (carefully: it will be hot, so wear safety gloves) and dunk into water to cool. Allow to fully cool (to the touch) before proceeding to the next step.

4. Carve the detail work of the cow (spots, facial features, etc.) using the power drill and metal working drill bits. Go slowly, as you cannot correct mistakes once they have been made. Clean up the edges of the sculpture with the drill and bits so that they will not be sharp to the touch.

5. Polish and mount your sculpture once you are satisfied with the shape and details. Use the shammy and metal polish to make your cow shine. Simply set the cow into the base you made and your sculpture is finished and ready to be viewed by the public.

Tips & Warnings

• You can adapt this project to make a larger sculpture.

• You can sand the edges of your wooden base and stain it for a more finished look.

• Children under the age of 13 should not attempt this project alone.

• Use safety gear (helmet, safety goggles, apron and safety gloves) to prevent injury while using a blowtorch and/or a power drill with metal carving bits.

References

• The Carving Path: Metal Work--How to Carve Steel
• Precision Metal Carving: Tools