How to use metal to make a decorative plaque.

 Hi again.   Time for another little project.   I was reading up a little bit on some of Proxxon's tools and I found out that the micro bandsaw cuts metals.  Well, no kidding I should have known this long ago, but in my past. I dealt with a bandsaw that only cut wood. In fact, it was written all over the saw itself, "wood only", and I'm not one to argue with an ornery looking giganto bandsaw.  Finding out that I can cut metals has opened a new door.  Let's walk through it and try a small project.  

 Equipment and supplies

Thin piece of metal

masking or painters tape

Wood plaque or other backing for cutout

Proxxon micro bandsaw

small files

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

tProxxon drill press and small drill bi

hammer

small nails..

Small piece of dowel (to make nail holder)

saw tooth picture hanger

First thing I did was to place masking tape on the front side of all my tiles and draw my design.  Bearing in mind that there can't be any inside cuts, make sure that you can enter the closed letters at some point that won't interfere with it's stability or readability.  I got my inspiration from my friend.  I asked her what she would like to see on a plaque and she told me, " Beyond Blessed".  Guess who gets the plaque when it is finished.    In the picture above you can see the progress I was making cutting out the saying.   PLEASE MIND YOUR FINGERS-  This cutting requires some up close holding.  Nope, the red on the letters is not blood, it is where I marked the way in to the closed areas.  I guess I should have used green or blue paint.  The Proxxon micro scroll saw cuts easily into this thin metal.  Another word of warning.  Please wear eye protection.  You surely don't need a metal splinter in your eye.  

This is what I wear when there is any danger of eye injury.

Here is how it turned out.

I sand it a little bit using the OZI/E delta sander.  This makes it shiny.

Now over to the Proxxon mini drill press to make some holes.

I want to use a lot of nails as a decorative feature. 

Now lets nail it to our wood piece.  Oh but the nails are too small to hold.   Hint- make this (below).  Take a dowel or small piece of wood and drill a small hole about 1" up that will hold the nail you are going to use.  Make a cut from the end of the dowel to the small hole.  (It doesn't have to be pretty)

Nail holder!  Lightly tap the nail to get it started and pull out the dowel.  Finish tapping in your nail.

Add a picture holder to the back and it's done.  

Give it to someone you love.  

Thanks for visiting.  Come back again and meanwhile play safe

Carol