I've been away from LJ for a VERY long time. I did not realize that someone had posted spam. Sorry about that. I've deleted the post. If anyone still uses this forum, please continue. If not, it will still be here for those wishing to view the older posts.
I saw that the last post was in May of this year....just checking to see if this group is still an active one. Certainly, it seems like the kind of place I want to hang around in... 8)
Here is an article I wrote regarding the ancient and modern realities of wight-ecology, cults devoted to house-wights or spirits, and the necessity of these things, unless you want your house subjected to "Husing Hate".
Hi, I just joined.. I was curious, has anyone here tried to forge meteorite iron? Any guesses on which type to pick? Meteorites were used before extracting iron so I am curious to experiment and wonder about meteorite iron's effect on the fey.
Last weekend my forge was so filled with borax flux it started blowing wisps of it around the shop to settle on things in small drifts. Kind of making my own rockwool type insulation, I thought it was interesting, anyone else have that happen to them? Also it is much hotter now that I rebuilt it and in letting the flux build up so much I ruined several billets, good lesson I guess.
Here's an idea for an art project. I want to construct a hanging metal sign. The support will be a basic pole with an arm on it that I can construct at my forge. The sign I want to be a piece of sheet metal that I've cut holes and lines through to form the Japanese kanji for rain. It will hang from the crossbar of the pole from two supports on either side of the top and will be able to swing forward and backward in the wind. I suppose snow might be more appropriate at this point here in Wisconsin; maybe that will be my second one. Maybe I'll make them interchangeable; that would be kind of neat.
Anyway, I've never done work with sheet metal, or even really thought about it. What's the best way to do that sort of thing? Do you cut out pieces with a torch? What kind or torch would I need? I have a feeling the little propane one I have wouldn't do the trick if I'm using sheet steel. Speaking of what I'm using, what's a good compromise between durability against weathering and expense and ease to work with? I certainly don't mind if it turns colors and begins to rust a bit as long as it stays in one piece for a good long time. Notable signs of weathering would be part of the aesthetic I'm going for anyway.
This just came to mind this morning, and it's not something I've ever really done before, so I thought I'd just throw the idea out and ask for comments, any comments. I'll ask my grandfather too when next I see him since he's been working metal longer than I've been alive and will probably have good ideas, but more perspectives never hurt.
Thanks!
(Cross posted to metalsmiths and my personal journal.)
Anyone interested in creative metal work, blacksmithing, repousse, etc. in the northwest area is encouraged to attend the upcoming conference hosted by the northwest chapter of ABANA. (artist blacksmith association of north america)
Some if not most of the Northwests most creative and talented metalworkers will be in one place for you to learn from. There are hands on workshops for beginners and lectures for the more advanced going simultaneously all weekend. Also open forge into the wee hours of the night, it is great fun, hope to see you there.
