Step 10:  Attaching the owl and plaque to the rock 

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The underside of the owl has three threaded stainless steel nuts welded on for the purpose of attaching the owl to the rock.

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The threaded steel rod that fits these nuts must first be cut.  I cut two sets (3 short and 3 long.)  The short ones are used to mark where the holes will be drilled on the top surface of the rock.

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The short rods are then replaced by these longer ones which are screwed in and are now ready to be epoxied into the drilled holes.  

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The owl is now permanently attached to the rock.  Before this could be done however, careful consideration was given to such factors as height for viewing and interaction, final placement, presentation and use of the sculpture.   Many options were tested and evaluated until the right choice became obvious.

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In the case of this casting for McLane Elementary School, a dedication plaque is needed.   To install the plaque, the holes in the plaque are transferred to the rock with a small permanent marker.

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Holes are drilled into the rock in line with marks I have made.

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Wooden plugs are glued into the holes so that they are flush with the surface of the rock.

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Then, small brass wood screws are used to attach the small plaque.

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Next Step


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