DIY Welding Project Holiday Tree Topper [Guide] | MillerWelds

DIY Welding Project Holiday Tree Topper [Guide]

Print Article
Share
Follow these instructions or simply use this as a guide to spark your creativity to build your own unique topper for your tree this holiday.
Download Project Plan

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

TIME COMMITMENT: 1-2 hours

Here's what you'll need to get started.

Tools and Materials

Millermatic 142Miller® Millermatic® 142 MIG welder
Solid wire.030 Hobart® solid wire
Angle grinderAngle grinder
piece of glassGlass piece
Rod3/16"-1/4" A35 steel rod
Bicycle wheel spokesSteel bicycle wheel spokes or 1/8" steel rod
gearsGears or bearings
springSpring
Flap wheel 

WARNING: READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABELS AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

STEP BY STEP

step 1: a welder wearing a mask and gloves

STEP ONE:

Use two square tubes (or other items you may own) to prop up your glass piece and set your metal ring around it, resting on the tubing.

step 2: a welder wearing gloves and mask mig welding

STEP TWO:

Pressure set your stone by laying a spoke over your ring and using your Millermatic 142 MIG welder to weld it to your metal ring. The end of the spoke should be pressed against the glass stone. Repeat this step two more times at equal distances around the ring so that once all three spokes are set, they hold the glass stone in place.

 
step 3: a welder looking at a piece of steel

STEP THREE:

Flip the piece over and tack your gear or bearing to a rod at the top and bottom of the glass stone. Repeat three more times to create a torch shape. Then take your angle grinder and remove the excess spoke still sticking out from step 2.

 
step 4: a welder attaching spokes to rods

STEP FOUR:

Once the rods are secured, attach more spokes parallel to the rods to fill out the sides of the torch shape. Once all spokes are tacked on, again, use the angle grinder to cut off excess materials at the bottom of the piece.

 
step 5: a welder holding the bottom of the piece

STEP FIVE:

Weld another bearing to the push pins and spokes at the bottom of the piece. The spokes should fit inside the bearing, and you can hide most welds by tacking them to the inside.

step 6: a welder holding a finished tree topper

STEP SIX:

Finally, weld your spring to the bottom of the bearing. Use your angle grinder to cut the spring down to your preferred length. Enjoy your beautiful new tree topper!

Brandon Minga Headshot
Brandon Minga, a seasoned artist with 20 years of experience, is the creator and resident artist at the House of RAD. He owns the Mingadigm agency, specializing in various creative endeavors. Minga's diverse portfolio includes murals, sculptures, and graphics showcased nationally, with notable projects like a 3D mural for Black Cat Alley and contributions to the Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee Bucks Collection. His commitment extends to community events and graphics for America's Black Holocaust Museum.

Get Project Ideas & Plans

Feeling inspired? Check out our project page for DIY welding projects, including step-by-step guidance, videos and downloadable plans.

CHECK IT OUT

Related Products

Millermatic 142 907838 NEW
Millermatic® 142 MIG Welder MIG and flux cored 120 V welder that welds from 24 gauge – 3/16 in. mild steel.
Published: