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Saturday Class The Basics Hardy Cutting Ring and Eye I Ring and Eye II back to Home
Ring and Eye I
How to forge the eye.
 
Finished Ring and Eye

 Here's a picture of the finished product. Below is a description of how it's made.
Steps involved

 This picture shows the basic steps involved. First material is heated and then stuck with an oblique blow (see image below). Next, the Horn is used to begin the curve, starting at the outermost end of the material.
Figuring the Diameter

 The length of the material to begin shaping is calculated as follows:
Length = Desired Diameter + 
Material Thickness * 
pi (3.14)
Notice the end of the material to be shaped is cut at a slight angle using the hardy. The calculated length should be then hung off the anvil and struck with the oblique blow as shown below.
Oblique Hammer Blow

 to the material end hanging off the anvil creates the first bend shown above. Keep hitting it until a 60 degree angle is achieved.
Oblique Material Position

 A picture of Bill shaping the eye using an oblique material position.
Wrap End around Horn

 While material is still hot, begin to shape it around the horn. Be sure and keep an oblique angle while shaping with the hammer. You can measure the horn diameter and draw a soap line as a guide.
Finishing the eye

 Here Bill is shown applying the finishing touches to a red hot eye. After creating the rounded material, it should be made planar by laying it on the anvil and striking softly.

Technology by:Altuit, Inc. Last Modified: 11/12/01