Balancing man

construction path
BY Obir Sanghera

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

Materials and
Tools Needed

• A metal piece for the base

(snowboard-shaped)
• A plasma cutter
• Grinding and polishing tools
• Steel rods of various lengths
• Washers
• Welding equipment
• A weight
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses,
etc.)
Step 1
I grabbed my metal piece, the snowboard-shaped
base, and laid it down on a sturdy, flat surface With
a pencil in hand, I started tracing out the shape I
envisioned for the balancing man's base. Took my
time to get those lines just right, making sure the
curves captured the essence of the pose I had in
mind. It's the initial step, but there's something
satisfying about seeing the idea take shape on that
cold, flat metal canvas.
 • Using a plasma cutter, carefully cut along the traced lines to
Step 2: Cut the create the base of your balancing man sculpture. Ensure
you follow all safety guidelines for operating the plasma

Base cutter.
 Step 3: Grind and Polish the
Base

• Grinding is a mechanical process that involves using

abrasive tools to remove material, shape surfaces,
or achieve specific finishes. In the context of
crafting a balancing man sculpture, grinding is
employed to refine the edges and contours,
ensuring precision and a smooth, uniform
appearance. Polishing, on the other hand, follows
grinding and involves smoothing surfaces to a high
luster. In the sculpture-making process, polishing is
essential for achieving a professional finish,
enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the metal
components, and providing a tactile and visually
pleasing final product.
Step 4: Drilling Holes
• Mark the positions where you want the
balancing man to stand on the base. Typically,
you'll need three holes for the entry points of
steel rods: 2 for each of the feet and one for
the long piece of rod to hold the weight in
center of balance. Use a drill with the
appropriate bit size to create these holes.
Make sure they are deep enough to securely
hold the steel rods.
Step 5: Assemble the
Balancing Man
• Cut the steel rods to create the body parts of the
balancing man, including the hands, legs, and torso.
Ensure that the lengths are appropriate to achieve
the desired pose.
• Attach a washer to one end of the steel rod to form
the head of the balancing man. This will help keep
the rod in place.
• Insert the steel rods through the holes in the base,
making sure the balancing man is in the desired
pose and that the rods are secure.
Step 6: Adding Weight
To help the balancing man stay upright, you'll need to add weight to the base. Weld a
long piece of steel rod vertically onto the base, near the center, and attach the weight
to the top of this rod.
• Ensure that the weight is securely attached and positioned so that it counterbalances
the weight of the balancing man, helping it maintain its upright position.
• Double-check the balance and adjust the position of the weight and the angle of the
steel rods if needed.
• Make sure to take necessary safety precautions while working with metal and tools,
and consider painting or finishing the sculpture to your liking if desired.
Step 6
• Welding the pieces together is a critical step in the
construction of the balancing man sculpture. Using a gas
welder, the legs, back, and arms are meticulously joined,
ensuring structural integrity and a seamless appearance.
The welding process involves heating the metal
components until they reach a dull orange glow, indicating
optimal temperature for brazing. Careful attention is paid
to maintain proper alignment, and a steel welding rod is
used to melt and connect the materials. The resulting
welds are then filed and smoothed, creating strong,
visually appealing joints that contribute to the overall
balance and aesthetic cohesion of the sculpture.