Scrolls, machine, buy or build

[peter]

Hello all,

I am not getting consistent results while freehanding scrolls; repeatability becomses a hit or miss proposition. My thought is to produce or buy a scrolling rig of some sort. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Rgds,
Peter

[irnsrgn]

http://www.iforgeiron.com/blueprints...1-twister.html

[rthibeau]

make a jig for the sizes you most make/use. to make just a curve consistently, make a bending jig from pipe and angle iron, see BP 0406.

http://www.iforgeiron.com/blueprints-400-500/bp0406-s-bending-jig.html

For actual scrolls with more than a turn or so in the curve, use 1/4 x 3/4 flat bar to make the jig by forming one end of the scroll, then bend the opposite end down at a 90º to fit in the vise. You'll have to tweak it to get the proper curvature, but once the jig is made you can make consistent scrolls with it.

Check out the scroll BPs in the 0 -100 series.

[Glenn]

Blueprints on scrolls and bending forks.
BP0026 Principles of Design
BP0323 Spirals and Scrolls

BP0147 Half Penny Snub End Scroll
BP0069 French Buttons & Scroll Starts
BP0031 Scroll Design

BP0030 Scroll Design
BP0029 Scroll Design
BP0028 Scroll Jigs

BP0027 Scroll Design
BP0025 Scroll Design
BP0024 Scroll Design

BP0023 Scroll Design
BP0022 Scroll Generator

Bending forks that help tweak the scrolls
BP0285 Bending Forks
BP0257 Bending Fork
BP0360 Multi-Position Bending Fork
BP0290 Bending Forks
BP0121 Vise Bending Forks

I am sure there are more, but this should get you started. Spend some time with BP0026 Principles of Design, draw it out on paper and then lay the metal down against the pattern. Adjust as needed.

Did anyone mention that you should make 100 scrolls and find the two that match? Then throw the others into the scrap pile <grin> It takes practice and more practice to make items identical. The metal has to be consistent, the heating has to be consistent, and you have to be consistent. Just takes practice.

How many scrolls do you need and how many different sizes? A few can be done by hand, a few more if you use a jig. If you have enough scrolls to make, can the project pay for the machine? Remember that the machine has a learning curve and a lot of waste learning how to do things right.

[proudwhitetrash]

when making scrolls or bends even with a machine they will never be the same. metal has diffrent makeup and it all bends diffrent. at our shop we all ways make one scroll as a sample and then use that as a templet. and use the bending fork to get them near the same.

[johnny99]

Same here.

[Strine]

Gee biting your tongue hurts!

[Strine]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Blueprints on scrolls and bending forks.
It takes practice and more practice to make items identical.

That about sums up my response

[irnsrgn]

oops, I misread the original post to say twisting.

Sorry

[peter]

Alcon,

Thank you all for your research and suggestions. The answer appears to be build as opposed to buy. I am off to the shop.

Rgds,
peter