DIY Hat Rack

BY QUINN SWEETMAN

MATERIALS:

• 6 horseshoes

• 4’ of rebar

• 6 large magnets (Forney ITEM# 70715)

• Welding machine (Forney 190 MP)

• Personal protective equipment

• Angle grinder with flap discs and a cutoff wheel (Forney ITEM# 1905 & 71923)

• Wood or a board for the base

• Nails

• Propane or MAPP torch

• Wire brush (Forney ITEM# 70520)

Step 1: Prep the material. Clean up the horseshoes with an angle grinder and flap disc, especially at the toe which is where the welding will occur.

Step 2: Create the hooks. Cut the rebar into 10-12” sections, depending on the length of your cowboy hat brims.

Step 3: Align the horseshoe and rebar together with a magnet, then weld the rebar at an angle from the toe of the horseshoe. Repeat two more times for a total of 3 hooks.

Step 4: Align the horseshoes using all six magnets to create a level platform. Then, weld the other end of the rebar perpendicularly to the second horseshoe. Repeat this process two more times.

Step 5: Blacken wood for a rustic look if desired. Use a torch to completely blacken the piece of wood (ensure consistent application of heat for the best final effect).

Step 6: Use a wire brush on the burnt wood to reveal a distressed look. The more you stay in one spot the lighter the wood will get, allowing for the creation of different patterns.

Step 7: Nail your horseshoe hooks into the wood through the horseshoe nail holes. Angle the nails for a tighter hold.

Step 8: Hang your cowboy hat, baseball cap or welding helmet!