[TheForge] Stumped!

[Peter Hirst]

Ralph:

I just finished a table base with much the same goal.  Here is what I can 
offer.

The basic geometry is a slight taper upwards overall, with a more abrupt 
taper just above ground level. This is approximately a parabolic or catenary 
curve.  You can approximate the curve by hanging a chain about the lenght of 
your stump height or longer so that the end just reaches the floor, then 
move the lower end of the chain to one side about 2", without tensioning it. 
This will give you a curve that is more pronounced just above floor level. 
This is the curve you are trying to achieve.

Also note that the base of a tree right at ground level is not very round, 
but is more like a soft polygon formed by the ridges where the roots join 
the root crown.  YOu can get both the polygon effect and the catenary curve 
by forging one end of the pipe on the anvil horn.  take a heat at one end of 
the pipe, rest the INSIDE edge on the horn. In-line blows just off the edge 
will give you the curve you want and begin the ridges .  Off center blows at 
the edge will stretch and thin that edge to provide the extra circumference 
you need for the wider base and ridges.  Note, however, that if you just 
forge in the shape of the horn, the individual ridges will taper the wrong 
way.  Eaach of the root tops ridges is actually thiner closer to the ground 
and wider as it blends upward into the trunk.  This means that you have to 
forge the lower edge of the stump closer to the point of the horn , and as 
you work the curve up the stump, move the work up toward the fatter part of 
the horn.  Careful.  Yu will likely find that just a little curve goes a 
long way.  I actually had to reforge some of my piece to take some cuve out.

Also, on the bark. If you study the bark of most trees, you will find that 
it is made of a series of more or less flat, more or less rectangular 
plates.  The bark texture does not vary much from the top to bottom of the 
stump, so the taper you put in the round may not be doing what you intended. 
So part of what is not currently working out for you may be the round bar 
you are using for bark.

If you like, email me at saltydog335 at aol.com, and I can give you a contact 
phone no for better explanation.

Keziah


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <mlforge at cebridge.net>
To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 5:16 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Stumped!




I'm trying to make a stump, but no seaming to work out. I started with a 
piece of 6

inch pipe and attached several tapered pieces of 5/8 round with bark 
texture. I'm

looking to get the look of roots and a wider base area. Anyone have any

suggustions. Thanks, Ralph











Maple Leaf Forge

Ralph Neumeister









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