Steel memorial cross (Stick & MIG)

[Sodo]

A friend asked me to help with a memorial for a friend who passed away. Strong, fit, 57-yo, who rides long and far and uphill, often.....

Len simply keeled over on a mountain bike trail. No warning, was happy as can be, as anytime there was either a mtn bike or a chainsaw in his hands. Friends found him within 2 minutes, did all the CPR they knew and zero response. Very sad. Many friends want to erect a pirate memorial out in the woods at the spot. They intend to dig it 4 feet deep and ensure anyone who attempts to remove it will have much trouble. I donated some nice 2 1/2" I-section from my best stash.....and the fab.

Welded the X with 7018 stick, and the 'writing' with MIG set at 3/16" so it would pile up high. Miller MultiMatic200 MIG/TIG/Stick portable suitcase welder. Welded at night, in the rain, in my driveway (as usual these dark days).

Here's the man sawing ahead of the trail crew on a mountainbike trail project in Olallie state forest. He loved his chainsaws.

 

[Cat_Driver]

MultiMatic200 MIG/TIG/Stick portable suitcase welder. - is this the best piece of equipment EVER invented. I love mine.
Great cross, but sadly it will be destroyed soon enough by anti religios nuts. No matter what it's made of these nuts will destroy it.

 

[Sodo]

they can try....

 

[CNC Dan]

If it's not too late, hot dip galvanizing will make it last a lot longer

 

[4570Man]

I would drill a couple holes in the bottom and insert steel rods through the holes to make it even harder to pull up.

 

[Sodo]

Not too late. But it is 3/8" I-section, will last an awful long time as it is. Welded two 24" 5/8 rebars to the bottom extending down. Friend thinks the memorial party will dig 4' deep without a 2nd thought. Might even pound rebar into the hole - it ain't coming out.

 

[4570Man]

If fill the hole with concrete.

 

[Sodo]

yes definitely. They are going to fill it dry and then a bag or 2 of wet on top.