ironstein Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I had a request for a damascus bracelet, so i used a billet of 15n20 and 1090 that i had in the shop and forged some bracelets. There is one forged from one inch cable as well. I found the cable on a naval base near death valley, no way to tell how old it is, but it looks like it had been there for a long time. I really enjoy making and working with pattern welded items, its like christmas when you etch them! Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Altusjg Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Great looking work!! I have a billet of 1095 and 15n20 i welded a few weeks back(only my 2nd or 3rd forge weld) that i'll be making a couple matching blades out of for me and my Dad. I sure hope the pattern turns out as nice as those bracelets. How many layers? Do you use a power hammer? Im not fortunate enough to own or have access to one but i figured out real quick that pattern welded steel is not easily pushed around. At least not compared to the mild steel (round stock and RR spikes) i had used before trying this billet. I've welded a couple cable billets before then with success but even that didnt compare to the pounding 1095 and 15n20 takes to draw out. Anyways, Outstanding bracelets, thanks for sharing and i may have to borrow the idea to make something for the wife;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Nope, no power hammer here! I do have a hydraulic press that i use to get the weld started, but i usually do the drawing on the anvil. 15n20/1090 is fairly stiff to forge, you just gotta get it hot enough. Keep it at welding heat and it moves pretty good. For all the bracelets except the cable damascus, i started with nine layers of alternating steel, i set the weld and drew it out and gave it a good tight twist. I wanted to keep the layers bold and large for some pop. Unfortunately after twisting the billet i burned it in half in the forge! I got a new electric blower for the coke forge and wasn't paying attention. I usually use my propane forge for an easy way to weld billets, but i wanted to try my hand at the coke forge for welding. I was surprised at how easy the cable damascus was to weld in the coke forge. Thanks for posting, i look forward to seeing your wares. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinton Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Those are nice irostein- I hope my girlfriend doesn't see this, or I will be learning how to do Damascus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WmHorus Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 How thick did you make them? he bracelets that us, and what did you use to etch? They look great btw Horus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sask Mark Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Once again, awesome work Brian. That new anvil is paying off, eh??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted May 3, 2011 Author Share Posted May 3, 2011 Thanks for all the coments. Mark, yes the anvil sure is "paying" off. Clinton, theres nothing to it, you have a power hammer, it would be a piece of cake for you. Horus, i etch them in ferric chloride, i think you can get it at radio shack. In my opinion, it is very important to do a nice finish polish after grinding for a good etch. Leave it in the etch longer if you want topography. My damascus is sloppy compared to most, but i enjoy it. As for thickness, those bracelets are different thicknesses, from 1/8 to 3/8. I varied them because i wanted to see how they felt, and if they were bendable. They are not, 15n20 and 1090 is very tough to move after it has cooled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OddDuck Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 At least you don't have to worry about heat treat with bracelets. Very nice, you've given me some good Christmas present ideas. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Nice work on the cuffs! You done good on them all :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 "Bullets and Bracelets"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted May 4, 2011 Author Share Posted May 4, 2011 ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisG Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 Do you sell these, if so what do you charge? They are very nice and makes me want to make some myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks Dennis. Yes i am currently working on a commission for three. I also have a few listed on Etsy. around $100 depending on size and complexity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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