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“I'm a Sales Manager for an RV company in Lethbridge, Alberta. Welding and metal fabricating is a hobby.”
He’s big, imposing, and breathes fire. No, it’s not your uncle with a penchant for Habanero peppers… we’re talking about an impressive metal dragon sculpture that looks like it could eat garden gnomes for breakfast. Fabricating the head was all Greg had in mind at first, but this project evolved into something much bigger. We’re glad this dragon is friendly when people approach for a closer look!
Terrific work, Greg. Thanks for sharing your project with us!
Q: What is it?
A: It’s a steel dragon, which lights up and breathes fire. I was inspired by a fellow I work with, whose daughter sculpts small dragons out of clay. The head was built first with thoughts of a mount (like a trophy deer) but it seemed to need more and a body was built.
Q: What is it used for?
A: Yard art is the short answer. Families bring their kids and grandparents to view and take pictures of him. He sparks the imagination and gets folks talking. The Dragon has become a muster point for people in community! I’ve caught myself talking up the Dragon and even showing the flame to passersby who were enquiring about it.
Q: What is the main power source for your project? (e.g. electric motor, gas engine etc.)
A: He runs on a 12V system. LED lights inside chest and head, purchased from Princess Auto in Lethbridge.
Q: How do you control your project? (e.g. hydraulic control valve(s), electric switches etc.)
A: An automotive remote control controls the lights, igniter and solenoid for propane fire. The Dragon runs on a low voltage 12V system. The lights come on at dusk each day until midnight. I removed and re-purposed a 12V gas solenoid, ignitor and gas dispersion tube from an old RV hot water tank. The solenoid opens by remote control, which releases the propane from a standard 20 lb tank to an electronic igniter. The igniter is rigged on a separate remote switch to create the spark. The dispersion tube was compressed in a piece that was tack-welded to a split flame.
Q: What design/build challenges were overcome?
A: Biggest issue was building in a standard residential garage. Working evening and weekends, it took about 5 months to complete. Cutting out over a 100 individual scales was accomplished with a PROCUT 45 plasma cutter - a labour intensive task, but efficiencies were gained with the high-powered plasma. The weight of the Dragon is approximately 400 lbs - it took 4 people to push it into place; the axle and wheels were bent beyond any further use. He stands 7 foot tall.
Q: If you had to build it again, what would you do differently?
A: I enjoyed the build and continued to upgrade my tools and equipment, all of which came from Princess Auto. I would have installed the venting (filtration) system sooner in the garage, as I managed to turn my walls yellow.
Q: Which Princess Auto location do you visit most?
A: Princess Auto in Lethbridge, Alberta