forged bronze railing newel post

That is absolutely gorgeous.  How did you make those odd twists and what are they called? 

How well does silicone bronze forge? I'd never heard of it until recently when I found out it is one of the more ideal fasteners for wooden boat building.

Never heard of it being forged until now.

Lovely twists. Lovely railing in general.

thanks!

silicone bronze forges readily, but requires very careful heating, as it crumbles when heated much beyond dark red. as long as one stays in this range, it is easily shaped. i have forged a lot of this stuff -- usually forging 1.5" round to a flat for handrails (it creates a very nice bar with rounded sides), or forging same to finials, or making large hinges from 3" round and 1/2" plate. you can also tig weld and mig weld it with ease. however, please be mindful that fumes and dust from this material can lead to metal fume fever, which is very, very unpleasant.