[TheForge] Grave Marker

[Andy Vida]

TodEstesRN at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Today I was asked if I could construct 2 small grave markers. The person
> wants them to be about the size of a Cap Stone (about the size of a concrete
> block).  They want sheet steel with names cut from plasma cutter and mounted on
> concrete cap stone. To make the names stand out more I wonder if putting brass
> plate behind the steel would work? I was thinking of drilling through the block
> and securing the plate with bolts and large flat washers, Any better ideas?

	Secure into the stone with lead.  That would be my suggestion.

	Are you saying that the names will be stencil cut?  It sounds
	that way.

> I
> was thinking of hammer peening the surface before cutting the names.  This is
> to mark the graves of two children long ago dead, but the graves remain
> unmarked.  I have to balance the cost verses wear issue. This family is not
> financially rich but are really nice folks. To finish the steel for the out of doors
> will good quality paint hold well?  Any input would be helpful.

	Definitely do it in stainless steel.  It will last forever without
	any maintenance.  You can patinate it.  There are patinas available
	but if you can get a hold of cat pee, that is the best of all, no
	joke.  It will turn stainless steel absolutely JET black.