John B Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 We needed some coathangers for the Guilds's forge, so we had a bit of a competition to make one to a sample. Here they are in situ. Competitors were given a piece of 10mm (3/8") x 20mm (3/4") with excessive length, it was then up to the individuals to asses the sizes needed. As you can see, they were all pretty near to the original, have to make a couple more now For those interested this was how it was done. Captions on pictures should help explain proceedure. Bar was marked out for the different section points using centre punch marks so you can see them when hot. The short end was then split to start to form the arms, and then closed together to fuller in at the next mark. Fullered for the arms transition point (a little too near on this one, but it will be OK) The bar was then fullered to isolate the section from arms to mounting section This section was then forged to shape Fuller in at the next mark Then forge/spread the mounting section, leaving a raised vein down the centre, punch the securing screw holes and finish dress this area Then back to the split end, Use the hardie to open the split end and open these up to 90 degrees for access, then draw out one side to a smooth taper and note the length, then forge the other side to same dimensions and check lengths are the same. Bring the arms into a straight line and check lengths again. You can see in the pics why the original fullering did not leave quite enough material to allow a fullering in the split end to give a flush flat top when the arms are finished, in this case it was hot filed to make smooth. Then when you are happy they are the same length, reverse the work in the tongs to start the top arm/ball end. Cut the excess material off at the mark using the hardie to cut halfway through from both sides, this helps to start to form the ball end, then fuller in at the next mark. Then draw the arm to a shaped oval taper ready to forge the ball Forge the ball end on end of horn and front and back edges on anvil, dress with hot file to finish arm ready to shape Then shape the arm over the far side of the anvil and horn This completes the arm end, Reverse the workpiece in the tongs and bring the lower arm into position Now start the scrolls, the anvil this was done on had a stubby horn, so I used a bick iron suitable for the task. Then repeat for other side and adjust them to match. Now it is ready to finish, in this case it will be primed and painted Well that's it warts and all, If you want to try it, you will probably make it quicker than the time I took to post it. Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 bdy nora john!! thats a very long post - thanks hugely for bothering - Lovely looking hooks, i will certainly try that out with your very clear and groovy pictorial tutorial! i cant see any warts either - really nice design :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thank You John! I like the look of those and the process pics are wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenbeast Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 nice tutorial, really makes me wanna be at the forge trying this out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Very nice tutorial John, well done. Duplicating pieces accurately is harder than many folk think and I kind of put the skill in my intermediate level when I instruct. Having the finished pieces be an integral part of the local clubhouse is brilliant, the makers and others will get a look at them everytime they come in. I am going to have to adopt the idea. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Nice tutorial and a very well done coat hanger. Now what do you do if you get an order for a thousand? Go quietly insane by the time you finish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 Nice tutorial and a very well done coat hanger. Now what do you do if you get an order for a thousand? Go quietly insane by the time you finish? As I have retired now, pass the order on to anyone interested in taking it on, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 Very, very nice. The coathanger and the tutorial. I'm slowly reaching the conlusion that having a fuller like that is indispensable, especially for someone working alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fe-Wood Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Thanks John!!! I have been looking for a simple yet elegant design. I just found it!... and with instructions ta boot :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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