My Split Cross Pic Tutorial

[ANGRYANVIL]

OK I was asked how I made my split cross. I finished this up last night. I hope this helps and is worthy of this forum with all the people that has been doing this longer than myself.

 

[rhitee93]

OK, that is much simpler than the methods I was dreaming up.  Thanks!

[Randy Bill]

Really neat. Looks like that saw works great; a reciprocating saw? Man why didn't I think of that. Could you share some details on blade, etc.?

[ANGRYANVIL]

Really neat. Looks like that saw works great; a reciprocating saw? Man why didn't I think of that. Could you share some details on blade, etc.?

The blades are made by Milwaukee. They a 6" 14 tooth. Think they call the blades the Torch. http://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/cutting/48-00-5782

[ANGRYANVIL]

Also the tools I used were a ball peen hammer a large chisel sawzall and a set of channel lock pliers. And my anvil and my old Miller falls vise. No heat was used.

[njanvilman]

Pre-annealing the spike?  Have you tried it that way?  Would it make it easier to saw?

[DSW]

Really neat. Looks like that saw works great; a reciprocating saw? Man why didn't I think of that. Could you share some details on blade, etc.?

 

Portaband works well also. I use that when I do my normal split crosses. The wider material on a RR spike would make it a lot easier than cutting 1/2" or 3/8" with one.

[ANGRYANVIL]

Portaband works well also. I use that when I do my normal split crosses. The wider material on a RR spike would make it a lot easier than cutting 1/2" or 3/8" with o

 

 

i have a portaband as well. why didnt i think of that. lol

[DSW]

If you have a vertical bandsaw adapter for the portaband it makes things super easy. I need to work on one for my saw.

[ANGRYANVIL]

If you have a vertical bandsaw adapter for the portaband it makes things super easy. I need to work on one for my saw.

 

that is not a bad idea.  i will have to make some kind of clamp to hold it with a table attachment.  the rust is getting knocked off my wheels in my head and the generator is starting to power up the little LED in my head

[ausfire]

Thanks for the tutorial, David.
So here's my first go at a cross. Just off the forge and wire brushed. Might give it an oil finish to darken it. This was an ordinary rail spike - I want to attempt one now with a wrought spike.

[ANGRYANVIL]

Thanks for the tutorial, David.
So here's my first go at a cross. Just off the forge and wire brushed. Might give it an oil finish to darken it. This was an ordinary rail spike - I want to attempt one now with a wrought spike.
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![cdata[>NICE!  So far i have been only spraying a clear polly coat on all my work.  I havent tried oil yet. What kind of oil are you putting on your creations.  .I made a few more items tonight. One of the crosses i tried to twist the ends but it didnt have the effect i was looking for.  Thats the beauty of this craft, its all about the lessons you learn from the good and the bad that can make you better. 

[ausfire]

After having a second look I changed my mind about the oil finish (I was going to use beeswax/linseed) and decided to darken the cross by using some oxy to get some colour and a touch of brass. Came out well.
Tomorrow I'll have a go at a wrought iron one. Probably will have a rougher 'older' texture. That is if I can control the shredding and delaminating.
And yes, everything you make, successful or not, teaches you something. The pile of scrap that didn't work is not wasted metal; it's evidence of learning.