Dragontrainingwheels

I've got a couple of co workers excited about doing a junk yard run. When we get a free day at the shop I think we will head over there.

Jacksonville. Moved here almost exactly a year ago. Just 5 more days.

I knew I was gonna catch some heck for using the vise. I have been reading a lot of posts. But it is what I used  for this one and I've got my eye out for its replacement before I start my next project. My vise sends it thanks for all for their concerns for its safety

HF has their 55 pounder for 60, but I have read some very mixed reviews on it. I'll probably use a sledge or a piece of RR track.  

The sample was a friends idea. He has a lot more building experience than I do. He's never done smithing before either, though.

Ive done a bit of casting and mold making in the past, and pewter is my favorite thing to work with. I've got a bad habit of mixing too much plaster, though. 

My gaming PC is outfitted with a Razer Black Widow Chroma and a Taipan. I splurged a little bit when I finished building the computer. 

I know the vise is a bad idea. I just need to get to the junk yard to find something more beefy. 

Also, I wasn't too worried about the edge on this piece, really. It will do its duty and slay many envelopes in the future.

Good thinking to get the aerial shot at the end. Quadcopter?

Ok, so Its a bit more like a letter opener, but I forged it out all the same. My only regret is I didn't take more process shots.

I'm not sure what kind of steel it was, but it came from the workings of a recliner, much like the circled piece in this picture.

Forged and hardened in motor oil, tempered in my oven, and then polished a little.  I was pleased at how significantly stronger it became after the whole process. I was able to bend the original piece of metal, but not now. along side are pewter ingots and a sample of the wood for my handle. The wood is a hardwood flooring sample I got for free at Lowes.

Wax skull molded onto the blade for a quillon. or fitting maybe? cross guard? Terminology help would be appreciated here.

Pewter skull fresh from the mold

And here is either side of the knife in its current state. I get pewter cups from thrift shops for my casting purposes.

I'm still working on the pommel, but here are 2 looks I've been playing with in wax. I had one failed casting (second photo). Who knew a marble would float in molten pewter. 

I would love any feedback.  I'm using a coffee can propane forge, the anvil on the back of a vise, and whatever hammers I have at hand. Steel too for that matter (hence the chair parts).