Cactus Pen Holder — Welding & Metal Fabrication Project Plans (1½" & 2" Steel Tubing) | TEKS-Aligned Ag Mechanics Lesson

Give your welding students a project that's fun to build and satisfying to display: a steel Cactus Pen Holder made from square tubing and a CNC-cut base plate. This beginner-friendly build teaches precise 45° fit-up, tack-welding sequence, thin-wall MIG welding, and finish grinding — all in a single 1–2 class period project.

Available in two tubing sizes (1½" and 2", both 14 GA), so you can match the build to the skill level and stock on hand in your shop. Every plan set includes teacher-ready documents aligned to Texas TEKS Chapter 127, so it drops straight into your Agricultural Mechanics or Metal Technologies unit.

What's Included

• Full dimensioned drawing packet (isometric + orthographic views, both tubing sizes)
• Ready-to-cut DXF file for the CNC plasma/laser-cut bottom plate
• Cut List & Materials List — exact lengths, angles, and stock needed per build
• Step-by-step Build Instructions with safety reminders and "Check Yourself" quality checkpoints
• Complete Lesson Plan aligned to 19 TAC §127.43, §127.41, and PEIMS N1270153 (General Employability Skills)
• Printable Rubric (100-point scale) covering fit-up accuracy, weld quality, safety, craftsmanship, and participation

Project Details

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Time: 1–2 class periods (150–200 minutes)
• Material: 14 GA steel square tubing (1½" or 2") + 14 GA steel plate
• Tools Required: Chop saw or band saw, MIG welder, angle grinder, CNC plasma table
• Format: Instant digital download (PDF drawing packet + DXF file)

Why Teachers Love This Project

• Small footprint and short build time — fits easily into a 1–2 day lab block
• Teaches transferable fabrication skills: angle layout, fit-up, tack welding, and finish work
• Two tubing size options let you differentiate for skill level or available stock
• Fully TEKS-aligned documentation saves prep time and supports lesson audits