Step 2: Shaping & Hammering
This step is where you'll draw out the rod to the length and the width you want.
Tools required for this step: Vice grips or pliers, torch, anvil, hammer,
Heating:
First use your torch or forge (if you're fortunate enough) to heat up the tip of your rod (about a 2-3 inch section. heat it till it is glowing orange but be sure not to burn the steel this will damage it permanently.
Shaping:
*To draw out the metal you will strike the rod beginning at the tip where you have heated and you will hit with sliding blows length ways towards the tip and this will slowly make it longer. Do this on both sides of the blade.
Note: repeat the heating and drawing out while slowly moving Down the length of the blade up to the point that you want your handle to start (be careful not to flatten this part this will be your tang).
Shaping Cont. :
* Next, once your blade is drawn out you will begin to strike the edges of the blade flattening it until it is the width you want. in this part you will also do this the whole length of the blade. Also do this on both side of the blade.
Tools required for this step: Vice grips or pliers, torch, anvil, hammer,
Heating:
First use your torch or forge (if you're fortunate enough) to heat up the tip of your rod (about a 2-3 inch section. heat it till it is glowing orange but be sure not to burn the steel this will damage it permanently.
Shaping:
*To draw out the metal you will strike the rod beginning at the tip where you have heated and you will hit with sliding blows length ways towards the tip and this will slowly make it longer. Do this on both sides of the blade.
Note: repeat the heating and drawing out while slowly moving Down the length of the blade up to the point that you want your handle to start (be careful not to flatten this part this will be your tang).
Shaping Cont. :
* Next, once your blade is drawn out you will begin to strike the edges of the blade flattening it until it is the width you want. in this part you will also do this the whole length of the blade. Also do this on both side of the blade.
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kyismaster
says:
Oct 2, 2011. 12:35 PMReply
How do you Burn Steel Lol.
5
cyprian916 (author)
in reply to Oct 2, 2011. 11:46 PMReply
well since steel is comprised of iron and carbon if you heat up the steel to much what happens is the carbon burns out and leaves you with a very brittle useless bit of iron oxide and can no longer be used for a blade. just be careful to heat it moderately and evenly and you have no worries.
carlpogi_11
says:
Feb 11, 2011. 11:13 AMReply
but how did you make the blade smaller ,when u are hammering it is big
5
cyprian916 (author)
in reply to Feb 11, 2011. 12:23 PMReply
what do you mean by that? to finish the overall shaping process in refining the shape you file the edges down it that what you mean?
3
mjursic
says:
Dec 19, 2010. 7:36 PMReply
Good instructable. Love it. You have to be careful when heating galvanized steel--zinc fumes can be deadly.
5
cyprian916 (author)
in reply to Dec 19, 2010. 10:43 PMReply
thanks im glad you like it. yes i know I've taken several chemistry classes, i looked for fumes but didn't see any and i was in a well ventilated area. garage door open and swamp cooler on. thx though
3
mjursic
in reply to Dec 20, 2010. 4:53 AMReply
Welcome. I'll be doing one sometime in the next couple of weeks, that's how much I like it.
5
cyprian916 (author)
in reply to Dec 26, 2010. 11:17 PMReply
post pics when you finish it. btw my Dad loved it.
5
cyprian916 (author)
in reply to Dec 22, 2010. 11:41 AMReply
sweet yeah tons of fun to make and very rewarding to see the final product. now to see the look on my dads face Christmas day.
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