ANTLERS OF STEEL

Uniquely sculpturing from carbon steel, Larry Shackelford spends 300 hours on each set of the life-like antlers that are ready to mount on your wall.  A member of the Pipefitters Union, Larry spent many years welding all over the country.  Now retired, he finds satisfaction in working with the artistic side of steel and exhibiting his work at various shows closer to his home in Texas, where he enjoys visiting with the local folks.

“Each set of antlers is individually made,” explains Larry.  “Using 4-inch pipe for the skulls, ¼ to 1 ¼-inch cold rolled steel for the antlers, I form and stick weld (shielded metal arc welding) them, grind them, and then coat them with a primer (like that which is used for offshore drilling rigs) before finishing them with several coats of paint.”

This long process creates natural-looking antlers that may be displayed either indoors or outdoors where they will withstand the elements for many years. 

“I started doing this because I just wanted to do something different,” says Larry.  “People have asked me why I don’t just create a set from clay and have it cast in bronze in mass production.  For me, that would remove the fun and the talent.  This way, each set has its own unique characteristics.”

The pieces of art carry a price tag of $1500 / set.  The perfect gift for the sportsman on your shopping list!  And he can use them convince his buddies that he harvested the 5-point buck himself without even moving from the comfort of his easy chair!  

You may order these by contacting Larry at lnshackel@aol.com or 409-287-3458. 

Shielded metal arc welding is just one of the many welding courses taught at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  For a catalog of all the courses call 1-800-332-9448 or visit our web site at http://www.welding.org.