Cold forging their own hands as a separate art form

Cold forging their own hands - a method of formation of products from a pressurized metal. This method consists in that the metal is not heated before deformation, and is bent by means of special machines. Forged patterns decorate the garden fence, stair railing, windows or doors. Simplicity and low cost will allow anyone to quickly master the process and independently realize their ideas.

The history of occurrence of the forge: the description of cold forging

Forging - a metal working process to impart a desired shape conversion billet (ingot) in the product. People who are unfamiliar with features for metal working, the word "forged" is associated with smithy where ingot is heated from 800 to 1000 ° C and treated with a hammer to shape. But in everyday life increasingly used objects made by cold forging. Pans, kettles, patterns on the gates and doors, metal coasters are made by deforming under pressure the metal without preheating.

Cold forging - a lightweight, ergonomic and safe way to process than hot. The main advantages:

• Equipment for cold forging metal ergonomic and cheaper;
• small labor intensity;
• Short instructions, low requirements for qualification;
• the possibility of creating a unique ornament of the basic elements.

The downside is the limited working surfaces and materials: rods, sheets and plates.

Manual cold forging historically older than hot. The first products were found in Egypt and Mesopotamia and date back to 4-3 millennium BC. Initially, ore is used which yield to the deformation after impact stone. Cold Forging used for the manufacture of jewelry made of gold. Soft metal was convenient to handle stone hammers. The oldest product is found in Egypt, it is made 8000 years ago.

A few centuries later, watching the volcano, people learned that due to the high temperature shape is much lighter than metal. We began to build blast furnaces - there was a blacksmith profession. Stone Age gave way to the iron, in the life of people includes not only jewelry, but also kitchen utensils, weapons, garden tools. The operating principle of the smithy remained still, but the equipment for cold forging has been upgraded.

Basic tools for cold forging at home

Creating a unique product always starts with the calculation of the material and to develop a detailed work plan. The easiest way to think about the moves, creating sketches of forged products in scale, recording the dimensions and picking the right tools. Special attention should be the choice of material. The metal should be strong, but it is easy to bend.

Important! The hardened sheets or rods can be used. Under the influence of the temperature drop of the metal structure varies, it becomes brittle and may break under pressure.

There are two kinds of forging metal with his own hands - rolling (working with bars) and pressing (extrusion of sheets under the press). At home, the first option is used more often. For pressing the sheets you want to make a special blank for deformation. Common tools for milling: gnutik, snail, twister, wave and a flashlight.

Gnutik - a basic tool used to bend the rods at different angles. Cold forging spiral elements are twisted via the cochlea. For the formation is best to choose the bars of 10-12 mm diameter. Selecting too thick material can complicate the work of the master.

Machine twister used for twisting the bars along the longitudinal axis. Wave, respectively, is intended to create a wave-like elements. Flashlight tool used for working with several rods. They are set to snap and bend by rotating the lever.

for milling equipment at home

Accessories for cold forging your own hands, you can buy or make your own improvised. Initially, you need to create 2-3 basic workbench to process a single rod. Design and manufacturing complexity depend on the type of work performed. A careful study of the process will make the equipment themselves.

Gnutik: what products can be created with its help

gnutika drawings for cold forging their own hands to create optional. Once is enough to look at the operating principle, to make their own tools. The machine is a steel tooling, which is divided into three parts. Middle member (a leash) movable on it is mounted a central roller (wedge) which bends the rod. On the side plates and rollers are made removable inserted into the groove. By choosing different diameter can vary bending angle of the rod or plate. On top of the leash fixed lever, which leads structure in motion.

Note!Bending the rod requires a lot of effort, so the consolidation workbench on a movable support will result in incorrect folding and hamper the work.

The rollers should rotate freely in the holes that will reduce the force that must be applied to plate bending. The slots for the rollers can be drilled in several places symmetrical to each other. This allows you to quickly move the part by varying the desired angle of bending.

Gnutikom metal bending mechanism:

• plate or rod is mounted between the rollers;
• vise central roller is pressed to the metal;
• by rotating the lever plate is moved along the platen, acquiring a predetermined bending.

For the convenience of a central cushion put the limb (the tape with divisions, showing the angle of elevation). It is used for manufacturing high-precision parts which have to match each other perfectly.

Snail: A simple tool for creating curls

The second name - the conductor of cold forging their own hands. For manufacturing it is necessary to familiarize with the folding process, for example, watch video forging. Then the construction itself will not cause problems and would be easy to repeat. Workbench is a machine frame on which the main matrix or spiral module. The snail is exhausted rod and cost metal roller, clinging to the arc. The framework must be made of metal, as the tree after prolonged voltage collapses quickly. For this purpose, suitable metal corner, Thick-walled pipe or channel.

