First actual useful project

[Pault17]

I told my wife that I wanted to make something that was actually useful. When she asked what it was going to be I told her that if it "worked" it would be a mother's day present. If not, then it would be a piece of metal that was all banged up - what I like to call "practice".

This one actually worked. I haven't finished it up yet. I like to sand things down to mostly silver then heat it to various shades of oxidation.

Question: I usually just seal with beeswax, but is there something else to use? just curious.

[ApprenticeMan]

Nice work Paul! She should love it! A mixture of beeswax and linseed oil works good, it is a very nice finish, pretty hearty.

[Pault17]

Thanks AM. I added a few pictures of the finished product. here is another sample of my finishing

[ApprenticeMan]

WOW I ABSOLUTELY love those bowls! Very cool! I love the heat coloring look on the pot rack too that is a neat effect, not often seen on stuff liek that either.

[Blackbeard]

Beautifull Paul! Could you maybe explain how to get that great finish? I dont know much!
Bb

[Pault17]

Hey Blackbeard,
The short of it is this: After finishing up my project, whatever it is, I hand-sand most of the black off so I get a lot of base metal showing, then I just reheat to the point of getting the oxidation colors. With small things like the bowls I just put them in the forge for a little bit. The colors in the line gradient is because the end was in the flame path. With the pot rack I just clamped it in my vise and heated it with a propane torch until the color flowed. If you work with coal or charcoal, you could just hold the object above the flame and watch for the colors. as soon as I get what I want, I quick dip or pour water over it to stop the colors and rub it down with beeswax.

If I have a lot of small things like crosses or keychain leafs, I clean them all up and put them in my forge after I have turned it off.