Mokume?

[JG Custom Metal Works]

I’ve been very intrigued by mokume lately. I’d really like to make some, but don’t know where to start. Does anyone have any sources of information as to how to make it? I’ve seen a few videos on YouTube. A couple of them used quarters. I tried the other day but I couldn’t get the dang things to stay together. I tried wrapping them with wire, but it came undone once it got hot. Does anyone have advice on how to hold a stack of quarters together for this? I’d like to clamp a stack in a vise and then just heat it with a torch, but unfortunately I only have a regular propane torch and a propane leaf burner torch. It would be optimal to use a oxy/acetylene from what I can tell.

Perhaps I’m going at this all wrong anyway, by going the quarter route. There’s a gentleman I follow on Facebook who makes some beautiful mokume. I’ve asked him about it, but wasn’t able to get any info. Which I understand, as people are busy and don’t have time to respond to things. No biggie. I wasn’t going to mention his name, but since I’m showing a pic of his work I probably should. His name is Kevin Klein. Does anyone know how to make mokume like this? If so, what kind of equipment would be needed?

 

[Hengelo_77]

 

[12345678910]

Best book on the subject I've found.

It has a really organized scientific approach vs the wacky artist jeweler's approach like the Steve Midget
For example temperatures used vs. "looks wet"

I had success doing a few nickle stacks, but I drilled the center of the stack and peened a brass rod to keep the stack together.

I also cleaned the sides with a four hundred grit paper first.


It looks like that book is out of print, was thirty five bucksish but it's still available for a hundred bucks. If they don't do a second print - get it now while it's still cheap.


James Binnion publishes a lot of papers with a systematic approach
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9nuaavcat2m5gum/Chris-Ploof.pdf?dl=0

search for the santa fe symposium

 

[bluebutcherbird]

I had success doing a few nickle stacks, but I drilled the center of the stack and peened a brass rod to keep the stack together.

I was going to write this, however I used some flattened copper pipe, with thin brass sheet and pinned those two with copper pins.
My ends split and wouldnt close, but the middle of my tiny billet welded and I just cut off the wings.

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

Best book on the subject I've found.

It has a really organized scientific approach vs the wacky artist jeweler's approach like the Steve Midget
For example temperatures used vs. "looks wet"

I had success doing a few nickle stacks, but I drilled the center of the stack and peened a brass rod to keep the stack together.

I also cleaned the sides with a four hundred grit paper first.


It looks like that book is out of print, was thirty five bucksish but it's still available for a hundred bucks. If they don't do a second print - get it now while it's still cheap.


James Binnion publishes a lot of papers with a systematic approach
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9nuaavcat2m5gum/Chris-Ploof.pdf?dl=0

search for the santa fe symposium

Awesome thanks! I’m gonna the brass rod trick today!

Thanks everyone else for posting too. Definitely gonna order that book. Until then, I’m off to fail.

 

[Hengelo_77]

There is a book: mokume in the small workshop (or a title close to that)
Haven't read it myself but the title sounds interesting

 

[joedhiggins]

I have had the most success making a press from two sheets of plate and 4 bolts. CA glue the pieces of plate together and drill both to the diameter to to tap for your bolts in each corner. Then drill through the 'top' plate to provide bolt clearance. Tap the holes in the bottom plate. Run bolts through. Clean your stack and set it between the plates and tighten it down. Hard. Put in forge and look for the tell tale sheen (you can watch youtube and see it in a few videos). Pull it and let it cool.

I can't give you specific temps as I haven't tried it in an oven, but I am sure those numbers are out there.

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

I have had the most success making a press from two sheets of plate and 4 bolts. CA glue the pieces of plate together and drill both to the diameter to to tap for your bolts in each corner. Then drill through the 'top' plate to provide bolt clearance. Tap the holes in the bottom plate. Run bolts through. Clean your stack and set it between the plates and tighten it down. Hard. Put in forge and look for the tell tale sheen (you can watch youtube and see it in a few videos). Pull it and let it cool.

I can't give you specific temps as I haven't tried it in an oven, but I am sure those numbers are out there.

The way I read to do it in that link count posted was similar. Only instead of tapping the plates, he just did holes and used grade 8 nuts on the other side. So, by tightening it prior to putting it in the oven or forge, that is enough for them to fuse together? You don’t tighten them at all after taking it out?

It would be awesome to know the exact temps as then I could just do it in my Evenheat oven.

 

[S.Alexander]

I made some with quarters. I used stainless wire to tie them together. The stainless held up much better to the forging heats than regular wire. Once the stack starts to "sweat" take it out and set the weld. Do this a couple of times until it's a solid billet.

 

[12345678910]

The way I read to do it in that link count posted was similar. Only instead of tapping the plates, he just did holes and used grade 8 nuts on the other side. So, by tightening it prior to putting it in the oven or forge, that is enough for them to fuse together? You don’t tighten them at all after taking it out?

It would be awesome to know the exact temps as then I could just do it in my Evenheat oven.

They do set the stack lie steel welds do, either hammer or vise added pressure.
Hammer blows that are off center will shoot that stack onto the floor.



The Binnion info and the Ian Ferguson book use electric kilns with measured temperature and pressure. It's repeatable

The Steve Midgett book eyeballs the temps in a flame forge.

the Ian Ferguson book has a chart of all combinations of metals and patina finishes with Photos - it's worth the price of the book for that chart alone.

 

[12345678910]

There is a book: mokume in the small workshop (or a title close to that)
Haven't read it myself but the title sounds interesting

https://www.amazon.com/Mokume-Gane-Small-Shop-Diffusion/dp/0965165086

I've read that too. It's out of print but common enough I could get it in the public libary system

If you can get his video, you can at least see how he eyeballs temperature and
"sweating"


https://www.amazon.com/Mokume-Gane-Comprehensive-Steve-Midgett/dp/0965165078
I have this one too, lots of pretty photos, but the how to info is the same as in the small shop book.
"Not worth the money"