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.

 

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

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.?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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.