Old Timer Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 I am new to this forum and a blacksmith wannabe. Could you show me some of your "critter" projects that you've made? I do some welding and other shop type work, but tremors my hands are limiting me to smaller projects. Thanks in advance - Old Timer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 Hi Old Timer, welcome aboard. If you check out the "metal sculptures and carvings" section you will find many posts with eye candy inspiration there. I look forward to seeing what your minds eye ends up creating, be sure to post what you come up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Timer Posted December 30, 2016 Author Share Posted December 30, 2016 Thanks for the info. I would like to eventually make mule heads, longhorn heads, snakes. And other things like that, but currently don't have know how or punches, and things like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 Punches can be made cheaply from sections of coil springs salvaged from cars. They don't take a lot of hammering to make and can be ground or filed to what shape you want. I try to heat treat mine but if it's just a shape punch that won't get heavily pounded you could probably get away without a heat treat on them since they are harder then the heated steel you will use them on. I have some new shapes I need to make myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTBlades Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 Das, please do tell more about these spring punches. I need to make a few. I have few springs kicking around. A couple nuts and bolts scrap pieces for your viewing Old Timer. I'm just starting to figure this stuff out myself.....a product of boredom lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 Well if you are forging a snake you need to punch the eyes and nostrils. A nice sharp chisel can do the mouth. For my snake eyes i took a round tapered punch and drilled the tip to make a divot so it has a surround ring and a central more raised eye. ( I still plan to improve on that punch and make several sizes and styles.). Then a pointed punch for the nostrils. ( again I have plans for different shapes and sizes.) there are way better tool makers then me lol so I'm sure a little searching here on punch making will steer you in a better direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdaleh Posted December 31, 2016 Share Posted December 31, 2016 Get the book Iron Menagerie by the Guild of Metals Smiths. It shows what punches you need to make animals and how to make them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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