Garden Screen

As soon as my sister found out I had a plasma cutter, she asked me if I could make her a couple of garden screens featuring native flowers.

Never had used a plasma before, so naturally, I said “no problem”.

At first, the engineer and photographer in me were trying to reproduce excessive amounts of realistic detail. Then I just sketched some stylistic shapes with soapstone, making it easier to cut out and still look great.

This was a fun first project and a great learning curve. I found out that the final cut neatness depends on a few variables - cutting amps, compressor air pressure, torch height above workpiece and torch travel speed.

Also, I found it better to cut smaller sections and cool off the work with a damp rag, as the sheet can distort with too much heat.

I created two panels which basically reflected each other. As this was a prototype, I cut out of 1.6mm mild steel. Each panel is 1800mm high and 900mm wide. My sister applied water and sprayed vinegar until she got the patina she liked, then sealed with clear lacquer.

Panels are mounted on Ironbark posts, and the alternate screening panels are made from Merbau decking timber.