Steel

The type of steel you use will be up to you. Regular steel (not stainless)
will eventually rust, and must be coated with something to prevent the
eventual rust that will develop over time. Plain steel is easier to bend than
stainless, and it is 4x cheaper. I have never used regular steel, but I have
heard that it is easier to weld to than stainless. Stainless "balls" up more than
regular steel. Which I suppose means that regular steel "flows" better when welded.

I get the question a lot....Where do you get your steel. Well, I get my steel at
Metal Service Center in Windsor, California. I had to get my yellow pages and call
every steel supplier in the book and ask if they had 1/8" stainless steel rod, 12' lengths.
I usually heard something like this: "Oooooh, stainless, Huh? Well let me see...."
It is not so easy to find. I have paid as much as $5.50 a length and as little as
$2.15 each for 1/8" SS wire. The stainless square tubing runs about $4 per ft.
depending on supply and demand. It is imported from Taiwan, as that's what's
stamped on the ends of the square tubing.

If you really want to go quality, then go with stainless. You will never have to worry
about rust, or even tarnishing, and it will never dull. If you plan to paint your sculpture
then I would recommend regular steel. Stainless steel has to be etched, then primered,
then painted. If you are using regular steel, then you only have to primer, then paint.
The stainless has to be etched, because it's stainless properties will prevent the
paint from sticking as well as you would want. Etching allows the primer to bond into
the stainless steel.

This picture is a shot of the top of #71.
It is a floor standing sculpture 5' high
and 3' wide. I have used three different
sizes of wire depending on the situation.
The majority of wire in this photo is
1/8" wire. Perfect for most track.
The frame is made from 1/2" stainless
steel square tubing. The white wheel
bottom center is the tensioner sprocket
for the chain lift. Click the pic for a bigger
photo.

I also use 3/32" for filler wire when welding, (TIG) or for the pickups (Hooks) on the chain lift.
I use a LOT of 1/8" for track and supports. When the situation requires more support
then 1/8" can offer then I use 3/16". For anything stronger I use 1/4" stainless steel.
1/4" fits into the bearings I use, and is good for framing because it is very strong.

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