Frederick's crosses

Sam Salvati

Sam Salvati

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Aug 6, 2007
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Here is a couple ornamental forged crosses, known as a "Freiderick's cross" after the creator/rediscoverer Chris Freiderick. I made these from RR spikes, cut with a bandsaw. I was cutting out some blade blanks and stuff and figured I would try some of these, they came out great and are very easy to make! Took about 10 minutes from cutting on the bandsaw to wire brushing them when done.

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Looks good Sam. Can you show a pic of them right after cutting? Not sure how it works.
Mace
 
Sam,
I meant to post back on this thread when you put it up, but forgot to.

I make those Frederick's crosses as demo items (and for sale) at forging demos.I do one additional thing that really makes them unique. ( They also make fantastic gifts)
I drop the spike (at forging temp) in the 3/4" hardy hole and forge the head flat ,before starting to open the slits. When done, the cross stands on the flat surface. It even makes the base of the cross have a mound with a step to it. This can be done on the post vise,too, but I prefer to use the hardie hole. I'll go out and forge one this afternoon, and post a photo after Easter Services.

Some other tricks:
Make two sets of tongs. One that holds the head, and another set that hold the square while going over the head.

Make the cut toward the head from the back side of the head (the side that has the smallest lip). This way the base will project out the front side of the cross, and the best surface ( the one without the scallop cut) will be forward.

After flattening the head open the cross like this -
Bring the spike to a good heat and stick the tip in the hardy hole ( or the post vise) bending down to open up the slit toward the head. Bend to 90 degrees. Put the hot cut in the hardie and open up the slit from the tip on the edge.Tap down to open this slit, remove the hot cut and stick the top piece in the hardy hole, bending the top up fully.Moving to the anvil surface, open flat both slits. This can all be done in one heat, two if you are not used to the procedure.

Make a texturing hammer out of an old brick layers, small ball pein, or machinist's hammer. It should have a 3/4" cross pein shaped tip , about 1/8" thick,that is slightly rounded (a chasing/raising hammer), and a small ball pein ( about 1/2" round) on the other end. After the cross is open and straight, go over the surfaces with this hammer. It will texture the metal to look like old wood, and hides the saw marks.

Round off the top end to match the side arms of the cross a bit more. It is more aesthetically pleasing.
Stacy
 
I get a kick outta making these. here are a few made from some squared off cable. I drew out the top , made a loop to hang them on a string or keyring.
Like Sam says, fun and easy to make.
 

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Thanks Stacy i'll give that a try! I ground off the head a bit on the one to make it stand up, and then punched a hole in the other to mount to a nice peice of wood to go on the wall. My set of tom tong bolt tongs for holding 3/4 hold both over the head and on the shank perfectly.

Birddog those are cool! Damascus is a great idea for these.
 
Make some out of silver, and you have protection from both vampires AND werewolves!;):D
 
I'd love to make one from silver if I could afford! :)

Thanks Bill, I wish it was my idea;). They are fun, I highly suggest giving them a try!
 
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