[TheForge] Metal working problem...again

[Peter Fels & Phoebe Palmer]

Hi Albin;
It's approx 1/4" material initially and the pieces average about 2" X 3 
or 4". This alloy isn't very forgiving and cracks if i push it too cold 
or hot.
The embossing is pretty extreme, with many of the stamps nearly 
bottoming and a lot of lateral displacement. Most of the surface is 
heavily embossed which needs a substantial backup for the TH blows.
Appreciate the suggestions.  pf

Albin Drzewianowski wrote:
> Peter,
> 
> 2 possibilities:
>    dome the pieces first and decorate  them over pitch or  lead
>    dome the decorated pieces over a sand bag. 
> 
> how thick are the pieces??
> 
> D-ski 
> Westminster, MD     
> The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne.
> 
> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-
>> bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Peter Fels & Phoebe Palmer
>> Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 4:22 PM
>> To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
>> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Metal working problem...again
>>
>>> Hello all;
>>> This is a problem that i keep running into, brought it up before,
> thought i'd try
>> again.
>>> I have a batch of small pieces,mostly bronze, belt buckles and openers
> mostly,
>> that are in the "road kill" stage
>> where they are all cut and shaped and i've worked over one side
>> thoroughly with my treadle hammer and assorted tooling..so they are
>> pretty detailed.
>>> Next, i need to give them some 3D shape, depth and form.
>> I heat up small areas, place them face down on wood ( green pine end
>> grain) and strike them on the back side.
>>> That works fine, except for 1 thing...the crisply embossed front sides
> get
>> squashed, mashed, mushed and smeared. It's frustrating.
>>> I'd appreciate any (um, constructive) suggestions.  pete f
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