Scrap Metal Bell

Materials for this project were all repurposed or scrap.

• The main bell was a worn out 3" core bit found in the scrap. It could also be made out of a piece of pipe, an old fire extinguisher, or a gas cylinder.
• The mounting plate was made out of a piece of 1/8*1.5" flat bar. Small pieces of steel can be bought for cheap at fab shops or welding shops.
• The support arm was made out of a railroad spike. Railroad spikes can be bought at auctions or online. Although you can find them at the side of railroad tracks, it is not legal to walk on tracks or pick up metal from tracks.
• The mount was a piece of chain and hook bought in a lot at an auction.
• The striker is an old wrench, and the mount for the striker is a broken drill driver.

I cut all large parts using a 4*6" bandsaw. If you don't have a bandsaw, all parts can be cut using an angle grinder with a cutoff disc. Also, parts that are to small or irregular to securely hold in your bandsaw's vise should be cut using an angle grinder.

The cut lengths are as follows:

• Core bit- 7 inches long
• Railroad spike- 4 inches long
• Driver- 3/4 inch long
• Mounting plate- 1/8*1.5 flat bar 4 inches long

All parts that will be welded need to be wire brushed or ground with a flap disc. Flux core and stick welds do better with rusty metal than other forms of welding, but the metal should still be cleaned to allow for better welds and where the ground clamp will sit. Finally, be sure to drill mounting holes before assembly. It's easier to drill a hole in a part than a finished assembly.

1. Weld the chain to the railroad spike.
2. Weld the other end of the chain to the bell.
3. Weld the striker hanger to the mounting plate.
4. Weld the railroad spike to the mounting plate.

Use a wire brush to clean of weld berries and slag. Your bell can be wire brushed and clear coated, or just left as is. All surfaces that might contact someone's hand should be deburred. Your bell is now ready to be hanged and played!