confederatemule Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 I would like to make a small ladle to use over an open fire to melt lead and pour into a tong type single ball mold. I do not have a swage block with round dished impressions. Do y'all have any suggestions for forming the ladle? What I am after is in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng7hArHEiVM&t=1s starting at 1.06. I have 2 ball molds of this type. My thought is to use a rounding hammer over the desired ladle size pipe. Thanks fer any help Mule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Bend some round stock into a ring and use a ball pein hammer. You don't need a swage the same shape as a ladle, spoon, bowl, etc. With practice you can form them on the face if it's large enough project say soup bowl or larger. Don't get in a hurry and anneal as it work hardens. I cut the sheet with a longish tab to use as a handle and cut it off when finished with the shape. A trailer hitch ball and wooden mallet is a good way to planish it off nicely. You can use a rawhide mallet if it's thin enough stock. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdaleh Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Made my first ladles over the hardy hole and step of my anvil. Made some on a wooden stump with a depression carved out. Make a round ring , end of piece of pipe with the inside rounded so it doesn't leave cut marks . Hitch pins and trailer balls make good sinking tools . Plus you can use the Hitch pins and trailer balls to planish over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbo7 Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 work it on the anvil with the round face of your hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confederatemule Posted March 31, 2017 Author Share Posted March 31, 2017 Thanks, y'all. I now have more suggestions than I can handle. Mule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 Put a log in the vise, flat end grain up. Take a heat on the circular flat you have forged on the end of the handle. Sink into the wood with a pall peen while trying to ignore the flame flash. The heat will start a cavity. Repeat until the metal sinks to your liking. Irregularities can be worked over a ball stake. This method also works for flower petals, leaves, and suchlike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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