CarolusFaber Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Hi everyone, some months ago, I forged this Maltese Cross using the "split cross" technique with added twists. The finishing applied is transparent varnish over the previusly polished surface with steel wirebrush. The project was then completed by fixing the cross on a red marble carved basin to realize a small holy water font (the carving work was done by a friend Master marble worker). I'm open to any comment and suggestion of yours! Hope you like it. Thanks! Carolus Faber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 I like it Carlos, I've never seen a split Maltese cross, the twist is enthralling. The marble is very attractive too. Now I'm sitting here thinking of ways to make a split Maltese cross. Thank you. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anvil Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Nice! how did you join your iron to the marble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolusFaber Posted June 18, 2023 Author Share Posted June 18, 2023 Hi Frosty, thank you for your appreciation! If you wish, I can share some step-by-step photos I took during the process. Carolus Hi Anvil, I welded two little pins to the bottom arm of the cross (at its tips) and then the marble Master fixed it into the stone with some sort of mortar added with red marble powder in order not to see the joining seam. Thank you! Carolus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 19, 2023 Share Posted June 19, 2023 Please Carlos I'd be very interested in step by step photos. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolusFaber Posted June 19, 2023 Author Share Posted June 19, 2023 I must admit I struggled a bit to figure out how to have the necessary amount of material at the arms to be then spreaded out into the four triangles. I started from a 35mm*35mm square bar (mild steel) and then drawn out the middle section to make kind of an hourglass shape. Then, the process is the same as for the normal split cross, with the main difference that now you have plenty of material at the arms to be later forged in the typiacl triangular shape of the Maltese Cross. The tips are simply cut with an angle grinder and then refined at the forge. Regarding the twists, I twisted 180° the arms (inspiration taken from Moose Forge split cross or Friedrich's Cross). As you can see from the pictures, I think it's better to first do the twisting and then forge out the triangular arms. Hope it's clear enough! If you have improvements in the process (especially regarding the twist), I'd be very happy if you share! Carolus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 19, 2023 Share Posted June 19, 2023 That's about how I envisioned making one. I might consider upsetting the ends before splitting the bank too to give the ends more width. I don't know how much I'd overlap the cuts but I never know how much I want to overlap the cuts. It'll be trickier to balance with the twists. Sounds like a good challenge. I may have to go light the forge and take a lash at this. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolusFaber Posted June 19, 2023 Author Share Posted June 19, 2023 The amount of cut overlapping is a critical aspect indeed: when twisting, the central "split" section tightens quite a lot. Somewhere in my workshop I have a sheet with all the measurements I took during the various attemps, including the cross section in the narrow central part and cuts length. I might look for it and share here. I'd be happy if you will share your version! Thank you! Carolus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted June 20, 2023 Share Posted June 20, 2023 Liking it s too mild, I love it, absolutely stunning. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sails. ~ Semper Paratus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolusFaber Posted June 21, 2023 Author Share Posted June 21, 2023 HI Irondragon, thank you for your appreciation! Carolus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.