[TheForge] Re:forging aluminum

[Andrew Vida]

I am in the process of designing a trellis in a art deco style .In order =
to
cut down on weight I am thinking of using aluminum any tips on forging
aluminum? I am thinking of just light surface treatment basically .
I've never really hammered allum.  heat or no heat? if I use brass or =
bronze
as an accent is there a reaction between the metals I should be aware =
of?
thanks.


	I have forged small amounts of Al and I cannot say I care for it.  The =
CP
	grades are easy to forge.  The alloys are, in my experience, a =
different
	kettle of fish.  In any event, I don't much care for Al in hand =
processes.
	Probably more a function of my ignorance of the metal than any inherent
	insufficiency of it.  Makes nice bicycle frames, etc. but IMO really =
lousy
	artwork.  It has no soul whatsoever.  Aluminum art leaves me dead cold
	and unmoved.  The texture of the metal is so lifeless and "dirty" that =
I
	see it having zero value as an artistic medium.  Great technical =
material
	for many things, but it just doesn't cut the mustard otherwise.