Susan Owen Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Hello all- I have not visited in awhile. Been busy with a Casting class at our local University. Hot fun! I will post pictures soon.... I am so excited to say that I've gotten my first 'real' commission for Blacksmithing work! The customer wants life size Rhododendron leaves (among some other things....) in the piece, and I was just wondering if anyone out there in Blacksmithing Cyberspace has any how-to tips for me on forging Rhododendron leaves. I figure I'll start with clay..... Thanks so much! Peace, Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeatGuy Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 If you have a large number to make, have them water jet cut or plasma cut. Detail the leaf roll the stem and forge weld it to a branch. brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Owen Posted April 28, 2009 Author Share Posted April 28, 2009 Thank you, Brad! Now see? I knew y'all would have good tips for me- I like the idea of cutting the shapes out; I was trying to figure out how to fold something like angle iron and unfold for the main stem vein, then shape by grinding (!), then add detail...yikes. This will be such a learning process for me; I'm really looking forward to it. (I make folded steel bracelets from angle iron, which is why I thought of that in the first place, in case you were wondering.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 I like the idea of cutting out, and you could make a texture swage and heat and beat, to make them all the same texture or 3 d shape, also use a chisel (hot or cold) to mark the main vein, or add texture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Owen Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 Thank you CBrann- I like the idea of a swage for the 3-D forming..... I'll be trying my hand at these leaves in the next week or so, so I will get back with y'all on my progress. It's great to know I have some real Smith's looking over my shoulder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeatGuy Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 I like using folded angle iron for leafs; drawing out the two edges to create a nice curved leaf. Because there is more material where the two legs of the angle meet there will naturaly be a raise rib when it is open up. brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Owen Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 Good morning, Brad- Yes, I was thinking the same thing and wondering if it would work. Glad to know you have made leaves that way.(folding/unfolding angle iron) My usual work is mostly small scale, and in the 'jewelry' category- I make an angle iron cuff bracelet by folding/unfolding so that the raised rib is on the top surface of the bracelet. I have experimented with sprinkling gold dust filings on it and placing back in the forge when I have finished sizing it. I like the effect. Shimmery, but not shiny. Just enough to make people curious. This new project will certainly 'stretch' me and my boundaries. Thank you so much for your help; I'm looking forward to see what comes out from under my hammer- :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old South Creations Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 I would love to see some pics of your bracelets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triw Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 Susan Rhododendron Leaves are long ovals so if you took thin angle iron and flattened it with the foldthen with a grinder ground out the shape of the half leaf then opened up the fold you would have a nice leaf that would only take some veining to finish. Just a though. William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Owen Posted April 30, 2009 Author Share Posted April 30, 2009 Thank you jedsdad05 and William- I will try to post pictures of my bracelets in the near future.....thanks for your interest! I am thinking that William's ideas are right inline with what I was thinking about, so with these tips from you all I now have a good idea about how to proceed. I'm sure I'll try a few different techniques, and hope to have Rhodo leaves figured out shortly. Thanks to all of you- I do love you folks on IForgeIron! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Susan check your PM for info on plasma cut leaves. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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