The machine is designed for two tabletops. One performs the function of support and takes up a large part of the pressure, and is located on the second form of the cochlea. Cut two rounds of at least 5 mm thick. The first part is mounted on the frame. Top planned center of the circle, three or welded, three-foot to spread the load.

The upper part of the cochlea, where the metal is bent, is called module. It can be static or typesetting.

Static module - a device for cold forging, intended for the bending pattern similar parts. Changing the radius or bend angle is impossible. Before creating the module on the table is drawn markings. Because metal plates (thickness less than 0.6 mm) and welded dialed snail.

Typesetting module consists of several parts. Its use is most common for art forging their own hands, as it allows you to create elements of different radius. Originally drawn on the table layout details and grooves are calculated. Cut from a thick metal removable part of the cochlea. Holes for fixing on the table you need to cut through only the middle. Otherwise, the voltage is distributed unevenly and the groove will break.

Module for forging their own hands can be interchangeable. In the circle is welded metal structure of the desired radius. Grooves or bolts it is attached to the table top. For the manufacture of elements of different diameters made of several modules that can be used on one machine.

Between worktops need to fix the rotating shaft and lever. It is necessary that the distance between the roller and the module was not less than 2 cm, and the shaft move should go beyond countertops. On the lever handle with a movable element for adjusting the radius of the roller stroke.

Wave: how to create and use this tool

Wave - a tool for forging lines sine wave type. Milled two rollers on the given dimensions. The first roller - static (it will bend around the rod), it is fixed on the support. The second - leading, it is fixed on the arm and rotates in contact with the surface. pressure formed between the rolls, which acts on the metal and causes it to bend.

Static roller can carve in the form of a stepped pyramid. Thus wavelength range can be changed by moving the lever and rod above per division. When using this machine one side always need to keep in order to avoid damaging bend. For a more precise repetition of the waveform are machined two static roller, one of which holds the rod in position, preventing further deformation and is held at the second bending.

Flashlight and twister: the features of these machines

Flashlight - a cold forging equipment for use with multiple bars and create a bulk baskets. Not to construct a frame for mounting a tool you can use regular vise. The tool consists of three parts: two matrices and the roller. The matrix can be made from a strong, preferably 4-5 cm in width hardened metal.

In each matrix milled central opening in which is mounted a roller. On each side make grooves for mounting rods. The second matrix must move freely along the arm, since the deformation distance between the working surfaces is reduced. Upon rotation of the lever rods are bent in a spiral, forming a structure similar to the flashlight. Metal products with their own hands, which consist of several rods, secured by welding.

Such a structure has twister machine. However, instead of the shaft is inserted into a matrix rod, which is pressed against the plate or bolts. Between them, you need to install a movable member during rotation of the shaft leans forward. Rod is twisted along the longitudinal axis, forming a symmetrical spiral.

Important! Suspension matrix with each rotation should approach the static. If it is fixed in one position, the master will have to make greater efforts to carry out the bending twigs.

Cold forging their own hands under the pressure: the creation of blanks for forming products

On forged fences can often be seen not only geometric patterns, but also flowers, butterflies, leaves and other decorative elements. They are also made by applying the technique of cold forging, but by rolling, instead of stamping.

Related article:

Metal garden benches with their hands: drawings and photos of designs

Detailed description of the technological process of creating a convenient design based on a shaped tube.

Volumetric forged products made with his own hands from the slab. Working with the press at home less common than rolling. Extrusion sheets under pressure may be either manual (knock out and pressed) or automatic. The home is cheaper to use manual punching. To do this, the master need to make a few preparations that are under pressure will be imprinted on the metal sheet.

for metal forging equipment:

1. Punch (ram or shplinton) - the upper part of the press, it presses the sheet inwards. Pressing side die which draws or may be smooth.
2. Matrix - element which is configured in the form desired object. Damage relief plate deforms under pressure, giving it the desired shape.
3. Lever press - handle or relay matrices for rapprochement and adjust the press force.

Before you begin, you must create a picture of the future product. Sketches of artistic forging is transferred to the workpiece, it is cut and grinds off the edges. As for the bench pressing, you can use the usual vices. The preferred to place them in a vertical position to a horizontal plane lying plate. Thus, the plate will be located between the dies accurately and does not slip during the rotation of the lever.

Simple metal forging in the home can be done with a chisel and hammer. In this case, the punch acts as a chisel, anvil - matrix, and the hammer - the lever. For a better pattern by a printing sheet can be put plate notches. So the relief will be more clear and beautiful.

Important! The metal that is used in the press forming should be softer than the core and cavity. Otherwise, the instruments quickly break.

To make the item "sheet" of metal plate thickness of 20-30 mm is cut preform the desired shape. It draws on the center longitudinal line with a pencil. Chisel peen placed at an angle to the line. After hitting the handle on the plate is printed a line similar to the veins in the leaves.

