For your amusement, inspiration, and education, here's stuff I've made up for one reason or another.
I've been messing around making penannular broaches out of brass rod stock for a few weeks. The more recent version on the left has amber set into the terminals. Mostly made for myself or for small gifts. They all have a rougher, more "antique" look because I HATE polishing anything tarnishable if I intend to use it.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/penannular.jpg)
These have been posted before, the dog tags I made for my Battlestar Galactica costume. I cut them out of a brass kickplate, shaped, weathered, and applied labels that Suu shooped up.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/tags.jpg)
The workbench. I've set up 3, yes 3 work areas in the past year. I keep moving around, so until I'm settled for a bit, I'm just making do with this tiny thing. Not spacious, but handy and portable. Plays host to such oft - moved items as much lunch case and long - suffering water bottle.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/workbench.jpg)
Do you want a pic of my torc?
Awesome metal working!! Those penannular broaches are fantastic. :fap:
My "trench spike". The idea came from my grandfather's USA made 1917 pattern trench knife / spike. It's a heavy steel carabiner (locking) welded to a SKS spike bayonet. The carabiner locks shut, and I've spent some time hitting a heavy bag with it, so it's quite safe as a knuckleduster. One of few things I've designed solely as a weapon.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/spike.jpg)
Brass torc, commissioned by Suu.
The terminals (ends) are amber and copper wire.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/torc.jpg)
Quote from: Richter on February 27, 2009, 03:01:52 AM
My "trench spike". The idea came from my grandfather's USA made 1917 pattern trench knife / spike. It's a heavy steel carabiner (locking) welded to a SKS spike bayonet. The carabiner locks shut, and I've spent some time hitting a heavy bag with it, so it's quite safe as a knuckleduster. One of few things I've designed solely as a weapon.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/spike.jpg)
I want to order 20 of those things. But they should fly, and be controlled by my hate.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 27, 2009, 03:46:25 AM
Quote from: Richter on February 27, 2009, 03:01:52 AM
My "trench spike". The idea came from my grandfather's USA made 1917 pattern trench knife / spike. It's a heavy steel carabiner (locking) welded to a SKS spike bayonet. The carabiner locks shut, and I've spent some time hitting a heavy bag with it, so it's quite safe as a knuckleduster. One of few things I've designed solely as a weapon.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/spike.jpg)
I want to order 20 of those things. But they should fly, and be controlled by my hate.
Oh, such a sweet mental image.
Richter, I love your brass work! The brooch set with amber is AWESOME. I love them because they look like authentic OLD pieces.
this is neat stuff man :)
Richter, the MacGuyver of PD.COM
Nigel / Raphella / Squid: Thanks! I'm still playing around with the different things I can pull off.
Brass kind of became the metal to use when I had to move away from a fireproof place where I could have a vise and grinder set up.
Suu's father is a metalurgical / chemical guru, and gave me some sound advice about getting the cheap alloys most commonly available to cooperate.
TGRR: No welder. :argh!: I'll let you know when I can lay hands on one.
If the job will let you take a steam cleaner to clean Sister Gothique's bathroom, then there's got to be someone you could talk into messing with a welder...
This IS a longstanding annoyance with city life: though I am BADLY tempted to put a small oxy / acetylene, or simple electric rig in the apartment, the place is a tinderbox. It would cross the line from crazy awesome to crazy stupid REAL fast.
I need to start bugging the friends that have garage space, or check out the metal / glass studio across the tracks.
Speaking of which...sent pics to my dad. No response yet but I'm sure he'll be interested in checking them out.
Wearing the torc to work today too. LOL.
So at the shire meeting this week, a couple of the blacksmiths were showing off metal clay. Have you played with any of it yet? They had silver and bronze.
I heard that the PMC people had come out with bronze metal clay, I didn't know about the copper... that's cool!
Richter if you do get a shop space, let me know if you have any interest in glass. :D
Edit: apparently I am not at all awake, you said nothing about copper in your post. Maybe wishful thinking on my part?
Quote from: Ratatosk on February 27, 2009, 03:23:19 PM
So at the shire meeting this week, a couple of the blacksmiths were showing off metal clay. Have you played with any of it yet? They had silver and bronze.
Casting in REVERSE! That looks like fun stuff.
I wonder about the fusing process though. Seems like it would be easy to get a brittle piece with too little heat (insufficient fusing of metalic particles as the binder leaves, or have the whole project "run" if it's too hot.
