Damascus twisting jig?

Will52100

Will52100

Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
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Anybody have photo's of a twister? I've got an idea for one, but there are not many examples of them out there and would like to get a better idea before I go to chopping up square tubing. I'm talking about a jig that you put a billet in and clamp or hole on either end and twist a section of damascus, or cable, to your desired twist.

Thanks
 
That's what I've been doing, got a handle welded on a cresent wrench. I am thinking a jig would be nice for times when I wanted to do a multi bar or just do a very even twist. I've got the basic idea, just looking for pics of ones people have built or bought.

Thanks
 
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Post vise and pipe wrench is what I use. I like the pipe wrench becaus twisting Damascus I can twist it anywhere on the bar.
 
Most people, me included, have used a vise and pipe wrench or cresent wrench. I actually wore the jaws out on a pipe wrench doing that. What I'm looking for is more control and repeatability.
 
I think what you're describing is shown at the beginning of Jim Hrisoulas's book The Pattern-Welded Blade
 
You know, I've been looking through that book recently and missed it. It's not exactly what I've got in mind, it's got no method of twisting or cranking the billet, but the cut off cresent wrench gives me ideas.

Thanks
 
I use a hand-crank affair for smaller pieces - like for multi-bar blades - and a Rigid pipe threader for larger billets.
 
Got pics? I've pretty well got the idea, just don't want to waist time re-inventing the wheel so to speak.
 
Will52100 said:
Most people, me included, have used a vise and pipe wrench or cresent wrench. I actually wore the jaws out on a pipe wrench doing that. What I'm looking for is more control and repeatability.
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I cannot profess any experience doing this, but my opinion is that the slow speed of a pipe threader would suffice. I would think you could find a used Ridgid brand "power driver" pretty cheap, and they run 38RPM, with plenty of torque.


EDIT: I just saw Mr. Anderson's post, too late.
 
Twisted Damascus knife part 1: https://youtu.be/qq-eRhylAmk at about 8:34 or so is one of a few I have seen on YouTube if I get what your looking for. I've also seen some one use a corded power drill and a vise I want to say it was a travis wuertz video but don't quote me on that I'll try and find it again.
 
so it was a cordless instead of a corded but any ways here's the video not sure how much control you would really have but it could be fun to see how many twist you can get with out shearing. smoke noise and fire: https://youtu.be/Q1Ip8HOsyM0
 
Thanks Evan, the first video is what I've got in mind. I'm trying to figure out adjustable ends, so I can do from 1/2" to 1". Looking at youtube, Jerry Fisk uses one Uncle Al used to sell and it's got cap screws on 3 points to make smaller or larger grip. I just wonder how well say 3/8 bolts will work in a slip fit to grip square stock at welding heat? Does it try to cam out? I guess I could always cool the ends just a bit, only way to know is to try it out and see. The second video give me an idea as well, make the handle removable and able to put my 1/2" impact gun on it for stubborn/larger billets.
 
well for an adjustable end maybe you could try an adjustable square clamp made of 2 small peices of angle iron enclosed in square tubing, it would look something like the t handle for a tap when build. and as for the ability to use a crank or impact gun you could use 3/4" bolt of sort as the main rotational component so that you can slide a crank handle on when you want more accuracy and remove it when you want to use the impact gun
 
no problem it's something I have thought about as well just haven't had the rss to build one
 
Now I just need the time to build it. I've thought about it off and on for several years, but finally decided I should go ahead and build one.
 
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