after cutting out the templates, they were laid on top the sheet of steel and traced around with chalk. once we had that done, we began to cut them out. everyday i work with metal, soldering, fabricating, shaping, finishing, etc. however, it's been nearly 20 years since i have welded on this scale and prior to this day, i had never used a plasma torch. and let me say that whoever invented the plasma torch, not only was genius, but made a huge mark on the metal industry. whereas before, the options were to saw out your pattern (take forever, burn through many blades) or use a cutting torch. the cutting torch is a huge step above using a saw but using a plasma torch takes it to a whole different level. i was cutting through a 1/4" thick piece of steel nearly as quickly as i could draw it on. the torch itself can essentially be your pencil if you want. it also leaves very little flange to be cleaned up after the cut. amazing.
here you can see the image has been traced onto the metal and napoleon is about to make the first cut and show me how it's done. i had no idea how quickly we could move through this so i only brought one template with me the first trip out. the following saturday i came prepared and in just a few hours had the others cut out and were waiting for the rest of materials to come in. i have to say it was one of the coolest things i've done in a long time.
the room was full of smoke and i looked like a coal miner when i was done.
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