Actually I ended up making my pot inside the original pot. The end result is going to work just fine and is a huge pot in it's own right. I'm using a cheapo black nursery pot that is about 30 gallon size I believe. The finished tufa pot is not all that much smaller. They are definately big enough for a citrus tree. I've got two done and will be making the last one (of this style) later tonight. I'm so happy that Club53 made that suggestion. Sometimes the simplest things just escape you when you are trying so hard that you end up over thinking it. It worked great and made the process easier and sooo much quicker.

That sounds like a lot of fun. Your piece did present some challenges using hardware cloth on a vertical surface without something in the back. Not sure if you have ever watched someone put up a rock column over a wooden framework. Whether they use hardware cloth or diamond mesh there is a barrier placed on the wood and the mesh is close to that so you have something to smoosh ecerything against. That said, diamond mesh will grab hold and keep your mix where you put it even without a barrier. If you have not used diamond mesh/steel mesh, make sure you are wearing leather gloves during cutting, shaping and sewing it together, it is a brute. Lets see PA is three hours later than here, and I get up early so I could actually be there by early afternoon and a bunch of projects could be completed........... Happy casting and creating, Dena

Bernee, if you haven't tried the hamburger patty idea it works great. I was so happy when I finally tried that idea. Seems to speed up the molding process for me. Just be sure to squish them together enough. Billie also advised me to use hot dogs shapes. It makes it easier to see how thick it is. Hum, wonder if you could get some kind of coiled effect? You are saying temp strength on the vase. Are you using it as a mold and going to remove it? Or is it over a mold of some kind to be a permanent part? I realize it will be if you put turfa on it. Or is it that you feel you need the chicken wire because it is going to be that big? Just questions I'm tossing around in my head. I don't exactly have the answers, just trying to learn from it. Keep us posted on the vase. You can probably work on turfa year around without dragging in inside somewhere. I want to try some BIG pots/vases. I haven't done anything with armature and not sure where to start. Kathy

These days you can get a very good little wire-fed mig welder for around $3-400 bucks. Less than I paid for mine 10 years ago. They are excellent for armatures for several reasons. The head is small enough to get into tight spots. You aren't contantly having to "reload". They are very forgiving and easy to learn. You can even get rigs that will weld up to 3/8" steel and still run on ordinery 110v house current (some require 220v, which is fine if you have it everywhere you need it...but, I never have). Biggest advantage of "stick" welders is the ease of going from one kind of metal to another (just pick up a different rod), but to date, 99% of everything I've done in the last decade has been regular old steel. As for galvanized, I weld it all the time and can even weld stucco lath by dialing way down the mig. You do need to try and avoid the vapors, but many masks have filters in them today and staying "up wind" in even a slight breeze (or with a small fan) seems to keep the nasty stuff at bay. Notes on masks...you need the face protection, otherwise you can get a really bad sunburn anytime of year. Also, take a look at the new "Auto-Darkening" masks, but avoid any that are "solar-powered" unless you only work outdoors on sunny days between 11am & 2 pm. The good ones are NOT cheap (like $180 for a good one)...but then the last time I checked, replacement eyeballs are getting kinda' pricey thesedays too . Hornell-Speedglas is probably the best around and they are indeed proud of them. Best of luck and remember...once you have a welder...you can be a metal sculptor too.