How do I Roll or Bend Ornamental Iron Scrolls?
Iron, used for decorative scroll-work on furniture, railings or sculptures, employs rolling and bending techniques that require special forming tools. The angle and degree of the bend will dictate the method of bending, which are either forming jigs, a heat source or a combination of both. Use heat for bending intricate curves and large bends to avoid obvious stress marks on the metal. Use forms without heat to create less curved scrolls and bends. In order to become proficient in the art of iron bending, experience and practice are necessary, but knowledge of some the basic principles will enable the operator to make progress rapidly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mounted vise
- Blacksmith tongs
- Oxyacetylene torch or propane torch
- Anvil
- Vise grips
- Blacksmith hammer
- Iron-bending forms
- Worktable or workbench
- Forming jigs
- Iron-twisting tools
Instructions
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Bending With a Torch
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1
Place the iron rod into the mounted vise or hold with blacksmith togs.
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2
Apply heat from an oxyacetylene torch or propane torch until the iron glows a red-orange color.
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3
Lay the hot iron on an anvil and strike the cool end with a blacksmith hammer to create a turn or angle. You can also heat the bending point while the iron is securely in the vise, grip the end of the iron rod with vise grips and pull into the appropriate direction to bend. Place iron-bending forms on the anvil to produce various shapes and bends while tapping the heated iron with a blacksmith hammer.
Bending Without Heat
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4
Place the iron rod into a vise that mounts on a sturdy worktable or workbench.
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Close the vice to tightly secure the iron in position.
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Place a forming jig next to the piece of iron. A forming jig is tool that iron bends around to form into a scroll or bent shape. Forms, also known as iron benders, come in various shapes and sizes.
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Grip the top of the iron with vise grips and drag it around the forming jig to make a scroll or bend. Produce iron twists by slipping a specialized twisting tool over the iron and turning it in either direction. Twisting tools are metal pieces with a cutout in the center that fits over the iron rod.
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Tips & Warnings
Work in a well ventilated area.
Remove all flammable items from the work area.
Wear a heat resistant face shield, welding gloves and a leather apron.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