HUGE advantage for small, detailed pieces. I'd want to play around with it for strength / durability, whereas anything I torch, bend, or hammer I KNOW is solid.
Quote from: Nigel on February 27, 2009, 04:19:40 PM
I heard that the PMC people had come out with bronze metal clay, I didn't know about the copper... that's cool!
Richter if you do get a shop space, let me know if you have any interest in glass. :D
Edit: apparently I am not at all awake, you said nothing about copper in your post. Maybe wishful thinking on my part?
Funny you should ask...
I grew up doing copper work. :mrgreen: I still do on the side side whenever dad needs a person who can work metal on short notice.
I've just been on the brass kick because it's readily available. What did you have in mind?
Quote from: Richter on February 27, 2009, 04:38:43 PM
Quote from: Ratatosk on February 27, 2009, 03:23:19 PM
So at the shire meeting this week, a couple of the blacksmiths were showing off metal clay. Have you played with any of it yet? They had silver and bronze.
Casting in REVERSE! That looks like fun stuff.
I wonder about the fusing process though. Seems like it would be easy to get a brittle piece with too little heat (insufficient fusing of metalic particles as the binder leaves, or have the whole project "run" if it's too hot.
HUGE advantage for small, detailed pieces. I'd want to play around with it for strength / durability, whereas anything I torch, bend, or hammer I KNOW is solid.
Best way to fire metal clay is using a small kiln with a digital controller, so you get the temp spot-on.
Quote from: Richter on February 27, 2009, 04:41:32 PM
Quote from: Nigel on February 27, 2009, 04:19:40 PM
I heard that the PMC people had come out with bronze metal clay, I didn't know about the copper... that's cool!
Richter if you do get a shop space, let me know if you have any interest in glass. :D
Edit: apparently I am not at all awake, you said nothing about copper in your post. Maybe wishful thinking on my part?
Funny you should ask...
I grew up doing copper work. :mrgreen: I still do on the side side whenever dad needs a person who can work metal on short notice.
I've just been on the brass kick because it's readily available. What did you have in mind?
Oh, I didn't really have anything in mind specifically... I just misread his post to include copper metal clay, when it didn't. Evidently my brain interjected "copper" in for no reason at all!
But if you ever want to add glass to your repertoire, let me know, and I'll give you the hookup.
That would rock :mrgreen:, but sadly will take time.
I need a dedicated project space before I can justify taking up another medium
I WANT A POINTY STABBER! swooote
...I wanted to be remembered for my art, not my tools of death... :horrormirth:
Anyways, looks like I may be able to pick up some instruction / workspace for SRS metalwork this summer.
(Instruction as in more than "That will be hot, that will burn yor eyes out, that will electrocute you. Go for an even bead. Don't die, have fun.") I'll make it known and take orders if I put any spikes together.
The place seems very art / recycling oriented. I guess we'll see if they subscribe to the James Howlett concept of "art".
My current idea of metalic perversity requires a 1" x 3" x 18" piece of stock...
:mittens: Richter! Wow! The jewelry is faptastic, and the shiny metal handled rods of death look mighty awesome too!
Richter, let me know if you ever decide to make grappling hooks.
Felix,
would make his own, but doesn't have the ken o' welding.
I'll let you know, but for $20-30 you can order a clever collapsible on from www.coutycomm.com
(They sell their own stuff and surplus from small gov't contracts for tools, pouches, and bags. You will LIKE this site otherwise, I imagine.)
Ironic you mention hooks, I just finished shaping a Maori fishook out of stainless yesterday.
Also finished my Imperial Crew / Officer hat, thanks to Suu's guidance.
I'll post pics later.
If my sewing machine falls apart today, there will be death.
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
They fly across the table, cotton linen or satin
The machine is trembling now that the next commission's in
It means renewed frustration, so let the games begin
There may be blood
It may be mine
(But the hat got done on time.)
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
We've all heard of the project she started yesterday
But if the machine craps out they'll be only hell to pay
So let's hope the Singer holds up, or I will go away
If I get back
And she's pissed off
You'll just see Richter running off.
Quote from: Richter on March 05, 2009, 04:58:53 PM
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
They fly across the table, cotton linen or satin
The machine is trembling now that the next commission's in
It means renewed frustration, so let the games begin
There may be blood
It may be mine
(But the hat got done on time.)
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
We've all heard of the project she started yesterday
But if the machine craps out they'll be only hell to pay
So let's hope the Singer holds up, or I will go away
If I get back
And she's pissed
You'll just see Richter running off.
