View of the original small scale model of the Ram used to present to West Chester University.
View of the original small scale model of the Ram used to present to West Chester University.
The purpose built area for large sculptures like the Ram.
Sub section of the body of the Ram.
Kyra is an intern at Vinewoods Forge and is already contributing meaningfully to the project.
A very important part: a hoof. The hoof is composed of cast iron and steel and the cast iron needed to be both bent and welded. These require special techniques which Kyra mastered and the fabrication of the hoof was entirely her work. The “fin” is effectively the “bone” which will be tied to the leg as it is fabricated.
The hoof in place on one of the legs with the foil template which will be used to work out the curves needed in the steel plates. These will form the “skin” between the hoof and leg.
Peek-a-boo! John photographs Rob and Kyra discussing changes to the body of the Ram. Photo courtesy of Ayden Davis.
Kyra plasma cuts a shape to transition between the leg skin and the hoof.
Kyra checks the fit and will further grind as needed.
The belly of the ram attached to the body.
The inglorious job of grinding chamfers into the junction of two pieces to make them look like a single piece of metal.
Kyra works on the fetlock section.
Stiffening for the Ram’s belly being welded in. The statue’s great weight requires it.
Kyra makes the marks more visible prior to “skeletonizing” the joing.
One of the hind legs nearly complete. It remains for the fetlock/hoof assembly to be attached and the leg welded to the body of the Ram.
Kyra discusses her concerns with some reinforcing ribs.
Kyra heats a bracing rod to hammer it into shape against the “skin” of the Ram.
Kyra checks the rib welding.
Kyra grinding welds smooth.
Kyra has mounted the foot to one of the Ram’s legs and used foil to template the curves that will need to be bent in plates to make the “skin” that will transition between the leg and the hoof.
Kyra suggests changes to the Ram’s rear body structure to improve the leg attachment physically and aesthetically.
The shape nearly ready to be ground.
Kyra grinds to near-net-shape.
Rob works on a difficult weld inside the belly of the Ram.
Chamfer ground after fill metal is added over the structural weld. You can see the structural weld at the very top of the photo prior to fill and grinding.
The “fetlock” for one of the hooves requires more shaping and smoothing.
Rob describes to Kyra the stiffening reinforcements of the Ram’s belly.
Rob begins to mark out changes to the fetlock “skin”. The joint looks too bulky.
Kyra makes the “skeletonizing” cuts on the fetlock.
Complexity! The body of the ram grows with multiple items being clamped in place to check fit and prepare for welding.
Audrey and Kyra work out the attachment of bracing ribs.
Kyra welds in a bracing rib.
The Ram body with a leg attached and many additions, sitting on the new work scaffold.
