Make Fork Bugs (Magnets)

I recently came into the possession of a lot of forks. Like, 30 or so. I had no idea what to do with them, so I started looking around online. I found lots of cool sculptures and models of animals made out of recycled metal, so I figured I'd give that a shot. While I didn't end up making a giant sculpture of a dragon, I at least had an idea to work with. After a little screwing around I came up with these fork bugs. I made a couple, and they're all unique; since each fork is slightly different, each bug has a different look to it.

Step 1: What You Need:

- A flat piece of metal (to make bending the tines of the fork easier; don't use a file like I did)

- A fork with four tines (prongs)

- Superglue

- A magnet

- Pliers (wrap the pliers in duct tape to keep from marking up the metal)

- A vise

- Soft jaws

Step 2: Bending the Tines

- First, straighten out the fork using the vise.

- Bend the outer two tines over so they are flat against the base of the tines and point towards the bottom of the fork.

- Clamp the fork in the vise just below the base of the tines and use the flat metal bar to bend the two middle tines out sideways.

Step 3: Bending the Shaft

- Bend the shaft back at it's narrowest point. Bend it so the shaft is centered behind the two middle tines.

- Bend the shaft down between and over the two middle tines so it is more or less centered between the two outer tines.

Step 4: The Legs and Antennae

- Use the pliers to bend the part of the two outer tines that extends past the base back at about a 30 degree angle (image 1).

- Use the pliers to bend the bottom 1/4 inch or so of each of the outer tines until it is parallel to the body of the bug (image 3 should help).

- Use the vise to bend the ends of the antennae straight out to the sides, or into a gentle curve.

Step 5: Adding the Magnets

- Glue a magnet to the back of the bug.

- That's it, you're done! Of course, you don't have to do it exactly like I did; I'd love to see whatever cool variations you can come up with.

Comments

[Snibril]

Neat idea. I've made three now. I bought a cheap set of forks so they're all similar but changing the antennae and body bends makes a noticeable difference.

And now to hide one in my parents' house next time I visit for tradition's sake. Last time it took them months to spot the clip-on budgie on the curtains. :)

[M3G]

That sounds like fun, good like hiding it!

[Snibril]

I've made a few more, and decided they suit the name "Scutleri". Seems to fit to my mind. :)

And yes, the bug did successfully hide on the side of a beam just above eye level for a couple of months.

[M3G]

Awesome work!

[leslesaca]

A friend of mine made these 6-legged bugs with 2 antenna by combining 2 forks into a single sculpture! Nice hah? :)

[M3G]

Wow, those look fantastic!

[Snowberry]

Interesting, I'll be keeping my eyes open at garage sales for different patterned forks. Thanks for the great design idea

[HollyMcC]

Love this can't wait to try!!
Since we have 4 children...mostly older...i was always coming up short on silverware, so over the years have had many sets. Recently have purchased a new nice set, so I have several of the mis~matched to work with! Thank you for the tutorial!! Great idea!! :)

[M3G]

Thanks! I'd love to see how they turn out!

[petetgrosswi]

Awesome idea I found ten cent forks and they go really nicely on our fridge! Thanks for the great idea!

[M3G]

No problem! I'd love to see a picture!

[pumpkinseed456]

For those that don't have forks laying around that could be used, check out a thrift store.

[ottawafm]

That's really cool! I voted for ya! Got any more stuff like this?

[M3G]

Thanks a lot! I've got a few more ideas for stuff to do with forks, hopefully I'll be able to post something soon.

[boatingman]

This is both clever and ingenious, not to mention WONDERFUL. Thank you for sharing.

[M3G]

Thank you!

[sriggs1]

very clever idea! really like these, thanks for sharing!

[M3G]

Thank you!

[Willie Kruger]

Wow! Very cool!

[M3G]

Thanks!