This was my first time working with metal, so I couldn’t wait to get started! I was a little apprehensive about using some of the machines in the OEDK, but my fears faded away as I got to work. In the end, it was so satisfying to bring my shark children to life.

The first challenge I ran into was getting the plasma cutter to read my file. I was excited to get creative with this project, but I also didn’t want to complicate it with too many details. In my first attempt, I designed my shark in Adobe Illustrator by drawing lines over the diamond shape. However, I quickly realized that this was not sufficient. The machine smugly refused to read my file and I fled with my tail between my legs.

I returned the next day with a fresh file prepared. This time, I removed the diamond shape in the background, convinced that it was confusing the machine with its overlapping lines. Unfortunately, there was, apparently, a secret third item I had not considered, because the plasma cutter spat the file back in my face. Refusing to back down, I desperately booted up Adobe Illustrator and started scrolling through the overwhelming selection of tools. My constant supporter in this mess, TA Kate, remained coolly unflustered and suggested using the Join tool to ensure all the lines were closed. I loaded in the file again, and after Kate worked her magic on the program, I could finally plasma-cut my shark children.

I decided to cut three sharks so I could submit my two most good-looking children. I’m sure the third one would have a great personality. Naturally, all my sharks dove into the biohazardous plasma cutter water the moment they were born. I plunged my hand into the murky depths and promptly cut myself on a stray piece of metal that had probably been there for at least 15 years. No one ever said that childbirth was painless.

The plasma cutter left behind a decent amount of dross that I used the angle grinder to even out. The sparks had me quaking in my Doc Martens at first, but I ended up having so much fun I didn’t want to put it down. My only regret was interpreting its name too literally because I later realized that I should’ve smoothed out the entire surface instead of just grinding down the angles. I sand-blasted my sharks (another step where I should’ve evened out the back, but we’ll get them next time!) and finally powder-coated the gradient.

Overall, I’m pretty proud of my shark children. The unevenness showed through the powder coat, which I didn’t expect, but I also think the imperfection adds some edgy stylistic flair (or should I say some bite?).

Sorry, I couldn’t not end with a lame pun.

How much did this project cost?

• Raw materials
  • steel sheet: $11
  • powder paint: $15 x 2: $30
• Tools (from the oedk)
  • plasma cutter
  • sand blaster
  • powder coating equipment
• Labour
  • $15/hour of somewhat skilled work
  • ~5 hours: $75

Total: $116

the file that finally worked!

shark children fresh out of their first swim in the plasma cutter

angle-grinding, my beloved betrayal

sand-blasting was a blast (haha. no one found that funny)

powder-coating the gradient because I couldn’t choose between two colors

children in the oven!

clean workspace