The billet of cast copper was sawn in half and one of the
halves was taken as an experiment to get a feel for hot working this material.
After this experiment, I proceeded to forge out the other
piece of copper to a tapering lozenge shape
And fitted to the tang of the sword with a few taps
Next job is to file in the form and then scroll up the
guard.
I have loved reading your progress from the current working backwards!
ReplyDeleteRegarding punching through the copper, if you cast it, it is nearly as hard is it can be. However, if you cast it and then annealed it (of course then quenching in water as to not let it slow cool and half harden), you may have better success. That's quite a thick piece of copper, but you'll certainly have a better success annealing it.
Great work. Just fantastic.