rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Mar 29, 2014 11:51:10 GMT -5
Mokume Gane This is a serious piece that I made a few years ago that I would like to share. I estimate about forty hours went into this project. It started out as four different metals with close melting points. They were 24 ga 2x2 inches stacked and wired, stacked 24 pieces high. They were put in a kiln and brought to within 50 degrees of it's melting point. It was removed and hammer welded. The raw metal was repeatedly annealed and hammered until it was about 1/8 inch thick. The metal was scared very deeply and then put in a rolling mill annealed again and again until it was 24 ga. I then used that metal to form this fine domed Mokume Gane cuff bracelet. It was lined with 24 ga Sterling. I apologies for the photos and the condition of the piece. It has been worn many times and if it is buffed the patina is lost. A little more about this piece. The rolling mill was a very heavy duty unit with 12" wide x 6" dia rollers. Soldering the Sterling back stirred all my skills and became a very steep learning tool. The Mokume Gane was cut to size and domed. The Sterling back was is flat and makes the piece hollow. The two different metals expanded and contract with heat in different rates. Clamping and holding the two pieces tight enough to solder was challenging to say the least. For those that have soldered up a hollow piece will know what the hole in the middle of the back was for. Enjoy Don
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Post by Toad on Mar 29, 2014 13:15:53 GMT -5
Very interesting piece - I like it a lot. What were the metals?
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Mar 29, 2014 13:29:33 GMT -5
Sorry I do not have my notes with me. I do have the exact metal numbers wrote down but they are in WA and we are in AZ. Don
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Mar 29, 2014 14:11:32 GMT -5
That is a fantastic piece of artistry AND metallurgy! I have always been interested in hammer welding. People have made some very durable stuff using this basic and very old method of welding.
The pattern you got on it is wonderful! Thanks for showing this gorgeous bracelet.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,796
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Post by gemfeller on Mar 29, 2014 16:14:21 GMT -5
Very impressive work! I have Steve Midgett's book/video on making Mokume Gane but have never managed to get my ducks in a row to allow me to actually do it. Most people these days "cheat" a little by buying the pre-made sheet.
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 29, 2014 21:21:03 GMT -5
AMAZING!!!! It's beautiful! And to think you made it yourself. Did you do anymore after that one?
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Mar 30, 2014 0:56:58 GMT -5
AMAZING!!!! It's beautiful! And to think you made it yourself. Did you do anymore after that one? 2x2 inch 24 ga stacked 24 high does make a fare size piece of metal. I made several pendants and earrings that were sold. I still have a nice sheet about 3x8 inches. I am not sure what I will do with it. I no longer have a oven. Don
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aimeesrockworks
spending too much on rocks
I really do look like my avatar... it kinda freaks me out.
Member since December 2010
Posts: 458
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Post by aimeesrockworks on Mar 30, 2014 11:31:28 GMT -5
Simply amazing. Love Mokume Gane.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2014 20:26:55 GMT -5
fabulous and the marriage line solder joint looks perfect. Really professional.
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Post by connrock on Mar 31, 2014 9:09:11 GMT -5
A work of art and it's done from scratch which means a lot to me! VERY nice work! connrock
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jollyrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2013
Posts: 409
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Post by jollyrockhound on Mar 31, 2014 11:32:38 GMT -5
cool looking!
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