Rebar has a well-defined pattern and I wanted to know what would happen if it were twisted. As we are all aware it's not much use twisting round bar, but would rebar be any different? Wondering if anyone has managed to twist rebar in a way that makes interesting use of the pattern.

Here's what happened:

A tight twist, one direction. A bit of a mess:

A light twist in a fullered section to define the twist. Ordinary.

A long reverse twist. OK.

A squared section. Not much good as the twist loses the pattern on the steel. OK for contrast perhaps.

 

I like the tight twist and the reverse twist. Kinda cool, and could make for an interesting variation in a situation where one might be using rebar for the texture anyway. Thanks.

As rebar can have differing textures choosing the one that looks best twisted may be part of starting a project.

I like the long reverse twist. It has an H.R.Giger alien look to it.

Thomas: Yes, some textures are not distinct enough for twisting. I chose this one because there was a sort of filleted look to the pattern (see left of Pic 1) and also two very strong opposing lines which could give a rope effect.

It's sometimes good to add a twist to a long poker to add some interest to the long shaft, but after these trials, I am leaning towards the idea of leaving the pattern as it is.

(Das, I had to look up H.R. Giger art. Wow! What's that guy on?)

I don't know but he makes some wild art. Back when I was attempting to be a guitarist, I purchased an Ibanez guitar that he designed the artwork on. It was really industrial looking. It's stored up in my attic and I've moved on from trying to make music. I'm honestly better at bashing and welding up metal than playing it on guitar. 

You can get a nice twist with round stock if you chisel a line in it. 

I wanted to add that you can get a nice look from rebar if you first forge it square. Then you can use it as is, or twist it.

Adjusting the cross section of a piece before twisting can result in a large number or interesting twists.  I've seen a set of dies that turns round stock into fake rope after use and twisting.  Saw a glass table at Q-S that looked like it was supported with a steel Lasso done that way 

I've used round bar with that lengthwise groove quite a bit. I like it. 

You can also vary the depth of the groove to  create different "looks".

I don't usually put twists in rebar pokers, but this one wasn't too bad. The rebar had a strong rib line. Flattening out the pattern in between makes the rib stand out on the twist. Just adds a bit of decoration to a long poker or lifter.

 

Nice. I especially like that this is clearly the result of a deliberate design choice rather than a happy accident from carelessly using a random bit of scrap.

Ausfire,

Being extremely new to beating hot steel, the majority of my projects have been with rebar.    I've made steak flippers, coal rakes and fire pit pokers.  They've all had twists and re-twists.  Everyone who's received one of my gifts has commented they couldn't figure out how I managed to put the "vine" on the item.   I know a lot of smiths turn their noses up at the thought of using rebar, but I think it adds a lot of character to what might otherwise be a mundane project.  I like your examples with the flattened areas.  Will emulate some of that in my future projects.  Looks really sharp.

Chris

Nothing wrong with rebar for certain projects. It can be a bit harder to work. I will say that some forging projects I've done with it where I wasn't looking to save any of the rebar texture would have been way easier using regular mild steel. 

Honestly can't comment on that, Das.  The only things (other than my Hot Cut Hardie) I've made at this point have been with rebar.  When I get my forge up and running, I'll be able to work out of my stock bin and plan on keeping square and round stock on hand.

Yes use it "for its character" not "in spite of it".