...
Okay, I laughed. FOR NOW.
It just flew into my head. I had to.
Mybad.
Quote from: Richter on March 05, 2009, 04:58:53 PM
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
Suu's gores! Suu's gores!
They fly across the table, cotton linen or satin
The machine is trembling now that the next commission's in
It means renewed frustration, so let the games begin
There may be blood
It may be mine
(But the hat got done on time.)
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
Suu's gores, Suu's gores
We've all heard of the project she started yesterday
But if the machine craps out they'll be only hell to pay
So let's hope the Singer holds up, or I will go away
If I get back
And she's pissed off
You'll just see Richter running off.
:lulz:
For this song, I've decided you're handsewing the frogs on my chirka. If you do well, I shall reward you with baked ziti on Sunday after dance practice.
Quote from: Suu on March 05, 2009, 08:08:27 PM
For this song, I've decided you're handsewing the frogs on my chirka. If you do well, I shall reward you with baked ziti on Sunday after dance practice.
This posts stands on it's own for out-of-context lulziness.
Oh he's totally sitting on my couch handsewing right now. :evil:
I improved a verse or so from the couch, too. :lulz:
And I threatened you.
And NATO has just sent me notices about filking and the Genevea Treaty again.
Otherwise:
Quote from: Richter on March 04, 2009, 01:35:30 PM
My current idea of metalic perversity requires a 1" x 3" x 18" piece of stock...
Scaling back plans so the finished product doesn't weight as much a section of rail track...
Finished!
Maori fishhook (hei matau), carved from a stainless steel mast fitting.
This was part a boat I used to teach sailing on, and was kind of responsible for wrecking. Seemed appropriate to make a charm for safe passage over water out of it.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/hmat.jpg)
Tools: My spike wrench (14 in long), holster for such, and my large marlin spike (Brass. Technically an antique. There's a carriage bolt epoxied into the handle to make it a better improvised hammer.)
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/wrench.jpg)
We need to find that picture of you in college with all your tools and weaponry spread out in front of you like Manji from Blade of the Immortal.
D'ya have a trenchcoat with pockets lining the inside where you put them all?
I can picture you having one of those, Richter.
He does, actually.
Okay, not with all the pockets...as far as I know. He's never flashed me.
SHOCKING!
I mean, no pockets? c'mon!
The duster does have quite a few pockets. I just normally don't wear it when I have that many tools on me.
(Fine line between "Every Day Carry", enough to warrant a tool or pistol belt, and "Stop fuckign around and get a golf bag" :wink: )
I found a piece of scrap on the sidewalk today, and saw it was a small knife waiting to happen.
It's the thing on the edge of the bowl, and will be a kiridachi, a small knife for planing wood.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/kiridachi1.jpg)
I'm off to get a MAP gas torch to properly harden the steel.
(Soon I'll have to stop fucking around and either get an oxy / acetylene rig, build a forge, or keep my projects aside until I can hit up friends who have them.)
This morning: trash on the side of the road.
This afternoon: KNIFE.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/k2.jpg)
On the workbench with tools and one of Suu's excellent martinis.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/k3.jpg)
Required resources: a bastard file, torch (or other hot fire), whetstone, cord, and water.
Do you have a bench grinder?
I bet you would really enjoy a bench grinder.
Had one set up at the previous living space. (Family property which I still visit frequently.) I made many fun things with it, like lockpicks, or repurposed knives for the folks. Job moved elsewhere, though.
In a sick way, I like using a file. It's easier to control.
Current project: Crowbar Interrupted.
I wanted to make a heavy bush craft knife, but existing blades / knives get expensive. GOOD steel for making one is also cost - prohibitive.
A while back Raphaella mentioned cutting a knife out of a cheap pry bar, and I found one of the right dimensions.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/crowbarinterupted.jpg)
Kind of twisted, but buying the hardened / springy piece of steel that's been made into a tool, and destroying it, is cheaper than buying an equivalent piece of much - lower quality steel :|
It's a bitch cutting one of those without annealing (softening) the steel first, but I don't have the facilities at hand to re-harden and temper it afterward. (File / grinding wheel time.)
Edit: spelling
Suu asked if I could make a gorget (neck armor) for her fencing kit. No process photos, since it was a few hours of cutting, adjusting, and fitting leather and metal to the right dimensions and "feel". Armor is tricky, so being able to tell the end user "try this, how does it fit?" after every adjustment was ideal. Anyone I don't know / like is getting charged an arm and a leg for this kind of service.
