Jake's hand surgery - repair to garden statue

[Noyade]

He was purchased from Bunnings (do they still sell him?) a few years back and lives in our garden. There were other similar pressed metal ornaments with names - but our middle son's name is also "Jake" (Jacob).

But I noticed today his left hand had separated - only a very small spot weld held it on. Odd, because he never complained of pain nor alerted us to his dilemma. In fact he declined local anaesthetic for the surgery.

A childish project compared to what you see on this board - but it's a slow Saturday morning/afternoon.

I decided against re-welding.

Steps

Step 1

First - I cut a groove at the wrist...

Step 2

At this stage I thought of metal glue (once mentioned on this site)...

Step 3

But decided to try a small M4 bolt.

I drilled a 4mm hole on the thickest side - with a thin steel plate inserted prior - to prevent drilling into the other side.

Then drilled a 3.3mm hole into the thickest side - and tapped a M4 thread...

Step 4

Positioned the hand and marked a spot from the 4mm hole side - removed and drilled through...

Step 5

M4 bolt inserted and tightened - no nut required.

He looks better. 

I need to re-paint him.

But it's time for lunch.

[MitchellMc]

Nice work @Noyade. It's great to see you put Jake back into commission. Can't wait to see your paint job!

Mitchell

[Noyade]

Thanks @MitchellMc 

I thought welding could be a risk for the thin hand and it would destroy paint in that area.

What I need is multi-pot enamel paint - like Airfix from years ago. I'll look into it, but in the meantime he's back protecting a pet grave-site.

Cheers again!

[Noyade]

 

[MitchellMc]

What a transformation @Noyade!

Well done.

Mitchell

[Noyade]

Thanks Mitch @MitchellMc 

My youngest son found some Revell paint pots he no longer uses. I now know why I gave up model making in my youth - too impatient!

There is more detail to paint - but the enamels were starting to mix - so I stopped for the day.

Cheers and thanks for watching.

Jake is certainly looking healthier.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Noyade 

Thats a seriously ingenious idea! I dont have a welder or really know how to weld but your thinking outside the square certainly would works for me. It would be something id have a go at for sure. I cant believe how nice he came up after that no anaesthetic operation... At the very least Id be screaming just a little lol

Love the bright paint colours!

Dave

[Noyade]

Morning Dave.

"I dont have a welder or really know how to weld"

Once upon a time neither did I mate - go on, give it a go! 😁

Inverter welders are so inexpensive now.

Many years ago (25, I think) I embarrassed myself at a trade welding display of a small inverter welder (big price back then - $1,200) as it was so small I asked if it was just for the DIY backyard enthusiast.

The guy demonstrating it looked at me like I just slapped him across the face and glared at me - "this is professionally engineered machine made for the trades - sir!" I took a step back from the crowd.

Times have changed - now you can get the same engineering for around $150.

[Dave-1]

Morning @Noyade 

hahahah Know that feeling well. I am like you, I will ask those questions and I really dont care if they are "embarrasing" Someone else in the crowd wont know the answer and will be too scared to ask so I ask anyway

Dave