Pins for wrought iron bolsters?

javand

javand

Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
2,424
Working on a big bowie in w2 with mammoth and etched wrought hardware, and realized that I've never had to pin etched wrought before.

So what material of pins blend the best after etch?

Thanks all!
 
I've wondered the same, and then came across some old square nails in a fence we were tearing down that turned out to be WI. I quick spin in the drill press chuck and some careful file application will turn them into wrought iron pin stock. The question to me is, how do you etch everything once it is pinned and shaped?
 
Travis, you apply nail polish on the face of metal you don't want to etch, and then apply your etchant with a rag or brush, neutralize the same way, and then follow whichever regime you would otherwise, repeat, sand, whatever.
 
Javand,

Wrought bolsters are hard to deal with but look fantastic. Me I always use Wrought Iron of the same batch as the bolster for pin stock. So make your own pins or have someone with a lathe make them for you.

Etching is where the problem is so anything you do not want etched will have to be painted with a resist like nail polish. Just be careful not to scratch the resist and make sure you use something to seal the bolster to tang union you do not want etchant under the bolsters. Good Luck
 
Thanks Mike, I was afraid that was going to be the answer. Lathe is the one shop machine I'm direly short of.

What do you prefer to etch wrought with Mike? I've been using ferric, but it doesn't seem ideal.
 
I use Ferric as well, I like a weak mix 5 water/ 1 ferric chloride. If I had time I would make you some but I am slammed for the next few weeks.
 
No worries Mike, I'm sure somebody i know has a lathe locally.

Ive been using 1 part ferric to two parts white vinegar so maybe its just too strong.

Thanks again Mike!
 
For my likes that is to strong, I find that strong just eats everything. Do an experiment, take 1 part of your mix and add 1 part distilled water and etch some wrought and keep adding another 1 part distilled water up to 6 parts water to the 1 part ferric mix. Keep in mind the etch will take longer the more water you add but you will find you will be happier with the result. I would use the same test piece of wrought for all tests just belt sand it clean before the next test and take photos so you can compare later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top