Finished product.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0611.jpg)
WILL IT BLEND? THAT IS THE QUESTION.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/armah1.jpg)
Ye side view.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0613.jpg)
The test run is tonight.
If I don't die, a review will be posted tomorrow.
Gorget a success. I took one right to the throat tonight and I would probably have died of a crushed trachea.
Fuck I wish I was lying, it was WAY too hard. :( Thanks to Richter I'm still alive!
:eek: :x :D
Progress on Crowbar - Interrupted. I've got the shape roughed out, and the bevel ground onto the straight portion of the edge. Time ran up at the nearest bench grinder, so I'm back to the file.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0621.jpg)
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0620.jpg)
Time for a break from knives, so tonight I took a page from Suu's book and got my textile on.
Here's the result, an ascot made from a Salvation Army tie, and some silk I rescued from the discount bin awhile back.
SNAKE!
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0626.jpg)
I feel pretty. I intend to rock this, with vest, at the office.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0625.jpg)
gotta say I am impressed with this thread, good works man :)
Thankya! Just a bit of whatever I felt like working up :)
I say, sir, you do look mighty fine.
That's an extremely good picture of you, Richter.
Thanks!
LMNO: your comments about dressing up nice being damn well enjoyable; this episode was solid proof of that to me.
I think I'll wear that to the next convention. :mrgreen:
Excellent stuff... I especially like that you use "found objects" for your art. I took a jewelry class in college and I just loved working with the metal. Cheers!
Outstanding! (oh yeah & I uhh like that tie too)
You can call it a garter belt if you like :wink:
:lulz: I'm giggling right now & did you wear it to work yet?
Casual dress code for the summer. I'm waiting for the day they ask us to look "Nice" because the office has visitors.
Props for this weekends Steampunk shenanigans.
Modified Broomhandle Mauser replica.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/DSCN0630.jpg)
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/gun2.jpg)
For Leln: 24" Cast aluminum pipe wrench with paint job and handle wrap. This shit will fuck you up. (http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/athame.jpg)
I know which weapon i'd choose...
Oh?
We've got the wrench selected as the tool for any serious furrsecuting. Making the gun firing was tempting, but legal issues, and I'll be recycling it for a Star Wars prop.
Does the wrench have a name?
For example...
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7286/roflbotvp81.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=roflbotvp81.jpg)
:lulz:
I was thinking FurrSchmiss, but that works too. Leln will be carrying the thing, so she really gets final say.
:lulz: awesome
(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/964/roflbotzcpr.jpg) (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=roflbotzcpr.jpg)
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Niiiice
BUMP
I've been slacking on pics, but by no means have I been idle.
First off: recent acquisitions to materials and capability.
Squid's Care Package stuff! The pic is from ages ago, and a lot of it has already been used or put into service.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/squidshiz.jpg)
Meat Grinder!
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/meatsammich-1.jpg)
Now and then, dad will hand me tools, scrap, or junk. This either means he had spares out the wang already, he wants it field tested by the weird crap I get into, or mom is pissed and it needs to get OUT of the house.
This was one such item. I use it to make cheap pork chops into pie filling.
I love using it. It's like an industrial accident in slow motion.
Recent projects. I took Nigel's advice and got a bench grinder. Fire hazard me damned.
I got into carving wood and bone for no apparent reason. One of the first hurdles was getting good tiny carving tools. So I bought a cheap cold chisel, and made one.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/improvchis.jpg)
The steel COULD be harder, and it requires semi frequent sharpening. (cheap diamond hone, then on a Norton Abrasives 6000 grit synthetic stone.) May try to harden it later, but as is it will get and stay sharp enough to cut through your finger without you feeling it.
Edit: wrong grit on the fine hone.
This was one of my first experiments in carving symbols in things, and staining them with India ink. The symbol, for those into WH40K, is appropriate considering accidents with the above tool. (Definitely NOT madjicquackle sigil.) I plan to try some scrimshaw style work too.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/carving1-1.jpg)
Also in the Warhammer vein, an Inquisitorial rosette I'm filing / grinding out of a scrap of steel plate I found. It's been the boredom project for awhile. Finishing it whenever. On the right is a laminated printout I use for profile / size.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/rosette.jpg)
Kubotans as "self defense tool" (read: weapons marketed to the gun control crowd), have always seemed lackluster to me. Too short for a real stick, too lightweight for a proper fistload, more like half a mini - nunchuck or flail bit for your keys. (better to have a big carabiner clip) Then I found an 8" brass "punch" at Harbor Freight today cheap. Not the ideal tool, but it still handles decently for what it is, more reach and heft than any commercial model I've seen yet.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/iudicator-1.jpg)
I like the last one. It gave me an idea for a collapsible flail.
