teensy copper range hood, for miniature kitchen smoke

I haven't worked with sheet-type metal since 'metal shop' in middle school. And I certainly don't have the right tools for it. But mind over matter, bite-the-bullet, I want a range hood! As usual, I go to my graph paper because mathematically, this one's a doozie (it looks worse than it was). I always try to get my projects to a place where they should work 'in theory' before I start experimenting with expensive supplies. I made a pattern, turned paper mock-up. It came out great, which means mad props to my high school geometry teacher.

 But paper's pretty forgiving, it bends/moves without leaving a semi-permanent scar. So I graduated to cardboard. It's rigid and shows mistakes. Perfect for the dress rehearsal. I refined my pattern to three pieces and got the model made up. It too, looked awesome. But who wants a cardboard range hood?!

Phases 1 and 2



 It sat in my studio, looking awesome and soaking up my pride for about 2 weeks. Then, the only thing left to do, was (gasp) grow a pair. I had to make myself start bending and cutting this stuff:

I was very nervous. I went about it in a systematic way and I found a method to correct minor flaws. This copper is 36 gauge, which is metal-speak for 'thicker than aluminum foil' but 'thinner than posterboard'. It's about the same as cardstock. I guess.

I only messed up one piece beyond repair, so I had to make another exhaust duct. Otherwise, I'm pretty impressed with my learning curve.

Shazam.

All that's left on this project is to make the flange that mounts it to the ceiling. And keep this thing safe from all of my crazy misfit animals.