Home 931
8. The patterns have been traced onto 16 gauge brass sheet, and cut out. Now I'm ready to start actually making the owl.
7. The Dip Seal patterns were spread flat on paper and traced around with a pencil.The tracings were folded in half and cut so they would be symmetrical.
6. Here are the two pattern pieces and the clay model. I will keep the clay model for reference.
5. The skin has been cut with a sharp knife along the lines, and now easily peels off.
4. I have drawn lines where I want to cut the skin. This is going to be made in two parts.
3. Pulled out of the pot, the model has a 1/8" thick skin of dip-seal, which sets up immediately.
2. The Model is being dippied in "dip seal" heated to 350°F in an electric deep fryer.
1. Clay model, used to derive patterns for cutting out metal shapes. It doesn't have to be perfect, just the right shape.
The Finished Piece
11. Another view of the finished piece.
The Finished Piece
10. View of the underside, showing how it was mounted, using a machine screw. I also used epoxy putty to keep the fish from rotating.
9. Final assembly and silver-soldering complete. 
8. The tail fin is made and ready to go into its slot.
7. For attaching the fish to the wood, I made this threaded brass piece. It looks funny, but will be completely hidden.