Quote from: Felix on December 31, 2009, 08:36:43 AM
I like the last one. It gave me an idea for a collapsible flail.
WANT
Neat stuff dude.
Especially diggin the meat grinder.
Thanks, Squid. Currently I'm seeing if I use the springs to give a "nerf" gun a bit more oomph. :mrgreen:
Quote from: Cait M. R. on December 31, 2009, 09:33:17 AM
Quote from: Felix on December 31, 2009, 08:36:43 AM
I like the last one. It gave me an idea for a collapsible flail.
WANT
I did something like this in high school, and for my house keys in the old neighborhood. Many combos of stick, carabiner, weight / keys, and lanyard are worthwhile.
Quote from: Richter on December 30, 2009, 01:12:15 AM
Recent projects. I took Nigel's advice and got a bench grinder. Fire hazard me damned.
I got into carving wood and bone for no apparent reason. One of the first hurdles was getting good tiny carving tools. So I bought a cheap cold chisel, and made one.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/improvchis.jpg)
The steel COULD be harder, and it requires semi frequent sharpening. (cheap diamond hone, then on a Norton Abrasives 1000 grit synthetic stone.) May try to harden it later, but as is it will get and stay sharp enough to cut through your finger without you feeling it.
This was one of my first experiments in carving symbols in things, and staining them with India ink. The symbol, for those into WH40K, is appropriate considering accidents with the above tool. (Definitely NOT madjicquackle sigil.) I plan to try some scrimshaw style work too.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/carving1-1.jpg)
Also in the Warhammer vein, an Inquisitorial rosette I'm filing / grinding out of a scrap of steel plate I found. It's been the boredom project for awhile. Finishing it whenever. On the right is a laminated printout I use for profile / size.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/rosette.jpg)
Kubotans as "self defense tool" (read: weapons marketed to the gun control crowd), have always seemed lackluster to me. Too short for a real stick, too lightweight for a proper fistload, more like half a mini - nunchuck or flail bit for your keys. (better to have a big carabiner clip) Then I found an 8" brass "punch" at Harbor Freight today cheap. Not the ideal tool, but it still handles decently for what it is, more reach and heft than any commercial model I've seen yet.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/iudicator-1.jpg)
BENCH GRINDER!!!!!
BEST PURCHASE EVER.
SRSLY! :mrgreen:
So in the course of making a 3 egg omelet the other day, the idea for this came up. I'm still not entirely sure WHY, but I could do it. I now have a pan for better bacon preparation, smiting the demonic, or alarming missionaries.
That's my rotary tool (generic flexshaft dremel) in the background. It hangs form the ceiling.
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/EXDiablous.jpg)
Three recent projects:
(http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/dickthecat/seaxslide.jpg)
One cleaned and restored aluminum slide ruler. Won't warp or rot like the wooden ones, my analog, power free number cruncher.
One Old butcher knife modified into a seax (pre - medieval bowie knife equivalent.)
One "Pocket anvil", and old chunk of steel with a side radiused, polished, and the hole for punching / rivet removal. (It's the thing the other tools are resting on.
IS THAT TO MAKE KOSHER BACON WITH?
nifty
So swote!
:mittens:
Do you think it'll wear down eventually because of contact with the burner?
Thanks all :)
Nast, it's engraved about .5 mm deep. Knowing the lifespan of cast iron it will eventually wear down if the pan is kept properly usable, but it will take awhile. I ground through the coating of seasoning, which is why it's so bright for now. I COULD try to blue or patina it a different shade, or jsut regrind a bit if I ever want it touched up. Until then the engraving is on the underside, so I still have a usable pan. I have the fun of doing it for only the time, and cost of soapstone, pencil lead, and $0.50 worth of silicon carbide grinding bits.
I wouldn't try it with a nonstick. The pan I used was cast iron. In THEORY one could engrave the inside really deep and re-season it.
Quote from: Richter on February 21, 2010, 12:53:13 AM
I wouldn't try it with a nonstick. The pan I used was cast iron. In THEORY one could engrave the inside really deep and re-season it.
mmmm, kosher bacon!