April 28, 200917 yr 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
April 28, 200917 yr 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
April 28, 200917 yr Author 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.)
April 28, 200917 yr 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
April 29, 200917 yr Author 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!
April 29, 200917 yr 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
April 29, 200917 yr Author 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
April 29, 200917 yr 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
April 30, 200917 yr Author 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!
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.