BUILDING A YETT

[Inveresk]

I have a commission for an unusual building on our island, a stone built Scottish tower house. We're well through construction and I want to begin some of the metalwork projects that we need. Of these, the most challenging is a yett, a Scottish term for a forged iron gate. These had rails running vertically and horizontally that were interwoven so they couldn't be dissembled. I have no idea how these were made and I'm hoping someone can offer a solution so that I can give some guidance to the blacksmith we eventually appoint. I've attached a couple of illustrations of typical yetts.

I'm unclear whether these were forged from single bars which were heated then expanded to make the hole for the opposing bars to go through. If so, then I can't figure out the sequence for assembly. Is it likely that these were made from two strips of metal that were then heated and fused on an anvil? This would negate the need to hole the bars but is it practical?

Does anyone have any experience of these or can anyone offer some advice about how these were made?

[thecelticforge]

Looks like through mortise and tenon construction. It sends the signal that they don't like company.

I really like the design. I have been thinking about what kind of iron gate to build to keep the bears off of my front deck and this one will fit the bill perfectly.

[mbaird]

Yeah, looks like a pretty standard construction & assembly. Gorgeous, too. I saw these around Scotland a few years back, still in use today... they're quite strong!

[monstermetal]

I'm unclear whether these were forged from single bars which were heated then expanded to make the hole for the opposing bars to go through. If so, then I can't figure out the sequence for assembly. Is it likely that these were made from two strips of metal that were then heated and fused on an anvil? This would negate the need to hole the bars but is it practical?

Does anyone have any experience of these or can anyone offer some advice about how these were made?

they where punched.... not two strips.. the good news is you can do this, there is no magic involved. However some heavy work with a big hammer looks to be in your future!

[Mark Wargo New2bs]

Clay Spencer brought a small section similar to this to the last forge council meeting in Mississippi in July. It indeed looks spectacular. Punched through.

Mark

[Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver]

Believe it or not, all the bars were finished before assembly. I studied the photo for awhile and I could see the sequence. Goes together like a puzzle from the center outward. You need to learn the art of slit drifting. And how much allowance for shrinkage in length. Play with double strands of soft wire to work it out.Now the circular ones, that'll drive ya nuts.

[Sam Salvati]

In fact, it goes together in final assembly in 2 L shaped pieces, here look at this:

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?107427-Challenging-window-grill-for-the-blacksmiths

[fciron]

Hmmm, there's a tutorial on this type of grille on the internet somewhere, but I can't seem to find it right now. I think Mark Aspery was involved.

Inveresk, the bars are pierced hot using the 'slit and drift' technique (seem to be called pass throughs in the UK) and then the four quarters sort of slide over each-other. It would require some heavy punching, but is well within the realm of possibility. I might suggest that if your blacksmith doesn't know or can't find out how to make it then find another blacksmith who can.

I don't know this guy but here's how the holes get made:

[Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver]

In fact, it goes together in final assembly in 2 L shaped pieces, here look at this:

http://www.britishbl...the-blacksmiths

This one is not quite the two symetrical "L's" like that one. Most of the horizontals were passed through the two left verticals, then the bottom horizontal was assembled on the two right verticals then that was slipped up from the bottom. Pretty cool.

[Inveresk]

Thanks for all the comments - really helpful. I've got it now, thanks to the video link and the link to the other thread. Like many puzzles, easy once you know how. We do have some good blacksmiths on the island and one of them will no doubt rise to the challenge.

In due course I'll post some shots of the project.

[clinton]

I think Grant nailed it, I was going cross eyed looking at it, thanks Grant now I can go out to the shop

[infinityblacksmithing]

FYI- that video is from David Robertson here in Ontario. He's the guy who taught me how to smith when I started out. Great guy and an amazing teacher.

[yesteryearforge]

I haven't gotten around to making one of those yett :)

[Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver]

Saw a news article once something like this:

Hospital report suggests the bullet is lodged in her yet"

"In a fight at a local bar last month, a Tacoma woman was shot in the fracas.

[bigfootnampa]

"Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who's The Ferrous of Them All?" I bow to thee Great Sarver!

[charadam]

And in Lallans Scots (the dialect I was born into) the "close the door" command from Dad was Steek the yett ahint ye!

Meaning, "kindly deposit the wooden article in the aperture provided, once you have navigated the narrow part".

Now I know where "yett" came from!

[Adam2519]

If you haven't seen it yet (pun intended)
Brian Brazeal just posted a thread with a good set of pictures for a yett. (yes, a good set for the yett. I'm on a roll)

thread is Slitting and Drifting, I haven't figured out how to link a thread, but if you search forums "Brian Yett" there is only one result.

Adam

[tdaleh]

yett another problem solved on i forge iron

[pkrankow]