How to Bend a Blade Made of Nickel, Aluminum or Bronze
Bending a blade made from nickel, aluminum or bronze is done using basic forging procedures. Bending a blade made of these metals is required when the blade has sustained damage or it will be used within an artistic sculpture. The process requires proper safety equipment along with a torch or forge. An anvil or a very stable mild steel surface is used to straighten or bend the heated nickel, aluminum or bronze blade.
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Acetylene torch
- Striker
- Steel tongs
- Anvil
- Forging hammer
- Metal bucket
- Oil or water
- Cloth
Instructions
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1
Put on the safety glasses. Position the nickel, aluminum or brass blade for easy pickup with the tongs.
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2
Light the acetylene torch with the striker. Adjust the flame on the torch so it has a blue tip to allow for maximum heat.
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3
Pick up the nickel, aluminum or brass blade with the tongs.
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4
Heat the blade until it is red hot. Move the flame in a circular motion over the front and back of the blade. Continue to heat the blade until it is red hot. Immediately place the blade on the anvil and turn off the acetylene torch.
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5
Hold the hot blade in place on the curved end of the anvil. Use the forging hammer and begin hitting the metal where it comes in contact with the anvil. Continue to hammer the metal toward the front of the blade, allowing each hit to bend the blade around the curve of the anvil.
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6
Repeat Steps 3 to 5 to reheat and hammer the blade.
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7
Repeat the entire process until the blade is bent to the desired shape. Immediately dip the blade in a bucket of oil or water. Allow the hot blade to cool in the bucket for 15 minutes. Remove the blade from the bucket and dry.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Nickel, aluminum and brass blades require different heating periods. Watch the metal until it begins to glow red. Immediately begin the forging process.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
