Subject: Making a leaf

From: Dave B <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 19:36:34 -0500

I need a couple of suggestions, or one might call it plain help.

While not exactly a newbie at blacksmithing, I am still a bit green.  This
summer I have ventured forth to making my first leaves.  I sent a jpg file
of some to two other 'smiths that I know in this group.  Both gave me very
encouraging compliments.  However,. . . . .

My one concern with my leaves is the juncture where the stem meets the base
of the leaf.  Mine seem awfully weak.  In a nutshell, the procedure I'm
following is:

1.  Make a point for the tip of the leaf.

2.  Fuller down where the stem will meet the leaf.

3.  With the bar on the diamond edge, squish it down and the leaf forms
beautifully.  I then put the leaf in the vise, lay it over the top and use a
hot set to make the veins.  At this point one would almost think that I knew
what I was doing.

4.  Cut the leaf off from the bar about 1/2 to 3/4" from the point were the
stem was fullered.

5.  Draw out the stem.  Here's where I get into trouble.  Things twist and
bend at the stem/leaf juncture as I'm drawing out, whether on the face or
over the bick.

Any and all pointers on making good stems/leaves will be greatly appreciated.

Dave B

---

From: Dan Nibbelink <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 1996 23:28:30 -0700

> Any and all pointers on making good stems/leaves will be greatly appreciated.

Do your step five, then your step four. The drawing process "pulls" the stem out of the leaf. So 
draw out the stem, then cut off, and make the cut so that it makes the scarf for your weld at the 
same time.
-- 
Dan Nibbelink
RedHawk Forge
Berthoud, Colorado
[email-masked]
http://www.csn.net/~dannibb