To generate the necessary amount of product can be cold forging pliers. Detail is clamped between the vise and bends in the right form. Such work is well suited for a small number of items for personal use. Process beating pattern manually is time consuming, it is quite monotonous and requires great precision.

Molds for continuous operation (as leaves, petals, flowers, etc.) to acquire more favorable, since the exact turning of the two identical elements - a very complex process. Main parts machined from billets or molded by hot forging. This job requires a lot of experience and high precision. The punch and the matrix must be the same. If a strong pressure irregularities be imprinted on the product. If the discrepancy is very large, then press to crush the workpiece - and have to start from scratch.

Styles and elements of patterns: a photo of artistic forging

Create beautiful patterns begins with forging sketch. The master must be clear picture of what he wants to do. Initially drawn drawing materials are calculated, the number of required elements selected machines and tooling. In order for the product looked nice, it is better to choose the style in which it is performed. Revising photo cold forged products, it can be easily seen to which direction refers pattern.

There are several styles of wrought pattern formation.

Roman style characterized by rigor and symmetry. On the fence you can see the dense arrangement of the spirals in the same order, the details are often repeated and the same type. This is a monumental volute pattern with element (C-shape curled unilateral curls).

Gothic ornament. Few people know that modern fences often performed in this style. A characteristic feature - the desire upward. Bars pointed, ending tops of arrows, spears or spikes. Spiral elements used in this style, called embossments, and they look like branched stem in different directions. For a change between the straight bars are added to flashlights or volumetric spiral.

Renaissance very rare. In this style pointed ugolchatye elements practically used. Basis - circular arcs, spirals and waves. Branching metal bars decorated with leaves or flowers, graceful curves take the form of eight. Characteristic elements - punching, spiral, volute and eight. The style is very harmonious, the details are set symmetrically in the form of interlaced lines.

Baroque - a complete contrast to the Renaissance. Style tracery and very lush. Used C-shaped spirals, volutes, curls, curved lines and intricate patterns. To Weave add volume leaves and flowers, to create a dynamic form.

Rococo. For this area is characterized by the use of thin rods and bilateral curls. Rocaille ornament creates constant movement, characterized by filigree and volume patterns. In the photo cold forging noticeable asymmetry and fractional ornament. Unacceptable use of straight rods and flat grids.

Classicism. Beautiful, albeit simple style, which is returned to the symmetry fashion. To create the ornament used curls, punching, spiral and straight bars. The use of another element is introduced - a square wave (broken lines or curved rods at a right angle). The fences are always strictly maintained vertical architectonic.

Empire characterized by a geometrical ornament, long smooth rods. The main element (volute) is modified: an elongated straight line with a one-sided curls at the ends. The main thing for this style - a strict simplicity, symmetrical geometry in combination with the spiral elements.

Art Nouveau, or modernHe added to the artistic forging their own hands biological motives. The style is not used straight lines, only a variety of bends, meanders, curls and spirals. The symmetry of the leaves in the background. Ornament repeats the human or animal silhouette, leaves and flowers are added. The pattern is designed so that the curls evenly into one another around the ornament.

If a person starts work without drawing, he quickly gets confused in making cold forging products. Each pattern must be as laid out, and changes that are made during the operation, it is better to carry on a thumbnail to be clear about what should be the result.

Note! Even if you have a photo of forged patterns to do the drawing and layout for precise placement of all components.

Fastening element pattern: The latest processing of metal

After all the necessary elements of the ornament created its formation begins. Appearance pattern may differ slightly from the sketch. To identify possible errors, it is necessary to carry out a preview. Initially pattern can be laid on a flat surface without bonding part. Thus it is possible to evaluate how managed to bring ideas to life, as well as to correct shortcomings in their work. To begin the formation of a pattern without viewing the result is not worth it.

Two basic types of connections:

• Weld;
• rivets (or art clamps).

The welding machine is useful in places where the seam join is easy to clean, or it will not be visible. To preserve the aesthetics of the product of the ornament cold forging can put curly rivets. They reliably scrapie components and complement the decor.

Ornament connect gradually, depending on the number of parts. Initially small elements bonded, form embossments, twisted lines, and monograms. Applied welding. The seam line the grinder using a wiper circle 0.6 cm thick. He easily bypasses the curves and bumps. Large parts are connected by collars curly. Rivets put symmetrical to each other to complete the pattern. At the conclusion of ornament bypass scalers or polishing circle.

Metal Art is not only a business or work, but also can be an entertaining hobby. Equipment for cold forging your own hands can make even a novice master from scrap materials. Specialists in the cold forging can be called the artists because they create beautiful ornaments roughest bars, pipes and sheets. Such hobbies require the full commitment and considerable costs. However, all the invested funds and efforts will bear fruit if they are backed by the desire to create beauty.