[TheForge] Instructions for making grape or nut clusters

Wed Mar 13 20:29:01 2002

        Mata,  Solid stock can be used in a swage and tapered into a stem to
weld to a main shank or larger stem, but you can also use pipe to swage
small rounds out of to lessen the weight.  It takes a bit more time as
hollow form foring takes a little longer, but you end up with something that
is half the weight if that is a consideration in your design.
        I've made a couple of clusters and have Tig or gas welded them
together so there is little to no buildup at the stem so clean up is kept to
a minimum.  I can't say that I have forge welded hollow forms so I don't
know if that is possible with a good success rate, but others may possibly
have tried and could let you know.  In welding start at the bottom of the
grape cluster and allow the fruit or nut to conceal your welds as you reach
the top and they create a larger diameter.

Ralph


----- Original Message -----
From: "mata iaia" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 1:29 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Instructions for making grape or nut clusters


> Hi All,
>
>
> I have been trying to locate an online demo or book resource on how to
make
> grape and or nut clusters.  I've understood them to be made from ball
> bearings, but that�s about it.
>
>
> Any help or direction will be appreciated.....as always.
>
>
>
> Mata
>
> Elegant Ironworks
> http://www.artmetal.com/~mata/
>
>
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