Welding a Diplocaulus

[TyrannosaurusRex]

Howdy folks! I’m working on a project in class and I thought it might be enjoyable to others to see the progress. As a university student I have assigned projects that I can put my own spin on, and in this case, I went with a representational piece. It called for abstract, but the professor doesn’t seem too bothered  

 

At first, I toyed with doing a Dimetrodon.

 

 

I’m required to fill in some spaces with different materials, most students choose things such as cloth. 

 

I ended up settling on this design of a Diplocaulus. It will be mounted on either a piece of wood, or a stone from a Permian red bed site. 

 

[TyrannosaurusRex]

3 hours in, I’ve started on the head, and I’m starting to add a base for the stomach and the spine. 
I’ve only caught myself on fire once so far so that’s a success as a first time at welding.  

I ended up having to weld the body longer than I intended, due to the fact I had no clamps and had to maneuver fire bricks to hold it in place and make it work. I’ll likely trim it back when I get the chance. The body will extend to the first major curve, and I’m trying to figure out how to weld smaller bits due to the fact the head is about as small as the welding tools allow. 

[deutscheben]

Neat! I look forward to seeing the completed work. Maybe you can do the Dimetrodon later, make it a series?

[TyrannosaurusRex]

12 minutes ago, deutscheben said:

Neat! I look forward to seeing the completed work. Maybe you can do the Dimetrodon later, make it a series?

Thank you! I intend to do more, I’ll have to buy some beginner welding stuff to add to my equipment so I can continue since the university probably won’t let me do extra stuff. (Would also be dandy for making some ammonite/other stands)

 I’d love to do a Xenacanthus, since I’m on a Permian kick recently with the art I’m doing.  
I’ll need to probably simplify the Dimetrodon in order for it to work unless I make it on a large scale. 

[TyrannosaurusRex]

More progress, I’m going to see about extending the edges of the skull once I’ve got the other shoulder attached.

[Mahnmut]

Very cool, looking forward to see where this goes!

Aloha

J

[TyrannosaurusRex]

More Progress photos! Still not done, I’ve got quite a bit to still finish up but progress is still happening. The stump I’m using as a base is from a 6 ft log I cut up. While I haven’t read any literature regarding water foliage in regions Diplocaulus was alive (Specifically lower Permian Oklahoma), I’m adding some basic, generic plants to help balance the piece visually. If anyone has any ideas for specific plant species, I’m all ears!

[hadrosauridae]

very cool!

[Ludwigia]

Coming along well!

[fossilhunter21]

Looking very nice!

 

 

-@fossilhunter21

[KathyGrant]

It's fascinating to see the progression of your work!

 

[sharkdoctor]

[TyrannosaurusRex]

Finally finished the piece, and not a moment too soon considering it’s due in less than 24 hours  

[fossilhunter21]

Very nice job! 

 

That thing is so cool.

 

-@fossilhunter21

[digit]

6 hours ago, TyrannosaurusRex said:

Finally finished the piece, and not a moment too soon considering it’s due in less than 24 hours  

Down to the wire for something made of wire!

 

Tell your instructor that we all like it (that should count for something).

 

 

Cheers.

 

-Ken

[FB003]

I'd bid on it if it ever hit an auction! Nicely done and thanks for showing the journey.

[TyrannosaurusRex]

Thank you so much! Glad y’all enjoyed it. 
 

28 minutes ago, FB003 said:

I'd bid on it if it ever hit an auction! Nicely done and thanks for showing the journey.

keep an eye out, I’m planning on doing something in the near future in auctions to benefit the forum  

[Bobby Rico]

That looks like a cracking sculpture. The solid colour sections gives it a dynamic movement it needed. Nice work 

Edited February 11, 2022 by Bobby Rico
Y

[deutscheben]

It turned out great! I really like the colors. 

[Adam86cucv]

Excellent job.  What materials did you end up using for the colorful fill pieces?  

[TyrannosaurusRex]

Thank you all! Just saw these replies as my notifications don’t work. 
 

8 hours ago, Adam86cucv said:

Excellent job.  What materials did you end up using for the colorful fill pieces?  

Believe it or not, it’s dried elmers glue with food coloring. I wanted a stained glass look, and I realized afterwards you can actually buy stained glass kits at Hobby Lobby or the like. 
Will warn you though, if you try replicating the glue sheets, it took about 5 days to dry  

 

[Adam86cucv]

11 hours ago, TyrannosaurusRex said:

Believe it or not, it’s dried elmers glue with food coloring. I wanted a stained glass look, and I realized afterwards you can actually buy stained glass kits at Hobby Lobby or the like. 

Will warn you though, if you try replicating the glue sheets, it took about 5 days to dry  

 

 

Cool idea with the glue.  I can imagine the drying time for that much glue would be substantial.  I knew about the stained glass kits from my kids making them in the past.  

[TyrannosaurusRex]

15 hours ago, Adam86cucv said:

 

 

Cool idea with the glue.  I can imagine the drying time for that much glue would be substantial.  I knew about the stained glass kits from my kids making them in the past.  

awesome! It worked pretty well. Might could get similar results with faster drying glue as well.  

[lormouth]

Nice work !

[karelchytil]

Perfect