Bending the Grip
We bend the grip into its final shape after a bit of filing.
Filing the Grip
We file a chamfer on all four edges of the grip portion and use a file to refine the shape of the cusp.
Sometimes we need to grind some material from the cusp before filing.
Starting the Bend
The grips are heated at the ends and bent while held in a vise. The intent is to forge the grip portion down into the cusp while bending at about 90 degrees.
Preparing to Heat the Grip
We place the grips after they are bent on edge in the fire. Coke is placed on top of the grips and they are slowly and evenly heated. For the next step, each grip is carefully removed from the fire without disturbing or cooling the others.
Bending the Grip
The grip is clamped to a form using a pair of vise grips. A hammer gently forces it to follow the form and finally a pair of tongs snugs up the loose end to the form.
Making a Latch
is a description, with photos, of the steps we go through to make a Suffolk Latch.
Making a Hinge
is a description, like Making a Latch, that shows the steps we go through to make a Butterfly Hinge.
Making a Grip
shows the process for making a Cabinet Grip.
Blacksmith's Blog Posts
collects posts we created for the Horton Brasses blog in 2010 and 2011. There's information about the shop, what we make and how we make it, including links to two videos.
Tools of the Trade
shows some of the tools in Molly's blacksmith shop.
Making a Living
describes how we became blacksmiths.
Glossary of Blacksmithing Terms
is linked to various words that are not commonly known by non-smiths throughout this section of the site.