How to Make Artwork Out of Junk Metal

Visit a local junk yard to find scrap metal that can be turned into art.

With a little imagination, junk metal turns into a piece of artwork. Artists watch for items they can use to create a masterpiece. It is not uncommon to find an artist scavenging through junk yards and flea markets in search of unique pieces. Find junk metal around the house --- soda or baked bean cans or aluminum pie and roasting pans, for example.

Things You'll Need

• Sand paper
• Flat metal
• Heavy duty scissors
• Hammer
• Marker, non-permanent
• Ribbon, string or raffia
• Leather gloves
• Nails
• Brazing torch
• Brazing rod (filler)
• Butane fuel
• Flux
• Goggles
• Heat-resistant gloves

Instructions

Small Junk Art

1. Find a piece of thin scrap metal from a scrap yard, flea market or around the house. Use leather gloves and scissors to cut the metal, if necessary. If using scrap metal such as a soda can, cut the top and bottom off and then cut the can down the middle and flatten it out.

2. Using a nonpermanent marker, sketch out a design or use a template to trace a design on the metal. Cut along the lines using the scissors and then wipe off the marker with a wet cloth.

3. Create a hole to hang your design, if desired, by hammering a nail through the metal.

4. Sand the edges to make smooth, including the hole you created with the nail. Hang your junk metal artwork by a tying a string, ribbon or raffia through the hole.

Large Junk Art

1. Get scrap metal from a scrap yard, flea market or around the house. Examine the junk metal and decide what to create.

2. Clean each piece and lay out in a workspace that has plenty of light and ventilation. Work outside if possible.

3. Determine how to assemble the junk metal sculpture. Use clamps to secure in place, and experiment to determine the best composition.

4. Put on safety materials such as goggles and gloves. Flux each side that will be brazed. Braze the pieces together by heating the area between the two metals. This should be done evenly so they are the same temperature. Then place the filler rod to the heated parts and allow it to melt. Remove excess flux with hot water.

5. Let cool, then remove clamps. Grind or sand any rough edges until smooth. Rub on Val-oil to create a glossy finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all directions from the manufacturer if using a brazer.

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Use ventilating fans when working indoors with a brazer.

• Avoid sunny areas; it will be hard to see the butane torch.

References

• Little House in the Suburbs: Aluminum Can Ornaments
• Society of Robots: Mechanics -- Brazing Tutorial