Bathroom Brilliance

Following last month’s trend, I decided to use pre-fabricated scrolls. The scrolls that I make cannot, at this stage, compare to the ones that are available commercially. In addition to this, the storebought scrolls have a decorative finish that adds to the appearance.

Each item has its own construction sequence. This may take up too much time if followed step-by-step as I have written it. I suggest that you read through all the sequences first and familiarise yourself with all the steps required.

Then group all similar activities and complete them first. It is easier if the flat bar is cut to size and all the holes are drilled before welding the parts together.

To ensure that all the scrolls are welded at exactly the same position, it is necessary to mark the position where they will be attached to the flat bar. Position all six scrolls on the workbench and using a square, mark where they are to be welded.

Toilet roll holder

Mark off 130mm on the flat bar and cut using the hacksaw. File all the rough edges. Mark, centre punch and drill two 4mm holes about 15mm from the ends. If you have a metal countersink drill, countersink the two holes after drilling.

This will make the mounting screws fit flush with the flat bar. If you do not have a metal countersink drill bit, then a larger drill bit can be used. The angle is not exactly correct, but the hole will be countersunk and covered with the screw – so who is going to know?

Position the scrolls. Make sure that the scroll is perpendicular to the bracket connector. Use the square to ensure that the scroll is perpendicular to the scroll connector. Clamp and tack.

When the welding has cooled down, position the toilet roll holder against a flat surface and check that both scrolls are at the same angle. If they are not, clamp in the vice and bend them straight. Once all is aligned, weld.

Towel rail

The towel rail follows a similar construction process as the toilet roll holder. Measure 50mm on the flat bar and cut two pieces using the hacksaw. File all the rough edges. Mark, centre punch, drill and countersink two 4mm holes about 10mm from the ends. Position the scroll on the scroll mounting plate and clamp to the workbench.

Place the completed toilet roll holder next to it. This will aid in the alignment. Drill a 4mm hole on the underside of the scroll. This is where the broom or rake handle is to be attached. Countersink drill as before. Repeat with the other scroll.

Toothbrush and mug holder

A bending jig will be required to bend the round bar on this item. I have made my own bending jigs, but any piece of pipe of a suitable diameter can be used. Lay the round bar perpendicular to the pipe and weld it on (the welded piece will be discarded), clamp in the vice and bend.

Clamp the 10mm round bar in the jig. Bend the round bar around the jig three and a half to four turns. It is not necessary to heat the metal when bending.

The 10mm round bar is fairly malleable and can be bent cold. Having the extra length (1m) provides enough leverage to bend the bar with a little effort. Clamp the jig firmly in the vice and saw through the rings.

You will now have two identical rings. Clamp the ring in the vice and straighten using a piece of off-cut tubing. Repeat with the other ring. Clamp both the rings to the workbench and weld the joints. Clean the joints with a file. I did not have a jig to bend the small rings (toothbrush holders) so I improvised with a large bolt. Clamp the bolt and the 4mm round bar in the vice.

Bend the round bar around the jig, making five to six turns – this will seem effortless after bending the 10mm round bar.

Cut the round bar as with the 10mm round bar. You will now have four identical rings. Clamp each ring in the vice and bend them straight. Position the two small rings against the large ring and clamp to the workbench. Weld the two small rings to the large ring. Be careful not to burn through the metal on the small rings. To overcome this, set the amperage down a step or two on your welding machine.

Make the other ring in exactly the same way. Clamp the scroll to a piece of large off-cut angle iron. This will hold the scroll at the correct angle. Any material that will be perpendicular to the workbench can be used.

Make the first weld, turn it over, and weld on the underside.