Need ideas for a base for christmas tree silhouette

[tonyclifton]

A garden shop wants me to make some steel christmas tree silhouettes so they can string lights on them for decoration (maybe candy canes too). We're talking maybe 6 feet tall, 4 to 5 feet at the widest and only a few inches thick as I'll be using 1"x1/8" bar stock. I can make the tree fine. I just can't think of a cheap, quick to build base that will balance this tree.

A simple square frame (maybe 3'x'3) of the same bar stock would have too much flex IMHO plus my scrap supply is usually warped a bit so I can't always form level squares. I also thought of a simple 3x3 rebar frame (1/2") but just not sold on the idea. The owner thought I could just use some plate but he doesn't understand what that costs. I'm going to try and make these trees in no more than 1/2 hour each and maybe get $50 apiece so I need something cheap, quick and effective for supporting these trees. I will probably want to weld a piece of square tubing in the middle as a post to accept a smaller piece welded to the tree.

What will make a suitable base??? I been scratching my head all day.

[James D. Clark]

Make a three legged base out of re-bar loaded with flat sand bags to anchor the trees.

[the hat]

How about 2" exhaust tubing instead of the square and use a standard Xmas tree stand

[tonyclifton]

I'm concerned a christmas tree stand would be too tippy, as well as add to the cost of this cost-sensitive item.

[Hotfoot]

Those plastic weight lifiting weights are found used dirt cheap. Look at the Goodwill store or in the local nickle shopper. they'd be great, stack a couple if you wis, have a simplenut welded onto a washer for your bottom, straw for "liner", concrete or Bondo to fill hole.

[Winger Ed.]

It ain't exactly a tree, but it does capture the spirit of the season around here,,,,,,,,,,,

I humbly submit, 'redneck christmas lights' for your consideration......

[Mike W]

LOL Winger. An old wheel filled with concrete makes a good base. That is what I use on my grinder.

[tonyclifton]

Hilarious Winger!

I realized I don't haver to have a central base. I might make a leg that pivots back and supports the structure from behind. It could attach to the silhouette with a bolt and wingnut and then have a pad on the end of the leg(s) that a simple rebar stake could go thru to lock it down to the ground. Simpler at least to build. Should be plenty stable.

[Winger Ed.]

Originally Posted by Mike W

LOL Winger. .

Is that a hoot or what.... I think the same guy has a old comode with flowers growing out of it in his front yard too.